Scenes From Abu Dhabi
- By Aaron Hersh
- Published Mar 15, 2011
- Updated Jul 1, 2011 at 10:13 AM UTC
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
The Emirates Palace beach hosted the swim start. It’s called the Palace, but it is really a hotel. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
The city is surrounded by construction on all sides, and expansion doesn’t wait for daybreak. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
The Yas Marina Circuit F1 track. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
The race track is built around a functioning marina and hotel. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
Beyond the city boundaries, there is nothing but desert and sun. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
The dust in the air creates a subtle glow. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
More buildings going up. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
These three towers were only a foundation a year ago. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
The Emirates Palace Hotel at night. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
The inside of the Emirates Palace is lined with gold. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
The Grand Mosque. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
Transition area. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
Buildings at the outskirts of the city at dawn. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
The center of urban Abu Dhabi is filled with high rises and a mosque on every corner. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
McDonalds and Burger King are available. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
The waterfront is lined with a well-manicured garden. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
The well-lit night. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
- Open full size in new window.

Scenes From Abu Dhabi
Emirates Palace beach. Photo: Aaron Hersh
A local said this week, “There may be big buildings and water, but it’s still a desert.” That desert now hosts posh modern amenities such as a F1 racetrack and an ever-expanding modern city, in addition to one of the world’s most competitive triathlons. Here are some breathtaking scenes from Abu Dhabi.
Click here to see images from the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon.
FILED UNDER: Photos TAGS: Abu Dhabi culture / Abu Dhabi International Triathlon / Abu Dhabi Photos / Abu Dhabi Tri / travel photos / triathlon destinations / triathlon photos / triathlon travel
Aaron Hersh
Aaron Hersh is the Senior Tech Editor of Triathlete magazine. Aaron writes a column every Thursday for Triathlete.com called "Ask Aaron". To submit a question, write Aaron at Askaaron@competitorgroup.com.















