The most advanced wave facility in the world will open its doors on Hudayriyat Island this October.
From the day that surfing icon Kelly Slater reported back on his test run at Surf Abu Dhabi in November 2023, water sports enthusiasts across the capital have eagerly waited for news on its opening — and now it’s here. Located on Hudayriyat Island, the sprawling wave park has confirmed that it will open its doors this October. Transforming Abu Dhabi into a bona fide surf destination, the one-of-a-kind venue will boast a whole host of superlatives. The world’s longest ride and the world’s biggest barrel aside, it will also be home to the largest and most advanced wave facility in the world.
Designed to inspire and cater to everyone from beginners to elite surfers, Surf Abu Dhabi is an exclusive surf experience developed by real estate developer Modon in collaboration with Kelly Slater Wave Company that is leading the way in artificial wave technology and, you guessed it, was founded by the 11-time world champion himself. Part of a mega project that spans a staggering 51 million square metres on Hudayriyat Island, this ambitious venture will stand alongside an urban park spread across 2.25 million square metres and Velodrome Abu Dhabi, featuring the first UCI Category 1 indoor cycling track in the region. The island, incidentally, already draws residents and tourists thanks to the likes of Bab Al Nojoum glamping resort, OCR Park, Marsana Beach and more, making it a haven for sports enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike.
“I’ve surfed hundreds of incredible waves across the world and this wave in Abu Dhabi stacks up well against some of the best waves on earth,” said Slater on his involvement and first ride at Surf Abu Dhabi. “I’ve drawn on that travelling surf education to design the wave at Surf Abu Dhabi. Surfing reaches people in all corners of the globe, but I am always surprised with who gravitates towards this world of ours. Actually, designing and building a wave in Abu Dhabi is something I’ve never believed would become a reality, but here it is.
“While Abu Dhabi isn’t the first place that springs to mind for the world’s next surf project, the synergies between Modon and Kelly Slater Wave Company have proved to be a great recipe for an innovative idea like this one. This will provide endless fun for so many people, creating an opportunity to surf an incredible wave in a special part of the world for both experienced and beginning surfers. This marks a new era in what’s possible in the surf world.
DSCVR: Surf Abu Dhabi. Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi. @surfabudhabi
