First-Ever Pro Surfing Contest Coming to Kelly Slater’s Abu Dhabi Wave Pool

Pro surfing is coming to the desert lands of Arabia. In a new announcement from the World Surf League, the Kelly Slater Wavepool, Surf Abu Dhabi, will be featured on the 2025 Championship Tour. When, exactly? That’s TBD. As is the whole tour schedule.

“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."

Related: Kelly Slater’s ‘Biggest Man-Made Wave’ in the World Is Opening Soon

Just days ago, it was announced that Surf Abu Dhabi will finally open to the public in October after being delayed from a late 2023 grand opening.

Via social media, Surf Abu Dhabi announced:

“We’re on. Can’t wait to see you all in October. Thank you for staying curious and sharing the love for Surf Abu Dhabi, it’s all happening! And before you flood our DM’s – bookings for October sessions will be live on our website in September.”

As for the wave? Well, there’s been a lot of hype about this one – from the legions of pro surfers who have tested it out, for sure, but also from the folks behind the operation, Modon Properties. Per a press release, Modon made the claims:

“Surf Abu Dhabi will be the biggest and most advanced artificial wave facility in the world. Designed in partnership with Kelly Slater Wave Co., the landmark destination will offer a high-performance surfing experience, featuring the world’s longest ride, biggest barrel, and largest man-made wave pool.”

Of course, the OG KSWC pool, Surf Ranch, has been the ire of wave pool opponents, and a source for controversy...particularly during its debut on the CT schedule in 2023, which led to condemnations of the judges and death threats .

Related: Kelly Slater’s Abu Dhabi Wavepool: Everything to Know About the Mega Middle East Synthetic Surfing Destination

But maybe Abu Dhabi will be different.

As Slater said: “I’ve surfed hundreds of incredible waves across the world and this wave in Abu Dhabi stacks up well against some of the best waves on earth.”

Perhaps another wildcard for the 11x world champ?

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