2014 Abu Dhabi International Triathlon: Egypt's Omar Nour flying the flag for the Arab world

The Abu Dhabi International Triathlon celebrates its fifth anniversary this weekend with athletes from no fewer than 68 countries arriving in the UAE capital for the sell-out event.

Among those taking to the start line will be charismatic Arab triathlete Omar Nour, who will pit his wits in the 'short course' race alongside Olympic gold medallist from London 2012, Alistair Brownlee.

Not that the 35-year-old Nour is fazed. The Egyptian talks with a child-like excitement of the opportunity to test himself against the very best in a race he describes as the "jewel of Middle East triathlons".

And it's little wonder. After all, it was only six short years ago that Nour, then 29, was, by his own admission, "overweight" and consumed by the stresses of everyday live.

Fast forward to present day, and Nour is now the region’s biggest triathlon advocate, spending as much of his time giving motivational talks to school children as he is in the swimming pool or on the track or bike.

Nour took time out of his busy schedule to pop into the Yahoo offices in Dubai this past week to talk about his inspiring 'fat to fit' story, tell us why the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon is so special and his ambitions in the future.

HISTORY

Since its inception in 2010, the event has grown exponentially and established Abu Dhabi as the world’s premier winter sports training destination. No wonder then that Nour spends up to six months a year in the emirate!

Just 674 triathletes took part in the inaugural race compared to more than 2,000 competitors who will be on the start line this weekend.

Nour and Brownlee will be joined Jonny Brownlee, Alistair's younger brother and 2012 world champion, as well as current Ironman world champion Frederik van Lierde.

FACTS

- More than 6,000 triathletes have taken part since 2010. The short-course record is held by Olympic champion Alistair Brownlee, who finished in 03.20.18 when he took part in 2013.

- Including the 2014 event, it is predicted that participants will have covered:

• 10,800km in the Arabian Gulf, the equivalent of swimming from Abu Dhabi to New York

• 725,600km on the bike, which would almost get you to the moon and back

• And 72,500km on the run which would take an athlete around the world 1.8 times

- The oldest racer was 78 year old Tim Foulsham in 2012. His Sprint Relay Team finished in 02.46.59.

- This year there’ll be 9,500 litres of water (equivalent of 75 full domestic bathtubs) and 4,320 gel sachets (with calorie equivalent of 1,660 Big Macs) available at fuel stations around the course

- Athletes will be supported by more than 230 volunteers, 18 lifeguards, 70 medical staff and 120 police.

- More than three tonnes of ice will be used on course to keep fluids and 4,000 wet sponges chilled for athletes to use