Originally scheduled to open as of late last year, the much anticipated Surf Abu Dhabi attraction remains unopened with no advice when guests will be able to take to its waves.
Located on Abu Dhabi's Hudayriyat Island, the high-performance surfing facility is set to be the world’s second surfing lagoon offering Kelly Slater wave pool technology.
To be built and operated by state-owned developer Modon Properties, the attraction has been promoted as “the most advanced surf park in the world” that will feature the world’s largest man-made pool with the longest barrel and the longest ride.
However, despite reports of Kelly Slater and other leading pro surfers tested the attraction late last year there have been few other updates on how the attraction is progressing towards opening.
At the time, Slater revealed details of the attraction’s advanced wave and also the emergence of softer waves courtesy of a new ‘W’ shaped reef designed to accommodate more learner and intermediate surfers.
This was accompanied by advice from the Kelly Slater Wave Company that “Surf Abu Dhabi is designed to inspire and cater to surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to elite.
“This innovative destination will offer a unique surfing experience, featuring the world’s longest ride, largest barrel, and highest man-made wave.”
An exception came in February this year when the Surfer website reported that eight-time world champion, Stephanie Gilmore had surfed "a 12-second barrel" adding that the attraction's opening was "likely in the coming months".
However, since then there has been no updates from the developers other than advertisement for employee positions at the attraction.
Inquiries about the potential opening date from Asian Leisure Business have not been replied to.
Image: Concept for Surf Abu Dhabi. Credit: Google Earth.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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