Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa prepares as official venue for the first Middle East Triathlon

The triathlon will be held in association with the 15th Asian Games in Doha 2006. The sport of triathlon, which has been active in the Middle East for over 10 years, will make its Asian Games debut in Doha when the event gets underway in December next year. Although several smaller triathlon events have been taking place across the Middle East during the past decade, this will be the first event of this magnitude to be staged in the region. Up to 300 competitors are expected to compete in the event at the 128-acre Resort. With its wealth of first class sports facilities, extensive grounds and comprehensive event management experience, the choice of the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa as Official Venue did not come as a big surprise.

Gerhard Hardick, General Manager of Jebel Ali International Hotels, has every belief in the company's flagship property: "The appointment of Dubai's Only True Resort as Official Venue shows the extent of confidence put into both the tangible and intangible assets of the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa. Like many of the major events we deal with, the first Middle East Triathlon is a high profile project of significant size, however our company's established experience as professional event managers will ensure this triathlon is also a resounding success."

"Although we are already part of many of Dubai's main sports events, we are delighted to further our involvement on Dubai's sporting scene with events of this high calibre. In the next few weeks we will also be announcing our next project which is guaranteed to take our own profile, as well as that of sport in the UAE to a whole new level," Hardick said.

Relishing in extensive experience on the event management front, the five-star Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa has been intricately involved with many of Dubai's most prestigious events. From being the Official Hotel and Caterer for world-renowned events like the Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai World Cup, to staging the VIP luncheon and 9-hole curtain raiser Challenge Match golf tournament, the Resort has established itself as a big player on Dubai's sports scene. The company continues to exceed expectations in an environment which requires an uncompromising commitment to excellence and professionalism, subsequently reiterating the Resort's already existing merits within the sporting arena.

As Dubai's Only True Resort the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa features a myriad of sports facilities such as the 9-hole par 36 championship standard Resort Golf Course, comprehensive practice facilities, professional golf academy, air-conditioned riding stables and spacious paddock for horse riding tuition, beach sports, tennis, squash, game fishing in the Arabian Gulf and a variety of water sports such water skiing, windsurfing and sea kayaking.

The race at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa will comprise a 750 metre swim and 20 kilometre bicycle ride followed by a 5 kilometre run. Juniors will be able to participate in an Aquathon which will include the swimming and running legs. Registration for the event can be done by visiting the official website www.middleeasttriathlon.com