The Abu Dhabi experience

The new Abu Dhabi Triathlon is coming up in March 2010 with a very nice prize purse and a unique distance offering. Athletes can pick either the 3km swim / 200km bike / 20km run or the shorter 1.5km swim / 100km bike / 10km run version. We traveled to the United Arab Emirates to check out the course in Abu Dhabi and the surroundings.

All images are © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com

The logo of the new Abu Dhabi Triathlon was unveiled this week.

The introduction of John Hazan – Race Director, Faisal Al Sheikh – Head Major Events Division Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Faris Al-Sultan the 2005 Ironman Hawaii Champion and UAE citizen.

After the press conference Faris Al-Sultan was very popular with the photographers.

On the beach behind the iconic Emirates Palace Hotel is the swim start of the triathlon.

Amazing architectural details can be found inside and outside of the Emirates Palace.

We jumped into the water to test out the swim course and learned that the sand here gets replaced annually.

James from 220 Triathlon in the UK and Brad from Triathlete / Competitor after the swim

The bike course leads athletes to the brand new F1 race track on Yas Island. Long course athletes will visit this track twice.

A large section of the bike course will take place on this 5 lane highway which will be completely closed off to traffic. So we will be seeing athletes going up on the right hand side and others returning on the left.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a unique and very impressive sight along the bike course.

It is highly recommended to visit this amazing place.

We shorts wearing tourists were given a Kandura to wear, a long white cloak that is typically worn by male UAE Nationals.

There are several washrooms where you cleanse yourself before attending prayer.

The details in the huge light fixtures and the surrounding walls are truly amazing

The run course leads athletes past Heritage Village to the point where you get this view of Abu Dhabi

This is actually the run turnaround for the longer course.

A guide explains the humble beginnings of Abu Dhabi to our group.

The development plans for the area are everything but humble. Saadiyat Island will soon have a Guggenheim and a Louvre among various other cultural institutions.

We got to sample delicious local specialties for dinner.

On the last afternoon we visited the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and all became enamored with falcons and this special facility.