Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas Triathlon will take place on Sir Bani Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi from 3-7 April 2025.
As the first long-distance race hosted in the Middle East and North Africa region, the event is set to occur annually through ADNEC Group, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and in partnership with the Challenge Family triathlon series, which hosts 35 races over 27 countries, with the participation of more than 75,000 athletes.
The inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas anticipates more than 2,800 participants alongside 1,500 local and international visitors. The long-distance event features a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle km and a 42.2km run. These challenges will unfold over a 17-hour period across different stages.
Additionally, a middle-distance triathlon is offered, featuring a 1.9km swim, a 90km bike ride and a 21.1km run. The event also includes various community, sports and tourism activities tailored for both participants and visitors.
His Excellency Aref Al Awani, Secretary-General of ADSC, said: "We are delighted to partner with ADNEC Group, offering comprehensive technical and logistical support to host the inaugural Challenge Sir Bani Yas. Our aim is to ensure the event reflects the emirate's esteemed reputation and stature at both regional and international levels.
"Organising these full distance races for the first time in the Middle East underscores Abu Dhabi's capacity to host large-scale international sporting events. It also aligns with our vision to establish Abu Dhabi as a global sports hub, in accordance with our strategic goals of solidifying the emirate's sports infrastructure and delivering a world-class experience for participants, spectators, and athletes' families alike."
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: "The introduction of this race aligns with ADNEC Group's strategy to cultivate and draw major international events across several crucial sectors. This endeavour is in accordance with the vision of the wise leadership, emphasising Abu Dhabi's stature as the hub of specialised events in the region.”
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri said ADNEC Group has a comprehensive vision and action plan aimed at ensuring the success of the challenge, positioning it as the premier international race drawing athletes and visitors globally. Sir Bani Yas Island was selected due to its tourism potential, advanced infrastructure, and exceptional location, all of which make it conducive to hosting the event successfully and optimising its execution.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri said the races are designed to showcase the tourism appeal of Sir Bani Yas Island and bolster the array of sporting events in the Al Dhafra region. The initiative is expected to augment both direct and indirect economic contributions to the area, boost hotel occupancy and reservations on the island and foster sustainable growth among small and medium enterprises across various sectors.
The event will underscore the significance of ADNEC Group's collaboration with ADSC in organising and hosting the triathlon on Sir Bani Yas Island. The partnership highlights Abu Dhabi's status as an outstanding sports tourism destination, attracting top-tier sporting competitions featuring international athletes.
Jort Vlam, CEO of Challenge Family, said: “Nowhere else in the world can athletes enjoy such an all-encompassing experience in such a spectacular setting with everything laid on for them and their families, thanks to the unrivalled Middle Eastern hospitality. Ten years ago, we introduced international middle distance to the region and now we are excited to return with the UAE’s first long distance race. We are looking forward to working with the local team and stakeholders, including the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, to together build the most sought-after triathlon festival in the world.”
The multi-day experience includes not only the triathlon but also a host of community and family-friendly events that cater to all ages, including horse riding within the island’s nature reserve, and snorkelling, scuba diving, and kayaking in the Al Dhafra Region’s vibrant waters.
Challenge Sir Bani Yas is part of the Challenge Family renowned global series of triathlons, known for its stunning courses and iconic destinations. These races offer unforgettable experiences for athletes and their accompanying families.
For more information and to register for Challenge Sir Bani Yas,
visit: challenge-sirbaniyas.com.
