Surf Abu Dhabi: Catch the Wave in the Capital

Surf Abu Dhabi is officially open and ready to provide an exhilarating experience for all surf enthusiasts and beginners alike. This cutting-edge sports attraction has made its grand debut in the capital, and it claims to be the most advanced man-made wave park in the world. With features like the longest ride, the largest barrel, and the highest artificial wave ever created, it’s truly a remarkable addition to Abu Dhabi’s array of thrilling activities.

Curious about what Surf Abu Dhabi has to offer? We’ve compiled essential information to ensure you’re fully prepared for your surfing adventure:

• First Impressions
• Surf Abu Dhabi Pricing
• Beach Clubs at Surf Abu Dhabi
• The Inspiration Behind Surf Abu Dhabi

First Impressions of Surf Abu Dhabi

Before the official launch, our friends at Time Out Abu Dhabi were granted an exclusive sneak peek into what awaits you at Surf Abu Dhabi. Upon arrival, the main building resembles a stunning holiday villa, setting the stage for a fantastic outing with friends. The interior exudes a warm and inviting ambiance, reflective of the surf culture that emphasizes community and camaraderie. This welcoming atmosphere is particularly beneficial for those trying surfing for the first time.

The dedicated team at Surf Abu Dhabi is a significant highlight. Comprising seasoned surfers from diverse backgrounds—ranging from Portugal to South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Australia—they are passionate about sharing and promoting surfing culture. Mitch Crews, the senior director of surf experience, emphasizes, “It’s not just about surfing; it’s about the hospitality as well. Our team is incredibly talented and passionate, with some coaches having even trained Olympic athletes. We prioritize safety with our qualified water safety instructors.”

Beginners are in good hands, as coaches provide essential lessons on land before heading into the wave pool. One of these coaches, Gabriella Lailvaux, a South African surfer who began her journey at the age of six, explains, “Learning here is much easier because you can predict when the waves will come, eliminating the uncertainty found in the ocean. Plus, the wave is consistently perfect, allowing for substantial improvement in just one hour—something that’s often challenging in natural conditions.”

This sentiment was echoed by the Time Out Abu Dhabi team, who bravely tried their hand at surfing. Two first-time surfers managed to ride several waves after just one hour, thanks to the coaches’ expert guidance and the steady waves that facilitated learning. The concept behind Surf Abu Dhabi is to condense a surfing trip into one enjoyable session, guaranteeing great waves followed by a luxurious experience at one of the beach clubs.

Surf Abu Dhabi Pricing

Wondering about the costs associated with this unique surfing experience? Here’s a breakdown of the session prices:

• Learn to Surf: (Dhs600) – 45 minutes in the water, 12 waves per surfer.
• Open Surf for Beginners: (Dhs1,800) – 60 minutes in the water, 6-8 waves per surfer.
• Open Surf for Intermediate Levels: (Dhs3,500) – 90 minutes in the water, 20-24 full waves per session.
• Open Surf for Advanced Levels: (Dhs3,500) – 90 minutes in the water, 20-24 full waves per session.
• 1-on-1 Learn to Surf: (Dhs2,000) – 90 minutes (60 minutes in the water), 12 waves per surfer.
• Surf Trip: (Dhs15,000) – 90 minutes, max 6 surfers. Includes 20-24 full waves (4 full waves for each surfer). Comes with 6 complimentary companion passes for access to the Surf Club and pool.
• Surf Trip Plus: Price available upon consultation.
• All-Day Cabana Rental: (Dhs1,000) – accommodates up to 6 guests.
• All-Day Sunbed Rental: (Dhs200).

Bookings can be made through their official website.

Visiting Surf Abu Dhabi Without a Surf Session

Absolutely! You can enjoy the offerings at Surf Abu Dhabi without booking a surf session by visiting one of their beach clubs or restaurants. There are two delightful options to choose from:

Nalu Surf Club

Nalu, meaning “wave” in Hawaiian, is an ideal spot to relax before or after your surfing session. However, you can also visit without a surfing reservation. The menu features an enticing mix of Latin American and Asian-inspired dishes, complemented by a cold plunge pool and sun loungers—the perfect settings to enjoy the waves.

Open Daily, 8am to 1am. Nalu Surf Club, Surf Abu Dhabi, Al Hudayriat Island. @nalu_surfclub (02 419 8509).

Ilios

For a more upscale experience, head to Ilios, where you can indulge in a taste of Mykonos without the travel hassle. The Euphoria Lounge upstairs offers balcony views of the wave pool, while the dining area below features cabanas and the Apollo Bar by the pool. Expect a delightful menu of modern Greek-Mediterranean cuisine, creatively crafted drinks inspired by Greek mythology, and lively DJ sets reminiscent of Scorpios.

Open Daily, 12pm to 1am. Ilios, Surf Abu Dhabi, Al Hudayriat Island. @_iliosbeachclub (02 419 8508).

The Inspiration Behind Surf Abu Dhabi

Al Hudayriat Island, the proud home of Surf Abu Dhabi, is transforming into an ultimate sports destination, thanks to its developer, Modon. When it came to introducing surfing to the island, they insisted on working with only the best, as noted by Surf Abu Dhabi’s general manager, Ryan Watkins. “Modon said, if we’re going to do surfing, let’s do it exceptionally well. They engaged with numerous wave pool suppliers, and it was clear that the best in the world was the one we have here,” explains Watkins, referring to the renowned Kelly Slater Wave Co.

If you’re familiar with the surf scene, you’ll recognize Kelly Slater as one of the greatest professional surfers of all time, having clinched the World Surf League championship title an impressive 11 times. Slater envisioned creating surf ranches with artificial waves back in 2006, collaborating with Adam Fincham, a professor specializing in fluid dynamics at the University of Southern California, along with a team of scientists and engineers.

Nearly a decade later, the first full-scale wave was surfed, and fast-forward to today, that technology is now accessible for both aspiring and professional surfers right here in Abu Dhabi. “The quality of the wave is unparalleled. It’s unmatched anywhere else in the world, which is what Modon wanted if we were to be the best,” notes Watkins. In late 2023, this groundbreaking attraction was showcased for the first time, with surfing legend Kelly Slater himself testing the waves alongside other champion surfers.

“I’ve surfed countless incredible waves around the globe, and the wave in Abu Dhabi ranks among the best,” Slater remarked. “This facility will provide endless enjoyment for many, offering both experienced and beginner surfers the chance to ride an exceptional wave in a unique part of the world. This marks a new chapter in the surfing world.”

We can certainly say, ‘Shell yeah’ to that!

From Dhs600. Hudayriat Island, surfabudhabi.com

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