Abu Dhabi, UAE- Taking place from 13–22 November on Hudayriyat Island, the World Triathlon Multisport Championships Abu Dhabi 2026 powered by TAQA will bring together more than 4,000 athletes from around the world to compete for World Titles across six multisport disciplines, marking the first time the event has been staged in the Middle East. This year, however, the experience won’t be limited to those competing for a world title.
On Saturday 21 November, a programme of community running and the new Hudayriyat NextGen Tri, hosted by Modon and delivered in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, will give residents and visitors of all levels the opportunity to take part themselves. Participants will experience the atmosphere of an international championship and cross the same finish line as athletes competing on the world stage.
The running events include 1km and 3km untimed Fun Runs, designed for families, friends and anyone simply looking to be part of the action, alongside timed 5km and 10km events for those looking to chase a personal best.
For the next generation of triathletes, the Hudayriyat NextGen Tri will give young athletes aged 4–16 the opportunity to swim, cycle and run on the same stage as some of the world’s best multisport athletes. With age-appropriate distances across six categories, as well as a Junior Relay for teams of two or three, the focus is on giving young athletes an accessible and exciting introduction to triathlon on a World Championship stage.
His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “Abu Dhabi has built a strong reputation for hosting major international sporting events, but an important part of their value is the impact they can create beyond elite competition.
“Our collaboration with Modon on the community programme for the World Triathlon Multisport Championships is about using that global stage to strengthen participation at a grassroots level and create a lasting impact for the people who live here in the UAE.”
Community participation on 21 November will extend beyond the race course. Championships host Modon is targeting Gold standard under the World Triathlon Sustainable Event Certification, with a series of initiatives being introduced across the event, including a beach clean-up taking place on Hudayriyat Island as part of the Championships’ wider sustainability programme.
Participation will be open to the public, with advanced registration required as places are limited.
Bill O’Regan, Group CEO at Modon, said: “Community and sustainability are two important pillars of how we approach major events at Modon, and we wanted both to be at the heart of these Championships.
“Through the community runs and Hudayriyat NextGen Tri, we’re giving people the opportunity to experience a truly global sporting event for themselves – to run, swim and cycle on a World Championship stage. It’s about bringing the community closer to world-class sport and creating an experience that extends well beyond the elite competition.”
The official World Triathlon Multisport Championships Abu Dhabi 2026 app will also launch this week, providing athletes, supporters, visitors and spectators with athlete tracking and key event information throughout the Championships.
Registrations for the 1km, 3km, 5km and 10km running events and Hudayriyat NextGen Tri
are now open.
SOURCE: MEDIA RELEASE / SUPPLIED CONTENT WITH IMAGES
Abu Dhabi is set to welcome the world’s multisport community as the World Triathlon Multisport Championships Abu Dhabi 2026 takes place on Hudayriyat Island from 13 to 22 November. The landmark event will bring together more than 4,000 athletes competing for world titles across six disciplines, marking the first time the championships are hosted in the Middle East. Alongside elite competition, the programme will offer community running events and youth triathlon opportunities, encouraging wider participation in sport. With international athletes, spectators and families expected to attend, the championships will showcase Abu Dhabi’s sporting facilities and strengthen its position as a global sports destination.
