UAE: New accommodation, travel options for Sir Bani Yas Challenge participants

Khaleej Times

07-03-2025

As Abu Dhabi gears up for the region's first long distance triathlon, organisers revealed new accommodation and transport options to Sir Bani Yas Island.
The full ironman distance will take place on April 5 and 6 and its course includes a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 42.2km run.
The event expects to host up to 3,000 athletes across different race categories, with infrastructure designed to accommodate over 6,000 visitors at the race village on race week.
While the island's high-end resort remains the primary on-site lodging, organisers said they have expanded accommodation options beyond Sir Bani Yas, to provide more budget-friendly options.
"We have secured all accommodation on the island, as well as various accommodation, hotel options in Al Dhannah City for athletes and supporters," said the race director. "Making sure we can accommodate all is of top priority."
Addressing cost concerns, organisers confirmed that the new accommodation options cater to different budgets and urged participants to check the event website for up-to-date listings. Despite previous promotional announcements of a cruise ship option for athletes to stay on during race week, the ship will no longer be available 'due to unforeseen circumstances.' Camping, an option seen in other endurance races, will not be available either, he said.
However, the race team secured accommodation in the nearby Al Dhannah City to be available for all attendees, together with free transfers. 'We are offering free transport, including ferry services, to ensure a seamless travel experience for all attendees,' explained the director. 'This is part of our commitment to making the event as inclusive and accessible as possible.'
The event will also feature middle- and Olympic-distance triathlons, with the middle and Olympic distances serving as qualifiers for UAE residents aiming to compete in the 2025 World Triathlon Championships in Australia.
Additionally, a series of community races, including swim, cycle, and run challenges, will allow participants of all ages to engage in the weekend's festivities.
Beyond the competition, the race village will host entertainment activities throughout the weekend, including live DJs, roaming performers, and a kids' zone. 'We want this event to be more than just a race,' he said. 'We have a full lineup of entertainment and activities to create a festival-like atmosphere for both athletes and spectators.'
While some local athletes refrained from taking part in the challenge to avoid racing in April's heat, particularly given that Ramadan precedes the event, making it difficult for those observing the fast to train extensively, organisers explained that scheduling the race earlier in the year was not feasible due to Ramadan and the European triathlon calendar.
Nonetheless, the race team will be actively monitoring weather conditions and will adjust race schedules to ensure athlete safety. 'We have in place a comprehensive heat management plan to ensure everyone enjoys the race,' he said. 'Over and above, the start times are planned to try to ensure that athletes are not running in the mid-day heat, but rather in the cooler afternoon and early evening hours.'
The race will be held earlier in the coming years 'as Ramadan moves each year to cooler months,' added the director. 'We are planning on moving the event forward in 2026 to capture the cooler March weather and ideally lock the event annually to the mid or third weekend in March.'
For those looking to make the most of their visit, the island offers an array of excursions, including wildlife safaris, archaeological tours, horseback riding, and kayaking through the mangroves. Visitors can also engage in water sports, mountain biking, and guided nature walks among the island's 17,000 free-roaming animals.