The swimming governing body decided to cancel the event, scheduled for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates on March 14, in light of the imminent threat of a war with Iraq.
The FINA Marathon Swimming World Cup 2003 is made up of 12 events. The swimmers will now next reconvene in Hurghada in Egypt on March 27 for the third stage of the competition.
The political situation in the Middle East has already seen a number of top golfers pull out of last week's tournament in Dubai as well as the postponement of the Soccerex conference.
The crisis in the Middle East is continuing to impact on sport after the second leg of the FINA Marathon Swimming World Cup 2003 was cancelled.
