Abu Dhabi events
In addition to putting on a world class triathlon, the Abu Dhabi Tourism department invites the star triathletes to help grow the sport among the local youth and they also encourage the athletes and world media to experience some of Abu Dhabi's unique cultural highlights.
On Thursday morning, two-time Abu Dhabi International Triathlon champion Julie Dibens (this year out of competition with a foot injury) and rising South African star James Cunnama put on a triathlon swim clinic for two dozen members of Abu Dhabi schools and youth triathlon clubs. On the beach at the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan Hotel, Dibens and Cunnama taught the youngsters techniques for the swim start, swim drafting, sighting, swim exit, race pacing and some stroke technique.
In the afternoon, buses took international triathlon media to the world famous Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and research facility. The falcon is the national emblem of the United Arab Emirates and represents the passionate love of the Arab Bedouins who have used these magnificent birds for hunting for centuries. Falconry has been a sacred tradition dating back centuries as the birds became partners in the Bedouins' lives and have been accorded the status of family in many of the country's pioneer leaders.
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the largest specialized hospital for falcons and combines research, critical medical care for this precious endangered species and offers eco tourists a surprisingly intimate encounter to these magnificent birds of prey under the gentle guidance of staff doctors.
All photographs © Timothy Carlson
James Cunnama of South Africa explains swim drafting techniques to the clinic as Julie Dibens looks on.
The young triathletes of Dubai (mostly children of European parents) get ready for a swim drill.
Dibens and an active gtriathlete who is a member of the Abu Dhabi Tourism board lead a discussion on triathlon swim strategies.
James Cunnama demonstrates a proper swim start – making sure to examine the underwater bottom for potential sharp objects first.
The clinic participants practice a swim exit.
Dibens looks on while Cunnama demonstrates a deep water swim start for the clinic.
One of the Abu Dhabi youth practices technique.
Julie Dibens with two teenage members of the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Club.
Julie Dibens signs posters for the clinic participants.
Three happy members of the clinic enjoy their posters signed by the triathlon champions
The entrance to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Falcon Hospital staff show proper way to hold a Falcon on the leather glove.
Julie Dibens holds a Falcon with her characteristic cool.
Triathlon photographer Paul Phillips holds a falcon dining on quail meat.
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Director of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital Margit Gabriele Muller shows the tour a Falcon Passport – a necessary document to transport these valuable birds from country to country.
One of the staff shows the tour the safe and proper way to prepare the Falcon's claws for mounting on the arm.
Staff carefully monitor and tend the Falcon's claws.
One of the traditional hoods worn by the dozens of Falcons in the Hospital
Falcons can fly in a special large air conditioned tent.
One of the late, great Falcons mounted on display in the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital Museum.
