The Dubai Sports Council has partnered with Meydan - which runs Meydan Racecourse in Dubai - for the event.

Entrants from both the United Arab Emirates and further afield will take part in the triathlon, which is due to take place on April 19.

"We are very pleased with the response we have had from the triathletes and endurance riders," said Nasser Al Rahmah, director of the sports events department at the Dubai Sports Council.

"It is clear that they are excited and enthusiastic to be part of something which may well be a world first

"This event showcases not only the strength of these sports in Dubai and the region, but also the creativity and innovation which has become Dubai's international trademark."

Horse riders will race around a 40 kilometres loop to kick-off the Dubai Desert Triathlon
©Dubai Desert Triathlon



The Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) will play host to the event, with competitors who are not registered riders able to participate as either runners or cyclists, or both.

They have been matched with a horse rider to make up a team.

Some entrants will complete the full triathlon.

The endurance horse race will take in a 40 kilometres loop, with a 25km cycling stage on the Dubai Cycle Path followed by an energy-sapping 5km desert run, finishing in the DIEC.

Athletes will be competing for honours in the categories of fastest overall individual triathlete, fastest team, fastest cyclist, fastest runner and best conditioned horse in the male, female and junior sections.

The DIEC will become a triathlon village for the day, with activities for children ranging from a circus workshop to face painting.

The Dubai Desert Triathlon is held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.

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