Legislation Details
- Full Title: Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports
- Law Type: Federal Law
- Law Number: 7 of 2015
- Issued Date: 25 Mar 2015
- Effective Date: 25 Mar 2015
- Official Gazette: No. 577
- Sector: Sport
- Status: Active
- Number of Articles: 32
- Chapters/Parts: 0
- Amendments: 0
Summary
This Federal Law regulates the use of prohibited substances in horse racing and equestrian sports in the United Arab Emirates. Its purpose is to combat the trading and use of such substances, maintain fair competition, and promote sportsmanship. The law imposes obligations on horse owners, specialists, and establishments, and empowers the Ministry of Environment & Water and the Emirates Racing Authority to enforce its provisions. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 1-2) The law is significant for businesses and individuals involved in the UAE's horse racing and equestrian sectors, as it establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure the integrity of these sports. Violations can result in substantial fines, bans from participation, and closure of establishments, underscoring the importance the UAE government places on upholding fair play and ethical practices in these activities. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 10)
What is the scope and purpose of this law?
The law applies to all horse racing and equestrian sports activities, whether local, regional, or international, that take place within the United Arab Emirates. It aims to: (1) combat the trading or use of prohibited substances in these sports; (2) maintain fair competition and promote sportsmanship; (3) support research and education on detecting and preventing the use of prohibited substances; and (4) constantly educate horse owners and specialists on the seriousness of using such substances. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 2)
What are the key definitions under this law?
The law provides the following key definitions:
- State: the United Arab Emirates
- Ministry: the Ministry of Environment & Water
- The Authority: the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA)
- Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports: any official contest or competition involving horses, including dressage, horse beauty, speed, ability, endurance, show jumping, and polo
- Competent Body: the federal or local body entrusted with horse racing and equestrian sports affairs
- Horses: the horses dedicated to horse racing and equestrian sports
- Owner: the owner or caregiver of horses
- Establishment: any entity that shelters, breeds, trains, or trades in horses or related products
- Specialist: equestrians, trainers, veterinarians, and other personnel who deal with horses for competitions
- Prohibited Substances: drugs, methods, and other substances prohibited by the law's Executive Regulations
- Controlled Substances: substances used for horse treatment but prohibited in competitions due to their effect on scores
(Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 1)
What are the main obligations and requirements?
The law imposes the following key obligations: 1. Prohibited substances may only be traded with a relevant license. Controlled substances may be traded for horse treatment but not used in competitions. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 3) 2. The Ministry must grant approvals for the use of controlled substances for therapeutic and research purposes. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 4) 3. Establishments must label horse-related products with their components, chemical composition, side effects, source, and production/expiry dates. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 8) 4. Owners and specialists must immediately notify the Ministry or Competent Body of any prohibited acts, and take measures to prevent the use of prohibited substances. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 9)
What licensing, registration, or approval requirements exist?
The law requires that prohibited substances may only be traded with the relevant license. The Executive Regulations must define the conditions for granting approvals to use controlled substances for therapeutic and research purposes, as well as the procedures for cancelling and renewing such approvals. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 3-4)
Which authorities or bodies are responsible for enforcement?
The Ministry of Environment & Water and the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) are the key bodies responsible for enforcing this law. Their duties include: - Setting procedures for controlling the trading and use of prohibited substances - Conducting testing and analysis of horses - Establishing and certifying testing laboratories - Developing a national monitoring program for prohibited substances - Detecting violations and taking necessary actions - Designing training and awareness programs - Conducting research and exchanging experiences - Receiving and investigating complaints (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 6)
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Violations of this law are subject to the following penalties: 1. Fines ranging from AED 20,000 to AED 200,000. The fine can be doubled up to AED 500,000 for repeat offenses within 3 years. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 10(1-2)) 2. Bans from participating in or working in horse racing and equestrian sports for up to 3 years. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 10(3a-b)) 3. Closure of the violating establishment for up to 3 years or cancellation of its license. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 10(3c-d)) 4. Removal from the records of horse racing and equestrian sports in case of recidivism. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 10(3e))
How does this law interact with other UAE legislation?
This law repeals any provision in other legislation that is inconsistent with its provisions. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 14)
When did this law come into effect?
This Federal Law was issued on 25 March 2015 and came into effect on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette No. 577. (Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports, 2015, Art. 15)
Source Documents
This article analyses Federal Law on the Combating of Substances Prohibited in Horse Racing and Equestrian Sports for legal research and educational purposes. For the purpose of interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original Arabic text. In case of conflict, the Arabic text prevails. This does not constitute legal advice.