FAQ's

Challenge Sir Bani Yas is the latest edition to the Challenge Family series of long-distance, middle-distance and Olympic distance triathlon events. Challenge Family series consists of 35 events in 27 countries with 75,000 participants. Challenge races typically offer either;

• Olympic distance triathlon - 1.5km | 40km | 10km run

  • Individual and relay 

  • 18+ years
    

• T100 distance triathlon - 2km | 80km | 18km run

  • Individual and relay 

  • 18+ years

• Middle distance triathlon - 1.9km swim | 90km bike | 21.1km run

  • Individual and relay

  • 18+ years

• Long distance triathlon - 3.8km swim | 180km bike | 42.2km run

  • Individual and relay

  • 18+ years

Challenge Sir Bani Yas will offer the Olympic, middle- and long-distance categories along with a variety of community races to cater for accompanying partners, children and friends, and island visitors.

Challenge Sir Bani Yas will take place on the 30th – 31st January 2027.

Challenge Sir Bani Yas is held on Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, located 170 km (110 miles) southwest of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The island is located offshore of the western region of Abu Dhabi, spanning over 87 km².

Challenge Sir Bani Yas is an event like no other, located on the beautiful natural island of Sir Bani Yas Island, where you will race alongside wildlife and enjoy renowned Middle East hospitality.

Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the largest natural islands in the UAE, home to over 17,000 free-roaming animals, including Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas, and cheetahs.

With a wide selection of friends and family fun activities and excursions, from sunset DJ sessions to mingling with local wildlife while horseback riding in the surrounding nature reserve, Challenge Sir Bani Yas will leave you with memories for a lifetime

The latest events held during Challenge Sir Bani Yas is available under the Athlete Info tab. Don’t forget also to check out what activities and excursions there are, listed under the Spectator tab also on the website.

You can also follow the event's social media channels for the latest schedules and other important updates

All athletes must wear race-approved helmets for cycling and race bibs visibly displayed during the run and bike legs. Safety is the utmost priority, so ensure you are well prepared for your race segment. Wetsuits may be optional, water temperatures permitting. A comprehensive list of gear will be included in the Athlete Guides which are released closer to the event. As reference, you can review previous Athletes Guides which are listed under the “Previous Editions” on our website

Yes. Time cut-offs are in place to ensure athlete safety and event logistics. Exact details will are also contained in the Athlete Guides.

The event is open to all. For further details please email info@challenge-sirbaniyas.com

Yes, aid stations are strategically placed along all the courses with water, isotonic drinks and energy snacks.

A full list of nutrition will also be available in the Athletes Guides.

Yes, the incredible “oasis” will be available on the bike course to athlete participating in the Long and Middle triathlon races.

This feature is unique to our race and gives triathletes the opportunity to enjoy 10 minutes to refuel, stretch and bathroom break, while your race time is frozen for 10 minutes.

Full details will be described in the Athletes Guides. Check out the 2026 Athlete Guide.  

Registration details are available on the official website or by clicking the link here

Your age category is calculated based on the age you will be on 31st December in the year of the competition (31/12/2027).

The entry fee includes an event back-pack, event t-shirt and finisher’s medal and covers all race related items including nutrition.

For the race entry fees and more, click here.

The below policy applies to all athletes of the Challenge Sir Bani Yas, taking place on 30th January,2027.

REFUNDS – you are able to apply for a refund on your entry fee according to the below timeline:

• 100% refund until 31st October,2026

• 50% refund until 30th November 2026

• 25% refund until 31st December,2026

• No refund in the final months before the event date

CATEGORY CHANGES – You are able to change your race category up to 30 days prior to the event day. For category upgrades you will need to pay the difference in entry fees. There are no refunds for category downgrades. 

NAME TRANSFER – This event does not allow the transfer of an entry into another Athlete´s name.

DEFERRALS – Challenge Family events do not offer deferrals to another year or another event, or as above, to another participant. 

Participant data is stored in the registration platform provided by Active, this data is not used by any third-parties or used for commercial activities. The data is controlled by ADNEC Group and Challenge Family GmbH, who will use the participant data for newsletters, race information and invitation to The Championship (when qualified) and analysis for marketing optimization.

Sir Bani Yas Island is 17.5 km (10.9 miles) from north to south and 9 km (5.6 miles) from east to west, making it one of the largest natural islands in the United Arab Emirates.

Sir Bani Yas was originally home to Arabia’s largest wildlife reserve. Spanning over 87 km² (34 sq miles), the reserve was established in 1977 by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.  

Due to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, it is now home to thousands of free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants.

Visitors can reach the island via ferry from Jebel Dhannah Port, with complimentary shuttle services provided by us. However, to be able to avail this service you will need to complete your registration here.

Challenge Sir Bani Yas has planned a full set of fun activities for all spectators.

Refer to the community events schedule to see the full list of activities and dress comfortably for a cool breeze.

No, camping is not permitted on Sir Bani Yas Island during the event weekend. Visitors and participants can book accommodation on our website.

Yes, there are luxury resorts such as Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort and Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara and Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort. Click here to book your stay.

Between January and February, the weather remains cool and pleasant. The average temperatures are:

• Average Daytime temperature: 25°C to 27°C (77°F to 81°F), with nighttime lows around 16°C to 17°C (61°F to 63°F).

• Average water temperature: 18°C (64.4°F) to 22°C (71.6°F)

• The Island's temperature is typically 4-6 degrees cooler than the temperatures in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The Challenge Sir Bani Yas team will take all appropriate measures to prepare for any forecasted change in weather conditions.

Predicted weather conditions will be closely monitored in the period leading into the event, and, following the guidelines outlined by World Triathlon, the necessary measures will be planned and applied

All attendees must comply with UAE public health guidelines. Medical staff and emergency services are stationed throughout the event venue.

Here are some of our recommended hotels in Al Dhannah: Accommodations.

There is plenty to see and do in Al Dhannah — you can visit the Heritage Village, Al Dhannah Farm and Al Dhannah Park. You may also check out the Al Dhannah Traditional Souq, Al Dhannah Mall and the Al Hosn Centre.

These are some numbers that should be on your speed dial:
Abu Dhabi Police: 999
Al Ruwais Civil Defence: +971 2 877 5222
SEHA Sir Baniyas Island: +971 2 807 2140

The nearest hospitals in Al Dhannah are:
Al Dhannah Hospital: +971 800 7267, https://aldhannahhospital.ae/contact-us/
Berlin Medical & Neurological Rehabilitation: +971 2 305 700, https://berlinrehabilitation.com/
Capital Health Centre: https://capitalhealth.ae/about-us/facilities/al-dhannah-branch/

The Challenge Sir Bani Yas team is prepared for all medical emergencies onsite, with proper measures in place and ambulatory services on stand by.

Spectators are most welcome to attend the event, and to make use of the events complimentary ferry and shuttles services. Visitors are required to complete the registration process by spectator registration

The Race Village serves as the central hub where supporters can easily watch and support their family and friends who are participating in the races, and also enjoy a variety of entertainment, F&B, and retail outlets. On the island, there is also several excursions also available and can be booked here.

Challenge Sir Bani Yas has planned a full set of fun activities for all spectators. You can refer to the Community Events page to see the schedule of activities.

Yes, a shuttle bus service will operate from Al Dhannah City Mall to Jebal Dhannah Ferry Port. The shuttle schedule will be listed soon.

Yes, participants and their supporters can choose to self-drive to Al Dhannah City or Jebel Dhannah Ferry Port. Parking will be available at both locations, and you can leave your vehicle while you participate in the event. If you are bringing a bike, you will be allowed to board the passenger ferry with your bike to travel over to Sir Bani Yas Island.

Only registered participants and registered spectators will be allowed to use the transport services to the island

Parking is available at the following locations:

• Al Dhannah City

• Jebel Dhannah Ferry Port

Yes, a complimentary ferry service will run between Jebel Dhannah Ferry Port and Sir Bani Yas Island from Friday to Sunday, accommodating all athletes and supporters staying off-island. The ferry duration will be 45 minutes, depending on the type of ferry or speed boats. Individuals with bikes will need to board the Passenger Ferry, as no bicycles are permitted on the speed boats

Yes, select ferries will have bicycle racks for safe transport. If you are bringing a bicycle, you can use these ferries to transport it to Sir Bani Yas Island.

Your ferry access to the island will be provided upon completion of your registration.

To view the full bus and ferry schedule, please visit the Transport page.

To access the complimentary shuttle and ferry services, please make sure your event registration is complete

View the full transport schedule here

Yes, guests can enjoy an array of tours. Book here.

Yes, there is an array of activities and packages for Abu Dhabi and Dubai city. Click here to know more.

Aid stations on the run course will be stocked with a variety of items depending on which station it is:

• Water

• Energy gels

• Sprite and/or Coke

• Energy bars

• Oranges

• Bananas

• Electrolytes

• Ice

• Savoury foods

• Coffee (at select stations)

If athletes require any specific and personal nutrition and/or hydration, they are encouraged to carry this themselves and/or have it ready during their transition change-overs.

There are 3 aid stations on the cycle course located on the 45km looped course, and aid stations are located approximately every 1.5km on the run course to keep you well hydrated and fuelled throughout the run.

Yes, the aid stations will have portable toilets available and there are a number of facilities on the run course. Check the course map for specific locations.

To explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact the event organisers at Sponsorship@challenge-sirbaniyas.com

For collaborations, please reach out to us at: Sponsorship@challenge-sirbaniyas.com

Please reach out to us at: Sponsorship@challenge-sirbaniyas.com

Local vendors, food trucks, and artisan stalls are welcome. Reach out with your proposal at: info@challenge-sirbaniyas.com