Dubai is preparing to welcome one of its most exciting sporting events as it hosts the inaugural Women’s Triathlon World Cup on December 7. This first-ever edition is organised by the Dubai Sports Council in partnership with World Triathlon and the UAE Triathlon Federation. The event will be held on the picturesque Dubai Islands, a location chosen for its scenic appeal and world-class sporting infrastructure.
This triathlon is more than just a competition. It represents an important step forward for the Sheikha Hind Sports Initiative and forms part of the broader Dubai Sports Plan 2033. Both initiatives emphasise supporting women in sports, enhancing community participation and attracting worldwide attention to Dubai as a global sporting destination.
The introduction of the Women’s Triathlon World Cup brings a new layer of prestige to the city’s rapidly growing sports calendar. With top-tier athletes, high-level competition formats and extensive international broadcasting, the event is expected to set new standards for women’s sporting events in the region.
A New Era for Triathlon in Dubai
The Dubai Women’s Triathlon World Cup will feature a diverse mix of race categories designed to welcome professionals, amateurs and first-time triathletes. The event brings together the essential components of a triathlon: swimming, cycling and running. Each category offers a unique combination of distance and difficulty, making the competition engaging for a wide range of participants.
The races include individual professional events, where elite athletes compete at the highest level of performance. For amateur athletes, the Individual Sprint category consists of a 750-metre swim, a 20-kilometre cycling route and a 5-kilometre run. This category challenges participants while still being achievable for committed athletes who train regularly.
For beginners and age-group participants, the Individual Super Sprint category provides a more accessible format. It includes a 400-metre swim, 10 kilometres of cycling and a 2.5-kilometre run. The shorter distances make it ideal for athletes who are new to triathlon or still building their endurance.
Additionally, the event includes a team category. In this format, three athletes work together, each completing one discipline of the Sprint or Super Sprint course. This encourages teamwork and inspires new participants to engage with the world of triathlon in a supportive environment.
By offering multiple formats, the Dubai Women’s Triathlon World Cup encourages inclusivity and broad participation. It demonstrates that the event is not only aimed at elite athletes but also at building a strong community of women in sport.
Elite World Triathlon Athletes Headlining the Event
The Dubai Women’s Triathlon World Cup has already attracted strong international attention, with World Triathlon announcing an impressive lineup of professional athletes. The event will welcome Olympic champions, world titleholders and experienced competitors who have made their mark in international triathlon history.
Gwen Rosemary Jorgensen: Olympic Gold Medalist
One of the most notable participants is Gwen Rosemary Jorgensen from the United States. Known for her Olympic triumph and exceptional running ability, Jorgensen has earned multiple World Cup victories throughout her career. Her presence adds immense value to the event and positions Dubai as a stage for top-tier global competition. She has built a reputation as one of the fastest and most consistent athletes in women’s triathlon, and her participation raises the competitive level of the upcoming race.
Hanna Maksimava: Reigning World Champion
Also joining the lineup is Hanna Maksimava, an athlete whose recent accomplishments highlight her exceptional form. Maksimava won gold at the 2025 Aquathlon World Championship in Pontevedra, Spain, showcasing her strong performance abilities in both swimming and running. She has also been featured in major competitions across Asia, including the Asian Cup in Borabay, Kazakhstan. Her versatility and adaptability make her a strong competitor expected to deliver an outstanding performance in Dubai.
Margot Garabedian: A Consistent International Performer
Representing Cambodia, Margot Garabedian is another athlete who brings deep experience to the event. With eight international titles to her name, including gold at the 2021 Aquathlon World Championship in Spain, she has built a successful record over the years. Garabedian has competed more than 77 times on the international stage and secured 15 podium finishes. Her extensive experience and dedication make her a strong contender in the World Cup.
Noelia Juan: Dual World Triathlon Cup Winner
Spain’s Noelia Juan adds further strength to the international lineup. She holds two World Triathlon Cup gold medals from Valencia and Huatulco, placing her among the top athletes in the sport. With 15 podium finishes, she has consistently demonstrated skill, endurance and competitiveness. Her racing history shows her ability to perform well under pressure, making her one of the athletes to watch closely during the Dubai event.
Valentina Riasova and Alejandra Seghi: Europe’s Rising Stars
Valentina Riasova, who holds the 2025 World Triathlon Cup title, remains one of the world’s top ten triathlon competitors. Her consistent rankings and disciplined approach to competition suggest she will be a strong opponent for the event’s leading athletes.
Meanwhile, Spain’s Alejandra Seghi joins the World Cup after winning several national titles in the junior and under-23 categories. Her growing list of achievements positions her as a rising star in European triathlon, and her participation in Dubai will be a significant milestone in her athletic journey.
A World-Class Experience for Viewers and Fans
Spectators will have opportunities to enjoy the competition both onsite and through live broadcasts. Viewing zones will be set up around the Dubai Islands course, giving fans access to key points along the swim, cycle and run segments. The scenic backdrop of the islands enhances the experience for both spectators and athletes.
In addition to physical viewing areas, the Dubai Sports Channel will broadcast the event live. The International Olympic Committee’s digital channel will also cover the race, ensuring global accessibility. These broadcasting efforts highlight Dubai’s ambition to position itself as a leader in hosting international events with global reach.
The combination of professional organisation, technological integration and scenic venues creates a world-class experience that appeals to sports fans worldwide. The event is expected to leave a lasting impression on both athletes and spectators.
A Strategic Milestone for Dubai and Women’s Sports
The Organising Committee, led by Hessa Al Kous, has emphasised the strategic importance of launching the Women’s Triathlon World Cup. According to Al Kous, this event strengthens the presence of women’s sports in Dubai, enhances the nation’s status on the global sporting map and supports the long-term vision of promoting sports tourism.
The initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to supporting women, expanding opportunities for athletic excellence and creating new pathways for local and international participation. By hosting world-class events, Dubai continues to position itself as a destination where talent, innovation and competition converge.
The presence of Olympic and world champions further validates Dubai’s ability to host high-level sporting competitions. It showcases the city’s readiness to take on major international championships in the future while inspiring local athletes and setting new standards in women’s sports.
A Memorable Moment for Women’s Sporting History
The inaugural Women’s Triathlon World Cup in Dubai is a significant moment in the growth of women’s sports in the region. The participation of world-renowned athletes, combined with an inclusive competition structure and international broadcasting, makes the event a groundbreaking opportunity for both athletes and fans.
As Dubai continues to grow as a global hub for sports, this triathlon marks an important milestone. It combines athletic excellence, global visibility and community engagement, promising an unforgettable experience and setting the foundation for future international competitions.
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