The Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in collaboration with the International Triathlon Union, has announced that Abu Dhabi will host the opening round of the 2026 World Triathlon Championship Series on March 28–29, 2026, at Hudayriyat Island, the capital’s premier destination for endurance sports and community events.

The Abu Dhabi 2026 World Triathlon Series, sponsored by TAQA, will bring together top-ranked triathletes and paratriathletes from around the world for a weekend of fast-paced, high-level competition. The event will also feature a diverse program of community races, giving athletes of all ages and abilities the opportunity to compete on the same course as the world’s champions.

Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, highlighted that hosting the opening round of the 2026 World Triathlon Championship Series underscores Abu Dhabi’s global reputation for organizing major international sporting events. He noted that it reflects the increasing confidence of international sports federations in the city’s organizational expertise and world-class infrastructure.

Al Awani stated, “We are proud that Hudayriyat Island serves as a platform where world champions compete alongside amateur athletes, helping to promote a community sports culture and supporting the growth of triathlon in the region.”

The opening round is scheduled for March 28 and 29, 2026, on Hudayriyat Island. (Agencies)

The Abu Dhabi 2026 World Triathlon Series, sponsored by TAQA, also serves as an important opportunity for athletes from the region and beyond to familiarize themselves with the competition venue ahead of the 2026 Multisport World Championship, which will take place on Hudayriyat Island from November 13–22, 2026. The event is jointly organized by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Modon, in collaboration with the International Triathlon Union.

The championship continues to offer a unique, festive atmosphere, blending elite-level competition with broad community participation. In addition to the international races, athletes of all ages and skill levels can take part in professional races throughout the weekend, with categories designed for seasoned competitors, beginners, and children alike.

The series plays a key role in the development of triathlon in the region. It serves as a qualifying event for Emirati athletes in age-group categories who aim to represent the UAE at the 2026 Age Group World Championships, to be held in Pontevedra, Spain, in September 2026.

As Abu Dhabi enters its eleventh year of hosting the World Triathlon Championship Series, the capital continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier global destination for mass-participation sports events. After the Abu Dhabi leg, the series will travel to ten host cities worldwide, including destinations in Central Asia, Japan, and Europe, before concluding with the Grand Finals in Pontevedra.