Witness the exciting story behind Surf Abu Dhabi with general manager Ryan Watkins
When you think of Abu Dhabi, visions of towering skyscrapers, desert landscapes, and endless sunshine probably come to mind.
But lately, something unexpected has been brewing just off the coast – not natural waves, but perfect, powerful, man-made ones. The kind that can carry a longboarder smoothly across the water, as effortlessly as a dancer glides across a stage.
And at the heart of it all is Surf Abu Dhabi, a world-class surf facility that’s quickly becoming the hottest new destination for adventure seekers in the region.
It’s a warm Thursday afternoon when I meet with one of the driving forces behind Surf Abu Dhabi’s success, general manager Ryan Watkins.
He’s a man who knows the surf world inside and out, having spent years in the industry back in his native South Africa before the UAE called his name.
He greets me with the casual confidence of someone who’s spent his life chasing waves, but today, he’s chasing something bigger; a dream that’s come to life in the form of this state-of-the-art surf facility.
“This place is special,” he says, gesturing to the sprawling surf pool that stretches out before us.
“We’ve got the biggest man-made surf pool in the world here. Even bigger than the famous Kelly Slater Wave Company’s in California. It’s a pretty bold claim, but I think we’ve got the best waves out there.”
The excitement in his voice is palpable. Surf Abu Dhabi, which just opened its doors, is already making waves; literally and figuratively.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect, with the Longboarding Championships kicking off that very weekend. It’s the facility’s first major event, and the tickets have already been snatched up.
“We had 1,500 tickets per day, and they were gone in minutes,” he says with a grin. “It’s like Coldplay or something.”
But the real thrill isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about what this facility represents. Surfing is still new to the UAE, a sport more commonly associated with California or Australia than the Arabian Gulf.
Yet here in the desert, Surf Abu Dhabi is bringing the global surf community closer than ever. And as it turns out, there’s a passionate surf crowd right here in the UAE.
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“We’ve got a huge base of surfers living in the region, all of them eager to try it. And we’re seeing a lot of local Emiratis getting involved, too,” he explains.
“It’s exciting to see people who’ve never surfed before catching their first wave and falling in love with the sport.”
It’s clear that Surf Abu Dhabi is about more than just riding waves; it’s a place where new surfers are born, and where seasoned pros can perfect their craft. And for those who’d rather watch from the sidelines, there’s still plenty to enjoy.
The facility boasts two restaurants, Nalu and Ilios, where visitors can dine with a front-row view of the surf action.
“It’s the perfect spot to kick back, enjoy a meal, and watch the surfers,” he adds. “We want to create an experience for everyone, whether you’re here to surf, relax, or just soak in the atmosphere.”
This weekend’s event is the start of something much bigger. With a long-term partnership with the World Surf League, Surf Abu Dhabi is set to become a regular stop for professional surfing events.
“This is the pinnacle of surfing, like Formula One is for motorsports,” he says. “And having it here, in Abu Dhabi, is huge. It gives local surfers a chance to see their heroes up close and personal.”
And heroes there are. Some of the sport’s biggest names have made their way to the facility this week, helping to cement Abu Dhabi’s place on the global surf map.
But beyond the big names and pro events, the facility will continue to be a hub for everyday surfers, locals, and visitors alike, looking to try their hand at something new.
As we wrap up our chat, I ask if there’s anything else he’d like people to know about Surf Abu Dhabi. He pauses, looking out over the water, before turning back with a smile.
“People just need to come and see it for themselves,” he says.
“You can try to describe it, but once you’re here. It’s not just a pool—it’s an experience.”
In just a few short weeks, Surf Abu Dhabi has already made a name for itself as a must-visit destination, and it’s clear that this is only the beginning.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer, a curious first-timer, or simply someone looking for a new adventure, the waves are calling.
For further information, visit Surf Abu Dhabi
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