Surf Abu Dhabi Confirmed as New Venue on World Surf League 2025 Championship Tour

11-time World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) at the Surf Abu Dhabi facility. Credit: © Surf Abu Dhabi

Today, the World Surf League (WSL) announced Surf Abu Dhabi, located on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi, as a competition venue on the 2025 Championship Tour (CT), and as the third stop on the 2024 WSL Longboard Tour. 

Surf Abu Dhabi, the groundbreaking wave facility owned and operated by Modon Holding, features the world-leading wave technology from the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), the innovative wave technology and surf experience company. Through this partnership, the team created a high-performance wave that will be an incredible canvas for the world’s best surfing. 

“We’re looking forward to seeing what the Surf Abu Dhabi facility can deliver for the world’s best surfers – and the broader surfing world – in the future,” said Ryan Crosby, WSL CEO. “Both the evolving wave technology and the region itself present interesting opportunities for the WSL, and we’re excited to see that come to life in the coming months.”

“The collaboration with Kelly Slater Wave Company and Surf Abu Dhabi allows us to build a destination ready to welcome surfers from all levels and communities and nurture a new generation of surfers in the region. Together, we’ve created a facility that provides perfect waves time and time again, new wave profiles suitable 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 is bringing to the sport,” said Bill O’Regan, Group CEO at Q Holding. 

“The collaboration with the Kelly Slater Wave Company and Surf Abu Dhabi showcases our creation of a world-class facility that will provide perfect waves to a region to help grow an entirely new Surf Community in Abu Dhabi,” said Jeff Fleeher, Kelly Slater Wave Company President. “The partnership with the WSL now amplifies this opportunity, creating a platform to showcase the world’s best surfers to both new and existing fans, seated in the heart of Hudayriat Island’s broader sports ecosystem.”

The WSL Championship Tour is the highest tier of competitive surfing that crowns the annual World Champions. Surf Abu Dhabi will be amongst the elite surfing venues to host the world’s best surfers in the 2025 season. The full schedule of competitions for the 2025 CT will be released following the Lexus WSL Finals, but so far, Surf Abu Dhabi will join world-renowned venues such as the Banzai Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Snapper Rocks in Queensland, Australia, and Cloudbreak in Fiji. 

The WSL Longboard Tour features three international events leading into the one-day Championship in El Salvador. Surf Abu Dhabi will host the third stop of the Longboard Tour, the Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon, from September 27 – 29, 2024. This competition will play a critical role in determining the qualifiers for the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships, which will crown the men’s and women’s Longboard World Champions in October. 

Watch LIVE
The Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic Presented by Modon will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners. 

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com. 

About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

About the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC)
The Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) is an unparalleled leader in the surf experience industry, offering a groundbreaking blend of cutting-edge wave technology, and comprehensive training and progression for surfers of all ability levels. Created in collaboration with 11-time World Surf League Champion Kelly Slater, visionary science and technology experts, and dedicated operators, KSWC provides beloved experiences that resonate with everyone in and around the waves.

KSWC facilities integrate experience and technology seamlessly, as evidenced by the world’s longest, open-barrel, high-performance artificial wave. The experiences and certifications developed by KSWC form the foundation for the success of its development partners and their properties. Rooted in our rich history, culture, and training, KSWC creates authentic, one-of-a-kind 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 Private Joint Stock company listed on the ADX Growth Market with the shareholding of ADQ and the IHC Group being our majority shareholders. Through a diversified business portfolio in the UAE, we are engaged in strategic investment and innovation on an unrivalled scale, shaping future smart living. Our goal is to deliver long-term, sustainable value, laying the foundations for intelligent, connected living.

About Surf Abu Dhabi
Surf Abu Dhabi, developed by Modon Holding, is a high-performance surfing destination located on Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Established in 2018, Modon specializes in developing vibrant communities, unique hospitality, and lifestyle experiences alongside world-class sports facilities. With Surf Abu Dhabi, Modon has created the biggest and most advanced wave facility in the world. This iconic destination features the world’s longest ride, the world’s biggest barrel, together with the world’s highest man-made wave. Surf Abu Dhabi’s WSL certification sets it apart, ensuring the highest standards and allowing it to host professional surfing events.

Surf Abu Dhabi is developed in partnership with the Kelly Slater Wave Company, showcasing Modon’s commitment to partnering with the industry leader in wave technology. This partnership adds to Abu Dhabi’s diverse leisure and sports offerings and further positions the city as a leading tourism destination and an international sporting hub. Through Surf Abu Dhabi, Modon contributes to driving socio-economic growth of the emirate, shaping the Abu Dhabi of tomorrow, and offering the best experience for Abu Dhabi’s citizens, residents, and visitors. For more information, please visit SurfAbuDhabi.com.