There are races you do for the challenge – and then there are races that stay with you forever. Challenge Sir Bani Yas belongs firmly in that second category. Where else in the world do you find yourself literally side-by-side with giraffes? Where do gazelles sprint alongside your bike, Arabian oryx cross the road in front of you, and dolphins glide beneath you in crystal-blue water? One thing is certain: Challenge Sir Bani Yas is far more than a race. It is an experience in the purest sense of the word.
Let’s take you back to April of this year. While spring was only just beginning in Europe, we boarded a flight to Dubai. A temperature jump of twenty – maybe even thirty – degrees meant a brief moment of acclimatization, but we settled in quickly. From Dubai, it’s just a couple of hours by car to Abu Dhabi, and from there the adventure truly begins as you make your way toward Sir Bani Yas Island.
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Take a single step onto this island – set in the Persian Gulf about nine kilometers off the coast of Jebel Dhanna – and you instantly realize you’ve entered another world. It’s hot, it’s vast, and above all, it’s stunning… almost idyllic. Sir Bani Yas is a protected nature reserve of rare beauty, incomparable to anything else in the region.
Of course, like the rest of the United Arab Emirates, you’ll see desert landscapes and stretches of sand. But just as prominent is the wildlife. And not from afar – you move right through it. The island is home to more than 17,000 animals, freely roaming across the reserve. Where else on earth can you race among dolphins, turtles, oryx, gazelles, deer, giraffes, hyenas, and even cheetahs? A marketing line? Absolutely not. We saw many of them during the race itself.
We competed in the Olympic Distance at Challenge Sir Bani Yas. A Middle Distance felt a bit too adventurous this early in the season – plus we still had work commitments – but turning down two hours of pure racing joy wasn’t an option.
Swim – Clear, Warm, and Spectacular
The swim takes place in the Persian Gulf and starts right from the beach. It’s straightforward and easy to navigate: long, straight stretches, never far from shore. Even beginner swimmers would feel comfortable here. Because of the warm water, it’s a non-wetsuit swim, but the salinity provides plenty of natural buoyancy. Add the crystal-clear, deep-blue water, and it’s hard to imagine a better way to start your race day.
Bike – The Real Showpiece
The bike course is where the island truly comes alive. Don’t mistake it for easy – there’s plenty of elevation, including one short but punchy climb, and the wind can be relentless across the wide-open desert roads. The heat adds another layer of difficulty, though the organizers ensured well-stocked aid stations to keep athletes cool and hydrated.
And then came the moment. As we passed a grazing group of giraffes – close enough to hear them crunch leaves – we knew one thing for sure: this is a race every triathlete should experience at least once.
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Run – Fast, Fun, and Lively
The run may offer less wildlife, but its charm lies elsewhere. Formed by several short loops around the event area, the course keeps you constantly surrounded by cheering spectators. With aid stations roughly every kilometer, staying cool and refreshed in the heat was never a problem.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Challenge Sir Bani Yas returns in 2026, taking place the weekend of January 31 and February 1. And the upcoming edition promises to be even more spectacular: athletes will have the unique opportunity to stay on a luxurious cruise ship moored directly beside the race venue. More details will follow soon on our website.