The Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the International Triathlon Union have announced the World Cities Triathlon Championship – Abu Dhabi 2026, scheduled for March 28-29, with 'TAQA' as the sponsor. Modifications to the competition categories have been made. All community age-group races, sanctioned by the International Triathlon Union, will proceed as previously scheduled on Hudayriat Island. According to the changes, it has been decided to postpone the individual elite races and the mixed elite relay races to a later date to be announced. Organizers have called on athletes of various age groups and triathlon enthusiasts to continue their preparations and participate in the community races, which will be held as planned. The 2026 season for the World Triathlon Championship Series is expected to kick off with the second leg in Samarkand on April 26. Per International Triathlon Union regulations, if the Abu Dhabi Championship is rescheduled before the grand final, five rounds plus the final will be counted towards the season's points total. If the championship is held after the final, only four rounds plus the final will be counted. Athletes listed for the Abu Dhabi Championship are permitted, if able and willing, to participate in other International Triathlon Union-sanctioned events between March 10 and April 15, preceding the first round of the 2026 World Triathlon Championship Series in Samarkand. Should there be increased demand for participation due to changes in the Abu Dhabi Championship schedule, the possibility of increasing the number of participants in those events will be explored in coordination with local organizing committees.
