Surf Abu Dhabi: “We run the best waves in the world,” says Ryan Watkins, General Manager.
For decades, surfers have traveled across the globe chasing the elusive “perfect wave.” They’ve scoured coastlines, waited out unpredictable weather, and studied tides — all in pursuit of that once-in-a-lifetime ride. Abu Dhabi, with its sunshine, warm seas, and pristine beaches, had everything a surfer could want — except waves.
That changed in October 2024 with the launch of Surf Abu Dhabi, home to the longest man-made wave on Earth. Stretching 755 yards (690 meters), this colossal wave pool allows surfers to ride for nearly a full minute — something that would be impossible in most natural surf breaks. Unlike other artificial surf parks that use freshwater, this one is powered by 80 million liters of seawater drawn from the Arabian Gulf, slightly desalinized for comfort.
At the heart of it all lies an underwater wing that pushes the water forward, while the pool’s patented bathymetry — the engineered shape of its floor — transforms motion into a flawless, peeling wave. “That’s where the magic happens,” Watkins says.
Kelly Slater’s Legacy: A Line of Waves
This groundbreaking technology comes from surfing legend Kelly Slater, who teamed up with USC fluid mechanics expert Adam Fincham to design the perfect ride. First unveiled at Slater’s Surf Ranch in California back in 2015, the innovation was quickly adopted by the World Surf League (WSL), which even scheduled competitive events there. By 2016, WSL Holdings acquired Slater’s company, ensuring the technology would shape the sport’s future.
Fast-forward to February 2025, and Surf Abu Dhabi had already hosted a WSL event, putting it firmly on the map as a global surfing destination.
The Price of Perfection
But perfect waves come at a cost. Surf Abu Dhabi isn’t for the casual beach bum. Just four surfers are allowed in the pool at a time, each paying AED 3,500 ($950) for six guaranteed rides — though they may sneak in extra waves if another surfer wipes out. For those who prefer complete privacy, the pool can be rented for AED 20,000 ($5,450) for 90 minutes.
“It’s worth it,” insists Watkins. “Each ride is 55 seconds tip-to-tip, with two guaranteed barrels. Add coaching, video reviews, and exclusivity, and no natural wave can compete with that consistency.”
Surfing’s Luxury Evolution
The surf tourism industry was worth $68.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to soar to $95.9 billion by 2030. Surf Abu Dhabi hopes to capture the upper tier of this market — the CEOs, celebrities, and billionaires who would once have chosen a golf course for relaxation.
And it seems to be working. High-profile clients like Chris Hemsworth, Steve Aoki, and Lewis Hamilton are regular visitors, while Prince Harry and Ivanka Trump have tried similar waves at the Surf Ranch in California. “From a golf course perspective, we’d be the Augusta,” Watkins explains, comparing Surf Abu Dhabi’s exclusivity to Augusta National, the world’s most elite golf club.
A Controlled Paradise vs. The Ocean’s Chaos
Still, not everyone is convinced. Luxury surf guide Felippe Bonella Dal Piero, founder of Mahalo Surf Experience, caters to billionaires who want the raw unpredictability of the ocean. His trips — sometimes costing $150,000 for just four days — are like James Bond missions, involving meteorologists, seaplanes, and speedboats to ensure clients hit perfect, empty breaks.
Dal Piero acknowledges the convenience of wave pools and even stops by Surf Abu Dhabi en route to destinations like the Maldives. But he draws a clear line: “Riding 100 meters in a pool isn’t surfing. My clients crave the connection with nature, the chaos of the ocean. They want to lose control — that’s where the magic is.”
Watkins, however, argues the opposite. Surfing’s natural unpredictability is what keeps many people out of the sport. Wave pools level the playing field. At Surf Abu Dhabi, even an 86-year-old beginner has safely enjoyed a perfect ride. For busy executives and A-listers, that mix of control, safety, and exclusivity is irresistible.
Surfing’s New Status Symbol
A few decades ago, professionals might have bonded over golf. Today, surfing has become the new status marker. The catch? These elite surfers don’t want to gamble on nature’s mood swings. They want consistency, luxury, and perfection.
