“Poor location, very expensive, no goodies - Last year 's location was way better , this year was far, and the logistics very poor ( pick up not possible on the day of the event, expensive , race pack very basic, and very poor /unclear communication) in particular, the pick up of the race pack was changed at the last minute, the course was very unclear on the website, and the actual course was dangerous / swimmers had to wait to get into transition zone as cyclist were crossing the road !”

“Limited sights but fantastic course! - Having a course in the middle of nowhere wasn't quite as pleasant as previous races (in terms of getting to race an event in areas not normally accessible to cyclists in Dubai) but the course was pretty perfect to race on and not having to cause road closures obviously helped the increasingly frustrated road users of Dubai. Event set-up itself was spot on as it always is for Race ME events. A great day that will hopefully be repeated next year. ”

“Off the beaten track but it actually worked well - Was a nightmare to find and get out of, my wife actually broke down in tears trying to find her way out, however, the location made for good, safe and fast racing conditions and it made a nice change from the usual locations. The short run course was great as we got to see the supporters again and again, they almost pull you around the course. Aid stations were well stocked with cold drinks and the sponges were a welcome cooling aid. Well organized and well marshaled. See you next year.”

“If you are based locally, it's good. - A massive effort was put in, clearly. Huge praise is deserved for the organisers and volunteers. However, due to cost, no transport organised and terrible location, I would not recommend this race to anyone who isn't based locally. Especially if you are looking for a race with an atmosphere... Finally the condition of the bike course was very poor in places. ”

“Good effort by the organisers, but... - Good effort by the organisers, but still a lot to be improved”

“Good - In general, organization is good. Simple routes for swimming, cycling and running. Well marshaled. Well supported with aid stations. There were enough sponges and water for everybody. Reach event pack, all included. Location was far from perfect. It was impossible to get taxi there. Thanks for other participants who gave a lift. No shadow on running course. Also there was confusion with exact location of briefing and event packs collection in the middle of the week.”

“A nice first season half distance event - Similar to other views, it's a race in middle of nowhere. Not very spectator friendly, but race route was easy and totally safe. All speed bump was clearly signposted. Very good support stations and friendly staff, run was very hot but it was expected. It's a shame we are getting less participants than last two years, but a weekend of Trifest probably attracts much more entries of varied distance than just one event. All in all, a very well organised race by RaceME. ”

“Good racing but too many loose ends! - Short swim, long bike courses and horrendously difficult to find location. On the plus side, a traffic free bike and well stationed run, even though 6 loops were abit too much. ”

“Abfab!!! - Awesome start to finish”

“Disapointed - Venue was safe... but not really nice. variety of refreshments were really limited... ”

“Another great race...a few minor tweaks needed! - Great race again and really enjoyed the experience and will be back!! Just a couple of comments for next year: Poor race pack directions to the venue and no signage at all on the Friday for bike racking. I had to ask for directions twice. No food/water available at the race village on Friday afternoon during bike racking. No coke on the feed stations...had it at every other 70.3 I have done including DIT last year Only one food outlet for spectators...not enough...”

“Generally good - It was interesting”

“Great events team very poor location - A lot of confusing information about where to collect registration pack. I missed the swim start because man at security gate told me it was closed after 6am (i arrived 610ish) this meant I had to travel significantly further. I arrived at 646 but my wave had started early so I missed the swim. Events team agreed to compensate but obviously very upsetting. Venue was far too remote in my view and many others i spoke to at the event. Team abs support very friendly and helpful. ”

“Great day, with great support. Thanks - Thanks to all the people that helped us throughout the day, a great job and without you it wouldn't happen. I really enjoyed my first half ironman, so thanks again.”

“Strange location and distances - Hi, same price as last year but isolated venue. middle of nowhere there was 0 spectators except family. no shade for supporters where they could see the race and cheer. next time more than 1 food truck that doesn't rip people off that really made me angry. the swim was nice however it was 200-250m short. bike course was 5k too long for no apparent reason. good goodie bag and nice towel at end. no real need to rack bikes night before when not many competing. Great volunteers!!!! ”

“Excellent organisation and support - It was a brilliantly run event. Good briefings, excellent support stations. Thanks to all the marshalls and support station staff for their encouragement and giving up their time. The fact that I don't want to do it again is simply because I don't want to do another half iron man, not at all a reflection on this event...this was my one and only, and I'm grateful to the organisers of DIT for making it special. Special thanks for the cold towel at the end!”

“Fantastic venue and event. - The support stations and staff were fantastic. Thank you very much. If I had to look where to improve I would have more food and beverage. They packed up too soon as well on both days.”

“Fantastic event, start to finish - Great event by great organisers. Well done! From the great people on the aid stations to a beautiful medal, this event cannot be faulted. It was hot but the amazing sponges made up for it! ”

“The original Half distance event! Still there!! - Given the mighty muscle of the IM brand making it difficult for additional events in what is a relatively short calendar, DIT (the original) still goes on - and I am grateful. Well done Race.ME, you have every commercial reason to drop it, and making a weekend of it! One suggestion, it would be good to have a list of the competitors available before the race - even though I appreciate Friday has to take priority”

“Good first already distance race in the season - Bike was a bit longer and who trusted computer was confuse with entrance to T2. Run was mental but good support stations and spectators. Support crew was great. ”