ABU DHABI — Saudi nationals Nasser Mutarrid, Abdullah Al-Deyabi and Adel Mohammed Al-Zambagi are encouraging their countrymen to join the growing triathlon scene as they prepare to represent the Kingdom in the region's biggest triathlon event, the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon on March 2. As part of the ‘Local Heroes' initiative, spearheaded by the event organizer, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), Riyadh-based Mutarrid is signing up for the $230,000 Abu Dhabi showpiece's 111.5km short course, which is also being contested by current Olympic gold medalist Alistair Brownlee of Team GB. Al-Deyabi and Al-Zambagi, both from Jeddah, are competing for the first time in the UAE triathlon and are going for the competitive sprint distance at 55.75km. The Saudi trio join seven other amateurs from five Middle Eastern countries who have been tasked with developing the sport in their respective markets and helping unearth future regional talent under the pioneering scheme. The 29-year-old, Mutarrid, began competing in triathlon seven years ago and is looking forward to representing the Kingdom in Abu Dhabi. “I have grown to love the sport over the years and currently my mission is to inspire Saudis and share my experience through creating Saudi Arabia's first local triathlon to help nurture local talent and also encourage people to become active.” Joining Mutarrid in Abu Dhabi are his protégés Al-Deyabi and Al-Zambagi, who live in Jeddah. An avid swimmer and runner since the age of six, Al-Deyabi, has been training hard for the triathlon season opener and is excited about visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time. “My father used to be a passionate swimmer and he inspired me to take up the sport in school. I used to participate in many swimming and running competitions in school and then university. When I was introduced to triathlon it made perfect sense to take on the challenge and hone my cycling skills as well. “I have heard so much about Abu Dhabi from friends and I've already made a wish list of all the attractions I'd like to see including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Wadi Adventure,” added the 27-year-old IT specialist who works with Sejel Technology Limited. Al-Deyabi's friend and training partner, 27-year-old Al-Zambagi, is currently undergoing his residency at King Fahad Hospital in Jeddah to become a specialized doctor. The duo have been training seven days a week with a designated coach to get in shape for the UAE capital flagship event. “I am always looking to take on a challenge and when Nasser and Abdullah encouraged me to sign up for the Local Heroes competition I was over the moon when I won a spot in the program. I am glad that regional events such as the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon are giving amateurs in the GCC a chance to participate and experience the thrill of competing with international elites.” The event organizers have frozen athlete registration fees for the fourth year in a row. Athletes interested in entering can visit www.abudhabitriathlon.com for details. Entry fees for the long and short distances are $190 (SAR713) and $130 (SAR488) respectively, while Sprint course rates are $75 (SAR282) for individuals and $120 (SAR450) for a team. The fee for the team relay is $280 (SAR1,050). — SG
