Abu Dhabi joins the elite to host the World Triathlon Championship

Abu Dhabi will host the World Triathlon Championship Finals in November for the first time, joining a list of elite cities including London, Budapest, Beijing, Chicago and Lausanne to stage the prestigious event.

The finale of the World Series will take place across the waterways, tracks and roads of the UAE’s premium sporting destination – Yas Island – from November 23 to 26.

It is also the first time the climax of the global series will be hosted in the Mena region.

The event is set to draw more than 7,500 local, regional and international triathletes who will compete across categories including elite men and women; elite U23 men and women; elite para men and women, plus age group and community races.

“We are delighted to announce Abu Dhabi will host the World Triathlon Championship Finals and this reflects our vision and ambitious plans to be the leading destination for major global and international sporting events,” Aref Al Awani, general secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said at the launch ceremony on Wednesday.

Aref Al Awani, left, addressing the press conference with Marisol Casado and Khaled Al Fahim on his right. Photo: Abu Dhabi Sports Council

“We are proud of the great trust given to Abu Dhabi by international sporting federations, and we value the fruitful partnership with World Triathlon, which has resulted in many important achievements and milestones for triathlon sport in the UAE."

Abu Dhabi’s journey to hosting the world championship started in 2010 with the first four years of the event held on the Corniche.

In 2014, Abu Dhabi staged the season-opening World Triathlon Championship Series and only WTCS event in the region, which has now paved the way to hosting the season's finale.

Marisol Casado,