SURF ABU DHABI PRO LAUNCHES THE INAUGURAL WORLD SURF LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR EVENT
Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event in the Middle East, is bringing world-class surfing to the region while significantly boosting the local tourism economy and inspiring future generations.
Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is being held from February 14-16 at Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island in the UAE capital and features the world’s top 60 surfers across both men’s and women’s categories.
With an influx of international visitors, many of whom are experiencing the Middle East for the first time, Surf Abu Dhabi Pro further strengthens Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a diverse, dynamic and elite global sports destination.
Surf Abu Dhabi – which was created in collaboration with Kelly Slater, widely regarded as the greatest surfer of all time – features state-of-the-art wave technology, powered by Kelly Slater’s WaveCo. The innovative man-made system holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the longest and largest artificial wave pool.
Speaking at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro pre-tournament press conference on Thursday, Ryan Watkins, the General Manager of Surf Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to welcome the best suffers in the world to Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, which will inspire future generations of surfers and demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s renowned ability to host premier global events.
“Hosting Surf Abu Dhabi Pro in the World Surf League Championship Tour is a major milestone in the sport and elevates Abu Dhabi to a prominent position within the global surfing landscape, alongside iconic destinations like Hawaii and Australia. It’s a source of immense pride and signifies Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation as well as its emergence as a dynamic hub for sports, tourism, and entertainment.
“By showcasing the world’s best surfers in a region not traditionally associated with the sport, the event generates significant interest and awareness, inspiring potential new surfers. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Surf Abu Dhabi for Surf Abu Dhabi Pro and what is certain to be a phenomenal Valentine’s Day weekend.”
Ryan Crosby, the CEO of the World Surf League, said: “The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro will be an incredible showcase of world-class surfing in a truly unique setting. This facility really is incredible, and it’s been a pleasure to work with the Surf Abu Dhabi team in the lead-up to this event. I’m just blown away to see this place in person; pictures and videos just don’t do it justice. Because of the facility and technology, this event is unlike any other location on Tour, and will feature one of the most unique formats we have seen in competition. The wave itself is designed to be the perfect, high-performance wave – and from what I’ve seen today, it is. It truly tests the surfers’ skill, stamina, and ability to perform under pressure. I know these surfers are ready for that, and I can’t wait for them to show the world what’s possible here in Abu Dhabi.”
The recent Lexus Pipe Pro in Hawaii began the 2025 WSL Championship Tour, with the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro the second of 12 spots in the global season. Everyone taking part on the incredible waves in Abu Dhabi this weekend is competing for a shot at the World Title at the season-ending WSL Finals.
With the majority of event inquiries coming from outside the UAE, and Surf Abu Dhabi’s existing user base already comprised of 75% international visitors, the event is truly poised to further solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination. By attracting new tourists to the UAE, Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is fostering long-term growth within the local tourism industry.
Caroline Marks, the 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2023 World Champion, told the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro pre-tournament press conference: “I have been to Surf Abu Dhabi before to train and had a great experience. It is really fun. The really cool thing about the wave pool is it’s like a stadium vibe. It’s our only structured event out of the entire season, and I think that’s really exciting for fans and surfers.”
Ramzi Boukhiam, the top-ranked Arab surfer, said: “Growing up, I would never have believed that I would one day compete in Abu Dhabi. It’s an amazing thing and to push surfing in this part of the world is a testament to the sporting ambitions of the UAE. I know it is going to be a really fun event that will massively impact on surfing in the region and bring a lot of more eyes to the sport for people here.”
Surf Abu Dhabi is developing a range of initiatives and events, including surf mastery retreats, festivals, and concerts, designed to enhance the surf experience, attract a wider audience, and showcase Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture and entertainment offerings. While details are still under wraps, these future developments will build upon the success of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro and contribute to the continued growth of surfing and sports tourism in the region.
For more information:
See World Surf League 2025 Championship Tour – Surf Abu Dhabi Pro
Tickets and Hospitality:
For tickets, see Surf Abu Dhabi PRO Tickets Abu Dhabi | Ticketmaster AE | Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi |
General Admission: Starting at AED59 per day (free for children under 12).
Hospitality Deck: Enjoy premium views and exclusive amenities.
Last Updated on 3 hours by News Desk 1
