Abu Dhabi Secures Bid To Host The World Triathlon Multisport Championships In 2026

Abu Dhabi is set to host the 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships, further establishing its status as a leading venue for endurance and multisport events. The announcement came during the closing ceremony of this year's event in Pontevedra, Spain, where Abdulraheem Hassan Al Zarooni from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and Jamie Dean from Modon received the championship flag.

Talal Mustafa Al Hashemi of ADSC highlighted that securing this event underscores global confidence in Abu Dhabi's ability to organise top-tier events. He noted that hosting the championships will enrich Abu Dhabi’s sports calendar and help build a lasting sports legacy. The event aims to promote both community and competitive sports through a blend of professionalism and advanced infrastructure.

Deepak Jain, CEO of Modon Communities, expressed enthusiasm about receiving the flag from Pontevedra. He stated, "We are excited about the flag handover from Pontevedra to Abu Dhabi that starts the countdown on our journey towards the 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships, and look forward to welcoming participants and visitors from across the globe to Hudayriyat Island next year." Jain also emphasised collaboration with partners like ADSC and UAE Triathlon to ensure an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans.

The championships will take place from 13-22 November 2026 on Hudayriyat Island, a premier multisport destination developed by Modon. This event will feature over 3,000 triathletes competing in six disciplines: Duathlon, Cross Duathlon, Cross Triathlon, Aquathlon, Long-Distance Triathlon, and Aquabike.

Economic Impact

The event is expected to draw more than 8,000 visitors, with over 80 percent coming from outside the UAE. This influx will significantly benefit Abu Dhabi's hospitality sector by generating over 30,000 hotel room nights and more than US$10 million in revenue. Alongside the competitions, festival villages and cultural showcases will offer diverse activities for attendees.

Talal Al Hashemi reiterated ADSC's dedication to aligning with UAE leadership’s vision of making Abu Dhabi a global sports hub. He added that they aim to foster community involvement while providing an inspiring environment for all athletes to excel.

With inputs from WAM