The Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival will for the first time take place in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi leg of the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup, meaning the capital will be overflowing with action in the water next month.
Emirates Palace Bay will host the fourth edition of the mass-participation event on Saturday, March 11, when swimmers from across the world hit open water in the morning before the professionals compete in the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup Series.
No matter your age or level of swimming experience, there is a category and distance for everyone on offer.
Kids can take part in the Junior Splash Dash races of 100m, 300m and 500m, while there’s also a Parent & Child and Adult Relays, along with the longest lengths for those most dedicated in the water: the Abu Dhabi Mile and Half Mile.
Last year’s successful edition saw almost 1,000 swimmers come out and 2017 ambassador, Olympic gold medallist Sarah Sjostrom, hopes even more turn up next month.
“I am thrilled to be the international ambassador for this established mass participation swimming event,” Sjostrom said.
“It is great to see people of all ages in Abu Dhabi being encouraged to take part in a sport that I love and I hope we will see over 1000 people at Emirates Palace on March 11.”
Following the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival, competitors will be able to relax on the exclusive Emirates Palace Bay beach and enjoy various activities, food stalls and more, all while watching the pros battle it out in the marathon distance.
Dr Michael Blitzer, CEO of Daman, sponsors of the event, said: “We are delighted that the Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival, sponsored by Daman ActiveLife, has grown to such a level that it has now been combined with an elite race which is recognised globally.
“This, in many ways validates all that ActiveLife stands for, which is creating a shift in the community’s attitudes towards physical activity. For those participating, to have come this far to compete at an international level is an incredible achievement, which we are very proud to have enabled.”
Registration, which includes a good bag, medal, t-shirt and more, must be completed by Tuesday, March 3 through www.premieronline.com.
What: Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival
Where: Emirates Palace Bay, Abu Dhabi
When: Friday, March 11 from 06:00
Contact: Visit www.premieronline.com to sign up and www.swimabudhabi.com for more information.