Abu Dhabi to Host 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships, Affirming Its Status as a Leading Global Sporting Hub
Abu Dhabi has been officially announced as the host city for the 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships, a decision that solidifies the emirate’s position as a premier destination for multisport and endurance events worldwide. The announcement was formalised during the closing ceremony of this year’s championships in Pontevedra, Spain, where representatives from Abu Dhabi received the championship flag.
The ceremonial handover signifies the start of a new chapter for the prestigious event, which will take place from 13–22 November 2026 on Hudayriyat Island, a renowned multisport destination developed by Modon. The championships are expected to attract over 3,000 triathletes from around the globe, who will compete across six demanding disciplines: Duathlon, Cross Duathlon, Cross Triathlon, Aquathlon, Long-Distance Triathlon, and Aquabike.
Talal Mustafa Al Hashemi, Executive Director of Events Sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), highlighted the significance of this achievement. “Winning the bid to host this prestigious global sports event reflects the growing international confidence in the UAE capital’s capabilities to organise world-class events to the highest global standards,” said Talal Al Hashemi. He further noted the event’s role in enriching Abu Dhabi’s sporting legacy and fostering a lasting culture of both community and competitive sport. The city’s advanced infrastructure will ensure a world-class experience, balancing professionalism and innovation.
The strategic vision behind hosting the championships was also underlined by Talal Al Hashemi: “ADSC remains committed to realising the wise UAE leadership’s vision of positioning the capital as a global hub for sports and sustainable development while strengthening community participation and providing an inspiring sporting environment that offers equal opportunities for excellence to all.”
Deepak Jain, CEO of Modon Communities, expressed excitement about the upcoming event: “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.” He emphasized the commitment to collaborative efforts with stakeholders–including ADSC, WORLDSPORT, and UAE Triathlon–to ensure an “unforgettable experience for athletes and fans alike.”
In addition to sporting competitions, the event will feature a rich lineup of festival villages, cultural showcases, and activities designed for both participants and spectators. With over 80 percent of attendees anticipated from abroad, the event will deliver a substantial boost to Abu Dhabi’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Visitor projections exceed 8,000, generating more than 30,000 hotel room nights and over US$10 million in economic impact.
The 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships is set to be a landmark moment for both Abu Dhabi and the global multisport community, reflecting the emirate’s growing role on the world stage and strengthening its legacy as a vibrant, inclusive, and innovative sports capital.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
