Leaked Footage: Kelly Slater's Biggest Wavepool in the World Coming to Abu Dhabi (Video)

The world’s (allegedly) biggest, longest manmade wave is coming to Abu Dhabi.

Surf Abu Dhabi, powered by the Kelly Slater Wave Company (the same stuff at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California), is a new project from Modon Properties and located on Hudayriyat Island. As they claim, and as previously reported, the new wave will feature, “the world’s longest ride, biggest barrel, and largest man-made wave pool.”

And after seeing some aerial photos via Google Earth, we now have our first sliver of video showing the pool, as captured from outside UAE air force flight.

The facility is expected to be completed by December of 2023, and judging by the video, it looks damn near done. Like a desert oasis replica of Surf Ranch. Maybe even some water movement, fluttering amongst the massive, much-anticipated wave tank?

No word yet on when, exactly, the pool will open to the surfing public, or when we’ll see some official footage of this Middle East beast.

However, in the meantime, watch the video above, check out the aerial photo below, read the following press release from the WSL (who owns KSWC), and perhaps start thinking about a surf trip to Abu Dhabi? Middle East surf strike, anyone?

LOS ANGELES, California, USA (Thursday, June 15, 2023) - Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), an innovative wave technology and surf experience company, is licensing its world-class technology to Surf Abu Dhabi, a one-of-a-kind wave facility in Abu Dhabi owned and operated by Modon Properties, Abu Dhabi. In the midst of a rising passion for water sports around the world, KSWC aims to bring the stoke of surfing to a new frontier.

Located in Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi, an international city with a vibrant and diverse community, Surf Abu Dhabi will serve as the world’s premier surfing destination and experience for everyone – from beginners to enthusiasts. Utilizing KSWC’s proprietary technology, the wave facility will deliver the perfect, barreling wave every time.

“When we opened the first wave, the mystery it created and excitement that ensued was something I’m not sure many have experienced,” said Kelly Slater, 11-time World Surf League Champion and founder of KSWC. “Surfing reaches people in all corners of the globe and I’m always surprised with who gravitates towards this world. Having a KSWC wave in Abu Dhabi is something I’ve never dreamt would happen but here it is. Unbelievable. While not many would have predicted the location for the project there are great synergies with Abu Dhabi and like KSWC they are always innovating and ahead of the curve. This is gonna be a lot of fun for so many people.”

Jeff Fleeher, President of Kelly Slater Wave Company, said, “As a global hub for tourism, sport, and business, with diverse peoples and cultures, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place for us to showcase KSWC’s unmatched wave technology and surf experience. We’re fortunate to work with Modon and join Hudayriyat Island’s incredible ecosystem of sport and recreation to foster new participation and enthusiasm for surfing in the Middle East.”

Bill O’Regan, CEO of Modon, said: “At Modon, our role is to support the growth of Abu Dhabi’s ambitions and sports asset development strategy which is contributing towards a legacy of sporting excellence.

“As the world’s premier man-made surf experience, Surf Abu Dhabi is specified to host major international surf competitions. It is a high-performance destination that will offer world-class surfers the perfect conditions to train or compete, while also growing the region’s surfing community, and inspiring wider society to embrace a healthy new activity.”

Construction of Surf Abu Dhabi is expected to be completed by December 2023. 

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