Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
The first season of the T100 Triathlon World Tour reaches its end this weekend with the Dubai T100 races-Saturday, November 16, for the women’s competition and Sunday, November 17, for the men.
With the Championship Final looming, the world will witness the crowning of the first-ever T100 World Champions. For UAE athletes, this is a pivotal moment in both their careers and the country’s burgeoning presence on the global triathlon stage.
Aletihad caught up with two members of Team UAE, Khalifa Aldarmaki and Hana Al Nabulsi, who shared their journeys leading to the upcoming race.
Khalifa Aldarmaki: From a Dare to Triathlon Glory
Khalifa Aldarmaki’s entry into the world of triathlon is a story of unexpected beginnings. “I started this journey six years ago after a friend dared me as a joke,” Aldarmaki recalls. “It became my main sport and a very big part of my life.”
What got Aldarmaki hooked on triathlon? He explained, “The competition. It’s not about who finishes first in the swim or bike, but who crosses the finish line first.”
A race that began with friendly banter-against two athletes who were seasoned swimmers and cyclists-ended with Aldarmaki beating one of them in the run and realising that success in triathlon is about pacing yourself across all disciplines.
As a member of Team UAE and the Asian Triathlon Federation’s Technical Committee, Aldarmaki is dedicated to growing the sport in the region. “Training is ongoing. I have a coach, and we have a race schedule for the year. T100 is one of the main races I target,” he explained.
His preparation includes weekly sessions focused on all three disciplines of triathlon, and he’s in peak shape after a recent local race where he managed third place.
“The mental aspect is crucial in triathlon,” said Aldarmaki, reflecting on the endurance challenges the sport presents. “When you’re in the middle of a long race, especially the marathon after cycling, you have to talk to yourself and keep going.”
His advice? “Smile through the pain. I learned that in a race where I broke the UAE record-smiling kept me going.”
Hana Al Nabulsi: From Ultra Marathons to Elite Triathlons
Hana Al Nabulsi’s path to triathlon success mirrors Aldarmaki’s in its unconventional start. Before discovering triathlon, Al Nabulsi was an accomplished ultra-marathoner, competing in track and cross-country events.
“A cousin dared me to do an Ironman, and I ended up training for a full Ironman,” Al Nabulsi recalled.
At 23, Al Nabulsi became the youngest Emirati woman to complete an Ironman 70.3, and her passion for the sport only grew from there.
She later moved back to Dubai in 2020, where her focus shifted to the national team and international competition.
In December 2022, Al Nabulsi achieved the qualifying times needed to join Team UAE’s elite triathlon team, setting the stage for her first elite-level race.
Although currently on voluntary rest after surgery, Al Nabulsi remains optimistic about her return to competition in 2025. “I’m looking forward to getting back to the Africa Cups and Asia Cups,” she said.
For Al Nabulsi, triathlon is not just a sport-it’s a mental challenge. “I push myself to see how far I can go,” she explained.
“I’ve raced in extreme conditions, and it’s always been about testing the limits of my body and mind. One of my proudest moments was winning the bronze medal at the Africa Cup in Egypt.”
As a proud Emirati athlete, Al Nabulsi feels the weight of representing her country on the global stage. “Being an Emirati woman in triathlon is a privilege. I’m one of the few Arab women competing at an elite level,” she said, noting that the sport is growing in the UAE with promising talents among younger athletes.
Triathlon on Home Turf: Representing UAE at the T100 Final
For Aldarmaki, competing at the Dubai T100 is a dream come true. “It’s a privilege to be part of this event, and Dubai hosting it is a huge motivation for all of us.”
As he prepares for the championship, Aldarmaki is focused on maintaining his fitness and following a winning strategy.
“The bike course is going to be technical, so avoiding accidents is key. But nutrition and electrolytes will be critical to finishing strong in the run,” he explained.