World's largest wave pool and surf park set to open in Abu Dhabi before end of 2023

Referring to the project as being set to deliver the “the biggest and most advanced artificial wave facility in the world”, the Abu Dhabi Media Office has advised that Surf Abu Dhabi will open on the Emirate’s Hudayriyat Island as of December this year.

Part of the ambitious 5000 hectare megaproject to deliver luxury living and leisure opportunities on Hudayriyat Island, developer Modon Properties has been working in partnership with the World Surf League (WSL)-owned Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) to offer a high-performance surfing experience, boasting the world’s longest ride, biggest barrel and largest man-made wave pool

The 700 metre-long wave pool is not only intended to provide entertainment but also to play a significant role in developing the local and regional surfing community.

Acquired in 2016 by WSL Holdings, parent company of the WSL, KSWC has a goal of creating a global network of high-performance training and competition facilities with the licensing of its technology to Surf Abu Dhabi forming part of this goal to expand its reach and bring the joy of surfing to new geographies and communities.

Like artificial wave technology developed by Spain’s Wavegarden, the KSWC system uses a plough-like hydrofoil to develop its wave. The submerged foil is pulled down a straight track, displacing water to create a barrelling wave that breaks along the wave pool's length.

Speaking about the technology, 11-time World Surf League Champion Slater explained “surfing reaches people in all corners of the globe and I’m always surprised with who gravitates towards this world.

“Having a KSWC wave in Abu Dhabi is something I’ve never dreamt would happen but here it is. Unbelievable. While not many would have predicted the location for the project there are great synergies with Abu Dhabi and like KSWC they are always innovating and ahead of the curve. This is going to be a lot of fun for so many people.”

Kelly Slater Wave Company President, Jeff Fleeher added “as a global hub for tourism, sport, and business, with diverse peoples and cultures, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place for us to showcase KSWC’s unmatched wave technology and surf experience.

“We’re fortunate to work with Modon and join Hudayriyat Island’s incredible ecosystem of sport and recreation to foster new participation and enthusiasm for surfing in the Middle East.”

Images: The concept for Surf Abu Dhabi (top, credit: Abu Dhabi Media Office) and the wave pool under construction (below, credit: Google Earth).