Abu Dhabi is set to make waves in the surfing world with the grand opening of Surf Abu Dhabi, the world's largest seawater wave pool.
Located on Hudayriyat Island, this state-of-the-art facility promises to be a game-changer for surfers of all levels, offering an unparalleled surfing experience in the heart of the Arabian Gulf.
Surf Abu Dhabi is designed to be the ultimate surfing destination, featuring the most advanced wave pool technology developed in collaboration with the Kelly Slater Wave Company.
This partnership ensures that the waves produced are not only the largest but also the most consistent and high-performing, replicating the power and excitement of ocean swells with precision.
In an interview with AFP, the general manager for the facility, Ryan Watkins described it as "the longest man-made barrelling wave on the planet," adding "We've also got the tallest wave in the world, which is what us surfers would call well over head high, but it's, you know, by the ruler, six to nine feet of a barrelling perfect wave."
The facility offers a variety of waves tailored to different skill levels, from gentle rolling waves for beginners to high-performance barrels for advanced surfers. This makes it an ideal spot for both novice surfers looking to learn and seasoned professionals seeking to hone their skills.
"The only difference here is that it's a perfect wave every time. Whereas in the ocean, a lot of variables. We can create whatever ocean wave you want here in the basin. So if you're a beginner and you want perfect two-foot foamies, we got it for you. If you want to get barrelled for 10 seconds, we got it for you. So, while we're not exactly the same as the ocean, we certainly are the closest thing you'll ever get to that," Ryan added.
The highly anticipated Surf Abu Dhabi is set to open to the public in October 2024. As the largest and most advanced wave facility in the world, it is expected to attract surfers from around the globe, making it a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about the sport.