Despite the sandstorm hitting the capital on Friday, TriYas participants felt ready and determined to complete the triathlon.
The event, in its fifth year, is organised by Yas Marina Circuit and sponsored by Daman's Activelife and involved several races over various distances and, for the first time, it included a race for children and one for women only.
American Rebecca Podracka, 39, said she was nervous as it was her first triathlon.
"I've been watching my husband doing it and I wanted to participate. I'm very nervous because I've only been swimming for six months,” she said, adding that she was not put off by the weather.
Kuba Ziekinski, from South Africa, who is a member of the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Club, said he has taken part in more than 80 triathlons worldwide.
Despite being worried about the sandstorm, Mr Ziekinski said he was looking forward to the race at Yas Marina Circuit.
"I'm doing the Olympic distance, so it's a longer distance. The weather is just part of the fun. I was worried in the morning but hopefully it will be a little easier,” the 37-year-old said.
The Olympic category is a 1,500-metre swim, followed by 38.5km of cycling and a 10km run. The shorter Sprint race involves a 750m swim, a 22km cycle and a 5.4km run. The KidsTri is a 50m swim, a 6km cycle and a 1.5km run.
Briton Katie Golding, 38, said she had not been on a bicycle in years but was still keen to take part in the race for the first time.
"I'm very nervous. I've not been on a bike for three years and I can't run. I also have a cold but I'm going to kill it,” she said. "I think I will finish the race, and that's all I can say.”
Her friend Natalie Maiden, 32, said it was also her first time.
"I wanted to participate with my husband, who is doing the Olympic distance race, and support him,” she said.
"I will definitely try it in the future. It's all good fun.” There were also more than 100 Emiratis taking part, with more than half of them women.
Aysha Al Dhaheri, the managing director of Awazen Wellness Clinic in Abu Dhabi, helped push more locals to participate.
"Our main concern at Awazen is to fight obesity and promote natural weight loss. We push Emiratis to participate in sports events and provide prizes to winners as encouragement,” she said.
Emirati Salim Al Humoudi, 34, opted for the Sprint distance. "I am athletic but this is the first time I have participated in a triathlon. I wanted to see my strength and weariness after the race to evaluate my performance in the next races,” he said.
Mr Al Humoudi said he was also there to support his friends who were taking part.
The winner of the elite triathlon section, which was open only to pro-athletes, was Ruedi Wild, from Switzerland, who said he feels "special” after racing at Yas Marina Circuit. The 32-year-old finished the distance in 1 hour, 50 minutes and 29 seconds.
"Racing and winning in an F1 circuit, you see it on television, but to race on it is spectacular,” he said. "You feel it is special to start the season with a win. This is a big chance to run on the track and I'm glad I had the chance.”
Source: The National