Abu Dhabi has been awarded the 2022 ITU World Triathlon Grand Final, following an announcement by the International Triathlon Union (ITU) Executive Board at its annual Congress in Australia.
It is expected that the Grand Final will welcome more than 5,000 international triathletes as well as some 2,500 local triathletes over a five-day triathlon festival.
The Grand Final is the pinnacle of the global triathlon season, with World Champions being named across both elite and amateur categories as a result.
With the ITU World Triathlon season-opening race already a firm fixture in the regular sporting calendar, the winning bid for the Grand Final further bolsters Abu Dhabi’s global status in the triathlon world.
HE Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council said: “I congratulate the leadership for this winning bid for the 2022 ITU Grand Final. This decision clearly demonstrates how Abu Dhabi Sports Council continues to align with the emirate’s vision to develop and host the very best sporting activities.
“Our world-class facilities and other headline events such as the world famous Formula 1 Grand Prix and the award-winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship provide us with great opportunities to promote sport more widely in the UAE and showcase Abu Dhabi to the watching world.
“Hosting the Grand Final for the very first time will continue that legacy and we will be able to showcase the achievements of the many world-class athletes set to participate, as well as inspiring future generations to get involved.”
From 2010 to 2014, Abu Dhabi hosted five editions of Abu Dhabi International Triathlon – an all-inclusive race, welcoming an impressive range of elite, amateur and junior triathletes.
In 2014, as agreement was signed between the ITU, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and WORLDSPORT Arabia, resulting in the season-opening race of the ITU World Triathlon being held annually in the UAE’s capital. The inaugural ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi took place in March 2015 on Abu Dhabi’s corniche.
Al Awani added: “When the prestigious launch of the ITU’s World Triathlon Series calendar became available for the first time in 2014, Abu Dhabi recognised a unique opportunity to host the first and only ITU World Triathlon Series event in the Middle East.
“This was an opportunity to recognise and respond to the huge potential for growth of the sport regionally — and it was one that could not be missed.”
The 2018 event marked the fourth edition, following its move to Yas Island in 2017. The race circuit will take centre stage once again on 8 – 9 March 2019, as Abu Dhabi hosts the ITU World Triathlon for the fifth consecutive year.
Amateur participation in the event has seen impressive growth, from 1,600 in 2015, to 2,500 in 2018 — an increase of 56% — making the 2018 World Triathlon Abu Dhabi the largest triathlon in the region in terms of participation.
ABU DHABI SET TO HOST THE 2022 ITU GRAND FINAL! Thank you to @AbuDhabiSC, @worldtriathlon, our partners, triathletes & fans - we could not have done this without you. We're excited to continue the journey together as we prepare to host 5,000 int'l & 2500 local triathletes in 2022 pic.twitter.com/fXtLxUOmxx
— WTS Abu Dhabi (@WTSAbuDhabi) September 16, 2018
As well as participation numbers, the event has also become the most inclusive triathlon in the region, with dedicated races introduced for para triathletes and Special Olympic triathletes.
Gary Marescia, Event Director of the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi said: “The ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi has gone from strength to strength.
“We are pleased to be able to provide something for everyone, whether beginners, seasoned amateurs, para-triathletes or professionals.
“Staging the ITU Grand Final will be a huge undertaking with Abu Dhabi playing host to so many athletes – this year’s successful bid highlights Abu Dhabi’s huge ambition to be a part of the very best sporting events.
“It’s fantastic news, and entirely fitting, that the emirate has been chosen to host such a world-class event.”
As a Grand Final host city, Abu Dhabi will also stage the ITU’s annual Congress in 2022, which takes place in the days leading up to the race.
