Mark your calendars! Etihad Arena in the UAE capital is gearing up to host the first indoor Spartan City race in the Middle East. You can expect non-stop action and a lot of fun as Abu Dhabi features the most intense 3 km course of 2025.
Spartan Middle East, the force behind the epic Trifecta race in Dubai earlier this year, is heading to Etihad Arena for a memorable challenge. Trifecta on January 25 and 26 at Dubai Parks and Resorts featured more than 6,000 people.
The theme park destination played host to a number of race formats, including Sprint 5K (a fast-paced course featuring 20 exhilarating obstacles), Super 10K (mid-distance race featuring 25 obstacles) and Beast 21K (challenging course featuring 30 obstacles).
Indoor Spartan City race at Etihad Arena: Race Information
Set to take place on September 20 (Saturday), the inaugural indoor Spartan City race at Etihad Arena has been designed for speed, intensity and accessibility. Participants can take on a 3 km course featuring 15 signature Spartan obstacles.
Why should the adults have all the fun? Etihad Arena’s indoor Spartan race also features something special for the children. There is a 1 km course for kids aged 4-6, a 1.5 km for those aged 7-9, and a 3 km course for ages 9-14.
1. When does the race start
It is important that each participant reach the registration area 90 minutes before the Wave Start Time. You can check your registration and QR Code for confirmation of Wave Start Time. Registration opens 90 minutes before the start time of each wave.
Be fast and complete the registration process 15 minutes before the wave start time. Coming to the location on time ensures that the participant has enough time to part, collect the registration packet, change into racing gear and drop your stuff at bag check.
Your exact start time is listed on the QR code and is going to be posted in your Spartan account around 5 days before the race date. Registration opens at 5:30 am on Saturday. For more questions, email at customercare@me.spartan.com.
2. Documents to bring to claim Race Packet
- photo ID
- digital e-ticket or printed copy (featuring QR code)
- signed participant waiver
3. What do Spartans earn?
- unique finisher medal
- trifecta medal wedge piece (run a Sprint/City, Super, Beast/Ultra to collect all three pieces)
- finisher t-shirt
- plenty of admiration and a sense of success
4. What to bring
The Spartan City Race Day Programme is going to be emailed to you 7 days prior to the date of action. The programme highlights all the details, including updated event schedules, course and festival details, parking instructions and more. Don’t forget to bring:
- photo ID
- signed participate waiver form (participant waivers need to be signed by a parent or guardian for all Spartan Kids’ races)
- QR code
- extra dry clothes and shoes to change into after the completion of the race
- sunscreen or sun cap/hat
- personal hydration solution
- race nutrition and electrolyte tablets
- performance breathable compression gear
- comfortable shoes that you have trained in
Indoor Spartan race at Etihad Arena: Tickets
Date: September 20 (Saturday)
For adults – 3K Open Race
OPEN Early Bird – Dh200
For children – 1-3 km Kids Race
| Ticket | Age Group | Price |
| 3 km OPEN | 9-14 | Dh150 |
| 1.5 km OPEN | 7-9 | Dh130 |
| 1 km OPEN | 4-6 | Dh110 |
| Competitive 3 km | 12-14 | Dh160 |
| Competitive 3 km | 9-11 | Dh160 |
Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi: Transport, hotel options and things to do
Etihad Arena on Yas Island is one of the largest indoor entertainment centres in the Middle East, making it the perfect location to host the upcoming Spartan City race. It is an indoor arena, located on the Yas Bay Waterfront area of Yas Island.
1. Transportation Details:
– coming from outside the UAE
You can simply land at Abu Dhabi airport and take a taxi to Etihad Arena. The entire journey takes around 10-15 minutes. If landing at Dubai International Airport (DXB), take a taxi or use ride-hailing platforms like Careem and reach the arena in 45 minutes.
– getting by bus to Etihad Arena
If one is opting for a bus ride to Etihad Arena, take the 190 Bus Route to Yas Island (one of the best things to do in the Emirate) through the Abu Dhabi Bus Station. You can reach the place on time and at a much more affordable rate.
2. Things to do at Yas Bay Waterfront:
Nestled on the southern end of Yas Island, Yas Bay Waterfront is gradually becoming Abu Dhabi’s leading nightlife destination. It is the ultimate day-to-night entertainment epicenter of Yas Island (full of theme parks, luxurious resorts and fine restaurants).
Yas Bay Waterfront is home to more than 20 sophisticated al fresco restaurants, cafes and bars on a pier or the waterfront plaza, a floating beach club, luxury hotels, a colossal concert arena and an entertainment zone like no other place.
You can book a staycation at some of the most luxurious hotels in Abu Dhabi, check out incredible concerts at Etihad Arena, dine on delicacies in stunning settings and hit the beautiful nightlife scene. Don’t forget to go for a sunset stroll.
3. Hotels on Yas Island
Yas Island is an entertainment paradise, featuring a great collection of incredible theme parks, such as Ferrari World Yas Island, Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Warner Bros World Yas Island, and SeaWorld Yas Island. This is unmissable, to be honest.
There are a number of hotels on Yas Island, offering great amenities, comfort and a memorable experience. These hotels are the epitome of elegance and luxury, featuring multiple dining options and other top things to do. You can stay at:
- Centro Yas Island
- W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island
- Yas Island Rotana
- Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
- The WB Hotel Abu Dhabi
1 AED