Surf Abu Dhabi, the UAE's newest attraction, is set to open to the public in October, its developers have revealed.
The artificial wave park on Hudayriyat Island will feature the world's longest ride, largest barrel as well as highest man-made wave, and is designed for surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to elite.
It was built by Abu Dhabi real estate developer Modon Properties, which collaborated with Kelly Slater, regarded as one of the world's greatest surfers.
Slater, 52, praised the park when he was given an exclusive look in November with a group of champion surfers.
“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,” the 11-time World Surf League champion said at the time. “I’ve drawn on that travelling surf education to design the wave at Surf Abu Dhabi.”
Given the capital is not known for its surfing, Slater said being asked to design and build a wave in Abu Dhabi “is something I’ve never believed would become a reality”.
Surf Abu Dhabi will “provide endless fun for so many people, creating an opportunity to surf an incredible wave in a special part of the world for both experienced and beginning surfers”, he added.
Besides being a top draw for amateur surfers, Surf Abu Dhabi will also have the capacity to host major international surf competitions and give professional surfers the perfect conditions to train or compete, said Jeff Fleeher, president of Kelly Slater Wave Company.
“The KSWC Team is thrilled to launch our partnership and Kelly’s world-class wave with Modon at Surf Abu Dhabi,” Fleeher said. “It’s our dream to share the stoke of surfing with the world and we are excited to help take the region’s surf culture to new levels.”
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FIXTURES
Nov 04-05: v Western Australia XI, Perth
Nov 08-11: v Cricket Australia XI, Adelaide
Nov 15-18 v Cricket Australia XI, Townsville (d/n)
Nov 23-27: 1ST TEST v AUSTRALIA, Brisbane
Dec 02-06: 2ND TEST v AUSTRALIA, Adelaide (d/n)
Dec 09-10: v Cricket Australia XI, Perth
Dec 14-18: 3RD TEST v AUSTRALIA, Perth
Dec 26-30 4TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Melbourne
Jan 04-08: 5TH TEST v AUSTRALIA, Sydney
Note: d/n = day/night
SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
