11-time world champion Kelly Slater (USA) at the Abu Dhabi surfing facility. Credit: © Surf Abu Dhabi
Today, the World Surf League (WSL) announced Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi as the host venue for the 2025 Championship Tour (CT) and the third stop on the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour.
Surf Abu Dhabi, the groundbreaking wave facility owned and operated by Modon Holding, features world-leading wave technology from Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), the innovative wave technology and surfing experience company. Through this partnership, the team has created a high-performance wave that will be an incredible canvas for the best surfing in the world.
“We look forward to seeing what the Surf Abu Dhabi facility can offer the world’s best surfers – and the surfing world in general – in the future,” said Ryan Crosby, CEO of the WSL. “Both the evolving wave technology and the region itself present exciting opportunities for the WSL and we are excited to see these come to fruition in the coming months.”
“Working with Kelly Slater Wave Company and Surf Abu Dhabi allows us to create a destination that welcomes surfers of all levels and communities and attracts a new generation of surfers to the region. Together we have created a facility that consistently delivers perfect waves, new wave profiles for every level and the uniqueness of this being the first saltwater-based wave pool. We can’t wait to welcome the world’s best surfers and all the new fans this region brings to the sport,” said Bill O’Regan, Group CEO at Q Holding.
“Working with Kelly Slater Wave Company and Surf Abu Dhabi demonstrates that we have created a world-class facility that will provide perfect waves to a region and help build a whole new surfing community in Abu Dhabi,” said Jeff Fleeher, President of Kelly Slater Wave Company. “Now, partnering with the WSL extends this opportunity even further, creating a platform to showcase the world’s best surfers to new and existing fans, in the heart of the wider Hudayriat Island sporting ecosystem.”
The WSL Championship Tour is the highest level of competitive surfing, crowning world champions each year. Surf Abu Dhabi will join the elite surfing venues hosting the world’s best surfers in the 2025 season. The full competition schedule for the 2025 CT will be released after the Lexus WSL Finals, but for now, Surf Abu Dhabi joins world-renowned venues such as Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Snapper Rocks in Queensland, Australia, and Cloudbreak in Fiji.
The WSL Longboard Tour includes three international events leading up to the one-day championship in El Salvador. Surf Abu Dhabi will host the third stop on the Longboard Tour, the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic presented by Modon, from September 27-29, 2024. This competition will play a crucial role in determining qualifiers for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, where the men’s and women’s longboard world champions will be crowned in October.
Watch LIVE
The Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic, presented by Modon, will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. For additional ways to watch through WSL broadcast partners, click here.
For more information, visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing. Since 1976, it has crowned world champions and showcased the world’s best surfers. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for excellence on the most dynamic playing field in all of sport. The WSL is firmly committed to its values, emphasizing ocean protection, equality and the sport’s rich heritage while championing progress and innovation. For more information, visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
About the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC)
The Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) is an unparalleled leader in the surfing experience industry, offering a groundbreaking blend of cutting-edge wave technology and comprehensive training and education for surfers of all abilities. Founded in partnership with 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater, visionary science and technology experts, and dedicated operators, KSWC delivers popular experiences that resonate with everyone in and around the waves.
KSWC’s facilities seamlessly integrate experience and technology, as evidenced by the world’s longest high-performance open barrel artificial wave. The experience and certifications developed by KSWC form the foundation for the success of its development partners and their facilities. Drawing on our rich history, culture and education, KSWC creates authentic, unique destinations and experiences that embody community, adventure and soul. Learn more at kswaveco.com.
About Modon Holding
Modon develops vibrant communities, unique hospitality and lifestyle experiences and world-class sports facilities. Based in Abu Dhabi with an international vision, Modon Holding is a privately held company listed on the ADX Growth Market. ADQ and IHC Group are our majority shareholders. Through a diversified business portfolio in the UAE, we engage in strategic investments and innovations on an unprecedented scale, shaping the smart living of the future. Our goal is to create long-term, sustainable value and lay the foundations for smart, connected living.
About Surf Abu Dhabi
Surf Abu Dhabi, developed by Modon Holding, is a high-performance surfing destination located on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Founded in 2018, Modon specialises in developing vibrant communities, unique hospitality and lifestyle experiences alongside world-class sports facilities. With Surf Abu Dhabi, Modon has created the world’s largest and most modern wave facility. This iconic destination offers the world’s longest ride, the world’s largest barrel as well as the world’s highest artificial wave. Surf Abu Dhabi’s WSL certification distinguishes it, ensuring the highest standards and enabling it to host professional surfing events.
Developed in partnership with Kelly Slater Wave Company, Surf Abu Dhabi demonstrates Modon’s commitment to partnering with the industry leader in wave technology. This partnership enhances Abu Dhabi’s diverse leisure and sporting offerings and further positions the city as a leading tourism destination and international sports hub. With Surf Abu Dhabi, Modon is helping to drive the emirate’s socio-economic growth, shape the Abu Dhabi of tomorrow and deliver the best experience for Abu Dhabi’s citizens, residents and visitors. For more information, visit SurfAbuDhabi.com.
