The Dubai Sports Council event, which will be held under the patronage of its chairman and emirate's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is due to take place at the Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) on April 19.

The one-day competition will get underway with a 25-kilometre loop endurance horse ride, followed by a 25km cycling stage on the Dubai Cycle Path, then a 5km desert run before finishing in the Dubai Endurance City.

The Dubai Desert Triathlon will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ©Getty Images

"The Dubai Desert Triathlon is an innovative concept that combines endurance riding, the heritage sport of Dubai, with cycling and off road running," Nasser Al Rahmah, director of the sports events department at Dubai Sports Council, said.

"This is a new concept that will grow and become a popular event in the Middle East and beyond.

"It is another important step in the development of sport in Dubai."

Entry to the event is open to all that are interested in participating in any or all of the three disciplines either as an individual or as part of a team, but equestrians must be registered endurance riders with a horse.

Prizes will also be awarded to the fastest triathlete, fastest team, fastest cyclist, fastest runner and best conditioned horse in the male, female and juniors categories.

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