Aspetar Magazine 2026

115 ASPETAR MAGAZINE ASPETAR CHAMPION Behind the scenes of Aspetar’s world-class sports medicine institution are individuals whose passions extend far beyond their professional roles. Abdulaziz Jaber Al-Darman, Director of Internal Affairs at Aspetar, plays a key role in supporting the hospital’s internal operations and ensuring high standards of performance across departments. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Abdulaziz has a deep passion for horses and equestrian sport; a journey shaped by discipline, patience, and a strong belief in the power of knowledge. In this interview, he shares insights into his professional role, his lifelong connection with horses, and the lessons he has learned along the way. A Journey of Trust and Discipline: Abdulaziz Jaber Al-Darman Can you tell us about your role at Aspetar and how your work supports the hospital’s mission? At Aspetar, I serve as the Director of Internal Affairs. My role focuses on enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring high-quality performance within the hospital, and supporting Aspetar’s mission of caring for athletes and advancing their health and performance. I work closely with different departments, helping align their efforts and ensuring that our work contributes to a meaningful and sustainable impact that benefits both the institution and the athletes we serve. This mission serves as the guiding reference for every decision we make. Howwould you describe yourself, and what key moments have shaped your life journey? I would describe myself as someone who believes strongly in determination and discipline, and who is always striving for continuous growth. Serving others is also a core value in my life. I enjoy challenges and exploring new fields and experiences, as they help develop a person and broaden their perspective. There have been many milestones that shaped my journey, but the most significant were the experiences that tested my patience and determination and allowed me to turn challenges into opportunities. These include entering the world of horses, developing an interest in endurance sports, and later moving into leadership and management roles. All of these experiences helped shape my character and gave me a deeper perspective on life and work. When did your interest in horses begin, and what attracted you to the world of equestrian sport? My passion for horses began at a young age. I used to see them at festivals, races, and riding arenas, and I was always eager to observe them closely. During my travels to several European countries, I was particularly fascinated by the way horses were cared for and how they were treated in pastures and stables. What attracted me most to equestrian sport is the unique relationship that develops between the rider and the horse. It is a relationship built on trust and shared responsibility. Equestrianism is not simply about riding a horse; it is about understanding the horse’s signals and gradually building a relationship of trust and respect. Over time, I came to realize that equestrianism is not merely a sport or a pastime, it is a school that teaches discipline, patience, and self-control.