I am considering doing this race next year. Has anyone done it and can sugest tips for the trip.
Is it necessary to get the tour package from the organizers or is it easy to move around the city by yourself?
How is the tranning prior to race day?
thanks for the help.
Abu Dabi is an Islamic country and hence there are certain customs one must conform to. Google the list, but these generally include modesty (in terms of clothing) and DO NOT get over affectionate with your partner in public.
Zero tolerance for drugs… Very strict upon prescriptions as well…
Stories of people jailed for weed on the bottom of their shoes
Lots of zero tolerance laws… Aka good luck… I wouldnt go if it were me…
It was an AWESOME trip. I am already looking forward to going back. I flew in and out of Dubai, since Emirates flies direct from LAX, but Etihad - the Abu Dhabi nat’l airline (what Emirates is to Dubai) - is expanding big time, and they now have direct flights from a lot of major US airports.
I navigated the city fine. It’s basically a grid, so relatively easy to get around once you get a few landmarks straight.
I really enjoyed training as well. Felt very safe. Just remember the drivers are totally insane, and plan accordingly, and you’ll be fine. Assume they will do the craziest thing possible, and you’ll be safe.
Anyway, it was a truly unforgettable experience, and I’m really, really looking forward to going back.
You will get an experience of a lifetime. I spent two months there on a work assignment and had a blast. My wife came and visited me, and she really enjoyed it. We enjoyed the beaches, the friendly people, good service and culture.
Do not listen to people without knowledge about the region.
Just go there and enjoy.
I’ll be there as well. Thanks for the tips so far folks.
Ben Greenfield
Abu Dhabi is most likely the most progressive city in the Middle East. Even Saudi Arabia, where I grew up, is far more Western than most people would expect.
As far as the race organization goes, it is run by IMG based out of London, and they run a classy event. The city is clearn, the roads are impeccable, the F1 Yas Marina race track on the bike course is a one-of-a-kind experience, and besides seeing locals going about their business in traditional dress - and the heat - you would likely mistake yourself for being in London.
Taxis are everywhere so it is very easy to get around.
The main difficulty will be in the jet lag from travel. This in itself is not enough of a reason to warrant missing such a unique and challenging event though.
I am considering doing this race next year. Has anyone done it and can suggest tips for the trip.
Is it necessary to get the tour package from the organizers or is it easy to move around the city by yourself?
How is the training prior to race day?
thanks for the help.
Let me know if you’re decided with this. I’m currently working here in Dubai
and might be joining this event too. Don’t worry about moving around the city…I’ll be your driver 
Regards,
H.
Live in Abu Dhabi for 4 years(all four years of highschool) so I know the ins and outs of the city well and I only graduated this June. I did the half last year and will gladly answer any questions.
Is it necessary to get the tour package from the organizers or is it easy to move around the city by yourself?
It’s very easy to navigate on your own. Cabs are dirtcheap, public busses even cheaper. Renting a car would be fine as well but parking is a pain in the ass.
How is the tranning prior to race day?
check out www.abudhabitriclub.org they have a couple of swim, run and bike options that are great fun and safe as well
Zero tolerance for drugs… Very strict upon prescriptions as well…
Stories of people jailed for weed on the bottom of their shoes
Lots of zero tolerance laws… Aka good luck… I wouldnt go if it were me…
Well yes if it is against the law to have weed and you had weed what you expect? Unless it was for medicinal purposes ofcourse, in which case a letter from your doc might get you out of trouble, but it would be a huge hassle. And in any case you shouldn’t be keeping it in the bottom of your shoe then.
feel free to pm me any more questions
The three entry requirements of obtaining a visa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and its seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah) are that you are not a citizen of Israel, that your passport doesn’t contain Israeli stamps, and that your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your arrival.
My opinion is,I would not travel to such a place.
I did the long course race last year and my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Bike training before the race would be a problem unless you want to take your life in your hands in city traffic… Don’t miss the pre-race dinner as it’s one of the finest (only perhaps matched by Xterra Maui) carbo load meals I have ever had. The only drawback logistically was the distance between the race hotel and downtown/race venue. Most taxis are cheap but beware for “unofficial” rip off taxis. The double decker bus tour was a good, fast way to see the major sites and don’t miss the Grand Mosque – unbelievable.
Just got back from a wedding there and had a blast.
To be clear the UAE does not recognize Israel. It’s a loaded issue but that, simply, is why you can’t go there on an Israeli passport.
You absolutely can travel there on a passport from a country that the UAE does recognize even if that passport contains Israeli stamps.
UAE embassy in the UK: “Israeli stamps endorsement is not a problem for UAE entry”
UAE Embassy in DC “All Americans with a valid US passport are welcome to enter the UAE. This includes those with visa or entry stamps from other countries”
I don’t mean to start a debate that belongs in the LR but just wanted to clear up the travel rules.
I split my work life between the US and the Gulf (mostly Dubai) and HIGHLY recommend you sign up for the race. If my work schedule coincides I’ll be there with you.
The city of Abu Dhabi is amazing, the people are very friendly, and you should have no problem getting around or communicating. Be sure to schedule a few extra days before/after to account for jet lag and to do some touristy stuff. Dubai is only an hour away and has the tallest building in the world, which is attached to the biggest mall in world, which also has an AMAZING fountain show in the evening that runs every 20 minutes - not to be missed.
Please ignore all the stereotypes, naysayers, and negative feedback you hear on this forum or elsewhere about Arabic countries, especially the UAE. I’ve traveled the world and have never been to a more culturally diverse place. Well worth it.
Good luck!
Also, I highly recommend taking one of the cheapo “desert safari’s” which can be arranged from all the hotels. Ours cost about $80 and was basically a trip out to a camel farm, a slap up dinner and between the two about an hour of charging up and down enormous sand dunes in land cruisers. Amazingly exhilerating stuff - how often do you get a view like this:
Firstly, I absolutely love the Middle East. It is the cradle of civilization and a cauldren of conflict. The contrast of the two make it a fascinating region to travel in.
You have the basics in this thread already. To these basics I will add:
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Do some book research. Read about travel in the area and the history and culture of the area. It will enhance your experience and appreciation and create a potentially safer trip.
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Remember- you are a guest. Some members of Middle Eastern cultures are rightfully cynical about westerners and particularly people from the United States. If you are humble and respectful as a guest you will be welcomed as a guest.
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Embrace the culture. It is a beautiful culture with many wonderful conventions. Dive in with respect and care.\
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Girls: No look, no touch.
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Don’t even think about coming anywhere near even bending any laws. The Arabic version of justice is a bit more… expedient than ours.
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Be security concious. Maintain a high degree of situational awareness.
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Learn some Arabic, even if it just to say “shoo-kran” (Thank you).
Have a great time and a great race!
oh- and eat some food! It is the very best treat to the culinary senses on earth!
Marty,
Very nice pictures!
How did you manage the two diferent transition areas?
Do you sugest any hotels? I saw a few around T1, the Emirates Palace, that I think is quite expensive, the Intercontinental, the Hilton and the something Rotana.
So cycling is kind of crazy there but swiming and running is ok, during the days before the race?
thanks for the help.
Renato
The two different transition areas weren’t a problem, they take your run bag beforehand. We stayed at the Novotel Centre Hotel Abu Dhabi, nice, not too expensive, but it is pretty far from T1 and T2. If you could stay closer to the race venue, it would save you the hassle of getting back after the finish (we rode our bikes down to the race start the day before to check them in). They have practice swims on the course for the athletes, which is good, since the beach is normally only for the rich and famous guests of the hotel.
Have fun! I hope the race organizers took my advice and have awards for the top three and some awards for the smaller race…
Zero tolerance for drugs… Very strict upon prescriptions as well…
I ended up checking out the prescription drug thing yesterday out of interest, and found this rather stiff exemption requirement (for a list of 300 odd drugs including Prozac).
"These items are essentially available only in hospitals and in large community pharmacies, under the prescription of doctors. The Ministry of Health advises that unlicensed, controlled medicines can only be imported into the UAE through hospitals and not by individuals.
However, the Drug Control Department of the Ministry of health does have special regulations for personal import of such items: patients or travelers carrying prescribed prescription medications must have their prescriptions issued by licensed U.S. doctors, attested by a notary public, and duly authenticated by both the secretary of state of one’s U.S. state, and finally also authenticated by the Secretary of State of the U.S. Government in Washington, D.C"
I was there to write about the race and did not race, but was very impressed with the event and the people there. The Emirates Palace is very expensive indeed, but there are many other options. We stayed at the Park Rotana which was the race hotel and it was quite nice, but is not close to either T1 or T2, who really aren’t that far apart from each other. Check in with the race organizers about other hotel options. I recall there were a few other hotels close to the transition areas.
Food was fantastic and the total experience truly one of a kind, I’d go back in a heartbeat to race or work.
H