Abu Dhabi's Surfing Splash: A New Era
Why Are the World's Top Surfers Competing in Abu Dhabi?
Surfing might not be the first sport that comes to mind when thinking of the Gulf region, but that's about to change. One of the newest examples of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) sporting ambitions is that Abu Dhabi is now hosting the first World Surf League Championship Tour event in the Middle East. This event not only serves to popularize surfing but also proves that the UAE is serious about sports development and creating previously unknown opportunities in the region.
The New Home of Surfing: Surf Abu Dhabi
Surf Abu Dhabi, the world's longest and largest artificial wave technology facility, opened last year and has since revolutionized surfing opportunities in the region. Previously, surfing in the UAE was mainly restricted to a few select locations in Dubai and small indoor wave machines. However, with the opening of Surf Abu Dhabi, along with the arrival of some of the world's best surfers, the UAE's surfing scene is ready to explode onto the region's sports landscape.
Morocco's first professional surfer, who is also competing in the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro event, highlighted that promoting surfing in the region not only inspires sporting talents but also proves that the UAE is serious about sports development. "The fact that the world's best surfers are competing here shows the locals just how exciting and cool surfing is. And, more importantly, that it's also possible to give it a try here in Abu Dhabi. Who knows, maybe an Emirati surf champion might emerge in the coming years," he said.
The Impact of Surfing on the Region
Growing up near Agadir on Morocco's southern Atlantic coast, he has been participating in surf competitions since childhood. "I am very proud to be Morocco's first professional surfer and to represent my country. Morocco has 3,200 kilometers of coastline and some truly crazy waves, which is why the country is known in the surfing world. Moreover, surfing has significantly boosted tourism and the local economy in Agadir. Today, there are about 300 surf schools operating, and many large hotels, which have created many jobs for locals," he shared.
His goal is to inspire young people and show them that they can achieve anything if they believe in themselves. "I am also following my dreams, and now here I am, competing with the best in the world," he added.
The Magic of Surfing
For him, surfing has been a passion from the first wave. "The sensation of feeling the waves is incredible, and I want everyone to understand this. For surfing to become popular in the Middle East, the first step is for people to be aware of how enjoyable the sport is. Once they try it, they will surely fall in love with it. The next step would be to bring more qualified coaches and facilities to the region, and in this regard, Surf Abu Dhabi is already a fantastic start," he said.
The global stars also acknowledge
The Olympic gold-medalist surfer, who is also participating in the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro event and aims to top the podium at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, made history as the youngest female competitor to ever participate in the World Surf League, debuting at just 15 years old. The 2023 World Surf League women's world champion acknowledged being impressed with Surf Abu Dhabi. "I've been here to train before, and it was a great experience. The wave pool creates a kind of stadium atmosphere, and it's the only structured event of the entire season, which I think is very exciting for both fans and surfers," she said.
Abu Dhabi, the New Center of Surfing
According to the CEO of Surf Abu Dhabi and a UAE resident, Abu Dhabi could soon become one of the world's most significant surfing destinations. "Hosting the World Surf League Championship Tour here in Abu Dhabi puts the city on the global surfing map and aligns it alongside renowned locations like Hawaii or Australia," he said.
The UAE's sporting ambitions are reaching ever higher, and the promotion of surfing is part of this strategy. Surf Abu Dhabi is not just a competition venue but a facility that inspires youth and creates opportunities for the sport's development in the region. The UAE is therefore not only a symbol of desert and luxury but increasingly a country of sports and challenges.
