Abu Dhabi Swimming Festival
01. TEST YOURSELF BY ENTERING A COMPETITION Abu Dhabi Junior Aquathlon
Returning for a second year, this festival at Emirates Palace is aimed at amateur swimmers from all over the UAE and also focuses on safety in the water, to coincide with Abu Dhabi’s Sports Council recent health awareness initiative.
There are several races, including the Abu Dhabi Mile By Daman’s ActiveLife (that’s 1,600m) and the 800m Abu Dhabi Splash Dash. Shorter distances are available for kids, also, and are free of charge.
Want to swim with a group of mates? There’s a 300m adult relay event for four adults. This year, the festival also hosts one of the biggest sporting events on swimming’s calendar – a leg of the FINA 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup. March 11
Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 6am, Dhs150 to Dhs200. Tel: (02) 4418122. Taxi: Emirates Palace. premieronline.com, swimabudhabi.com Kids can run and swim at this aquathlon on the beach in the capital. Organised by Gulf Multi Sport, the event has several categories, including Super Sprint, for nippers who have competed before, all the way down to Tiny Tri, a paddle (or swim) through knee deep water by the shore and a 100m run for little kidlets. The Super Sprint is made up of a 375m swim and a 2.5km run. April 29
Al Bateen Beach, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 6.30am, Dhs90 to Dhs100. Taxi: Al Bateen Beach. Tel: (050) 1094055. premieronline.com