MUSCAT: From the Olympic arenas to Fifa World Cup stadiums, Oman’s anti-doping expert Shuaib bin Mohammed al Zadjali carved out a remarkable international career defined by trust, professionalism and unwavering commitment to sporting integrity.
An internationally certified Doping Control Officer (IDCO) and Blood Collection Officer (BCO), al Zadjali represented the Sultanate of Oman at the highest levels of global sport including his active participation at five consecutive Olympic Games, two Fifa World Cups and five Asian Games representing a rare distinction that places him among the most experienced anti-doping professionals in the region.
“ My journey and sporting career in the international stage began at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha following an experience that described both my demanding and transformative. I have been selected from a large pool of candidates after a rigorous process of interviews and examinations conducted in cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and international sports bodies. I could manage to quickly learn consistency and excellence were non-negotiable in this field,” he said.
“ The qualification is not a one-time achievement. Even today, participation in major international events requires maintaining certifications, passing periodic evaluations, and meeting strict professional standards. This continuous assessment is essential to ensuring credibility and confidence in anti-doping operations worldwide,” he added.
Following his successful debut in Doha, Al Zadjali went on to build a sustained presence at the Asian Games, serving in Guangzhou 2010, Incheon 2014, Indonesia 2018, and most recently in China, reflecting long term regional engagement and institutional trust in his expertise.
“ At the global stage, my career reached even greater through participation in five Olympic Games starting from Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. While I initially served in field-level roles, my progression to supervisory positions at the Tokyo and Paris editions marked a significant milestone, underscoring international confidence in my leadership, judgement and technical competence,” he clarified.
Beyond the Olympics, al Zadjali also contributed to anti-doping operations at two of the most watched sporting events in the world including the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. “ My involvement in these tournaments further reinforced standing as a trusted figure within the global anti-doping system,” he said.
Over the course of more than two decades, al Zadjali has earned numerous internationally accredited certifications in doping control, sample management, education, and capacity building. Alongside his field duties, he has played an influential role in delivering awareness and education programmes for athletes, coaches, and national sports federations, emphasising compliance, transparency, and ethical responsibility.
At the national level, his contribution extends beyond event participation. Al Zadjali currently serves as Secretary-General of the Oman Anti-Doping Committee, in addition to holding the position of Secretary of the International Convention against Doping in Sport between the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and Unesco. These roles highlight Oman’s growing institutional presence and commitment to international anti-doping frameworks.
“ Anti-doping work goes beyond regulations and procedures. I firmly believe that protecting sport begins with education and the cultivation of values at an early age. My views in international assignments as a national responsibility that reflects positively on Omani expertise and reinforces the Sultanate of Oman contribution to safeguarding fairness and credibility in global sport.”
Looking ahead, al Zadjali confirmed that preparations are underway for upcoming international assignments, pending final approvals from relevant local and international authorities. While details will be announced in due course, he will remain focused on continuing his mission within the evolving global sports landscape.
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