Surf Abu Dhabi will welcome the world’s top surfers for the World Surf League (WSL) Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, as the second stop on the WSL’s Championship Tour will take place from 14-16 February 2025, on Hudayriyat Island, marking a historic first for elite professional surfing in the region.
Surf Abu Dhabi Pro will feature the world's top male and female surfers competing in Abu Dhabi for the very first time. Notable participants include: 2024 WSL Championship Tour Champion and current number one, Caity Simmers from the US, top-ranked Arab surfer Ramzi Boukhiam from Morocco, and Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalist Jack Robinson from Australia. The event will spotlight 2023 World Champion and Paris 2024 Olympic Gold medalist Caroline Marks from the US, and Olympic Silver medalist Tatiana Weston-Webb from Brazil.
Opened in October 2024, Surf Abu Dhabi, which was developed by Modon, features the world's longest wave and largest artificial wave pool. The facility offers tailored wave profiles, from beginners to seasoned professionals, along with premium, world- class amenities.
Ryan Crosby, WSL CEO, 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.”
Bill O’Regan, Group CEO of Modon Holding, said: "Hosting the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro as part of the prestigious WSL Championship Tour within the first year of Surf Abu Dhabi's operation is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global hub for world-class sporting events. From the very beginning, our ambition has been to position Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for surfing by bringing the world’s best athletes to this state-of-the-art facility and inspiring a deeper connection to this dynamic sport. This event not only showcases the unparalleled quality and technical challenge of the waves at Surf Abu Dhabi but also reinforces our commitment to creating extraordinary experiences. Whether you are a passionate surfer, a sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and memorable day out, the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro will set a new standard for excellence and excitement in Abu Dhabi’s growing roster of iconic events."