Surf Abu Dhabi’s Ryan Watkins on the sport’s rising popularity in the region

From February 14-16, Surf Abu Dhabi made history by hosting the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event in the UAE. This landmark competition not only introduced professional surfing to a new audience but also solidified Abu Dhabi’s position as a global sporting and adventure tourism destination.

Here, we speak to Ryan Watkins, general manager of Surf Abu Dhabi, who has been instrumental in shaping the region’s surfing landscape. Under his leadership, Surf Abu Dhabi has leveraged cutting-edge wave technology, strategic partnerships, and world-class facilities to attract elite surfers and a passionate new fan base.

In this conversation, Watkins reflects on the significance of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, its impact on Abu Dhabi’s tourism, economy, and sporting culture, and the future of surfing in the Middle East.

Surf Abu Dhabi hosted the inaugural World Surf League Championship Tour event, the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, in February 2025. How significant was this event for both Surf Abu Dhabi and the broader tourism and entertainment landscape in Abu Dhabi?

The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, the inaugural World Surf League Championship Tour event in the UAE, was a monumental occasion for both Surf Abu Dhabi and the region’s tourism and entertainment landscape.

We were incredibly excited to unveil the energy of professional surfing to a new audience, igniting a passion for the sport within the UAE and broader Middle East, and offering a first-time experience for many.

The event also went beyond just showcasing world-class surfing; it was about inspiring future generations of surfers and demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s ability to host premier global events.

The impact extended beyond the waves, with hundreds of athletes, coaches, and event staff requiring accommodations and utilizing local services, making the economic impact substantial.

This influx of international visitors, many experiencing the Middle East for the first time, further strengthened Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a diverse and dynamic destination.

The excitement was palpable, with hundreds attending the first day of practice, highlighting the immediate and long-term potential of this landmark event.

Beyond the immediate excitement of the event, what are your projections for the economic impact of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro on the local tourism industry? How did it affect hospitality, retail, and other sectors?

The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro significantly boosted the local tourism economy, attracting international visitors and driving revenue across multiple sectors. Increased demand for hospitality services, including hotels and restaurants, along with retail sales and transportation utilisation, contributed to this economic upswing.

With a large number of event inquiries coming from outside the UAE and Surf Abu Dhabi’s existing user base already comprising 75 per cent of international visitors, this event further solidified Abu Dhabi’s position as a global destination, attracting new tourists and fostering long-term growth within the local tourism industry.

As a key part of Abu Dhabi’s drive to position itself as a global sporting destination, what strategic role did Surf Abu Dhabi play in the city’s broader tourism and entertainment vision?

Surf Abu Dhabi played a key strategic role in solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier global sporting destination.

By hosting the World Surf League Championship Tour, featuring the world’s top surfers, Surf Abu Dhabi added another dimension to the city’s already impressive portfolio of international sporting events, which includes Formula 1, golf, tennis, and triathlons. This further diversified Abu Dhabi’s tourism offerings, attracting a new segment of visitors and showcasing the region’s ability to host world-class competitions.

This event elevated Abu Dhabi to a prominent position within the global surfing landscape, alongside iconic destinations like Hawaii and Australia. It was a source of immense pride and signified Abu Dhabi’s commitment to innovation and its emergence as a dynamic hub for sports, tourism, and entertainment.

The Middle East has traditionally not been a hotspot for surfing, so how important was the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro for expanding the popularity and growth of the surf industry in the region?

The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro was pivotal for expanding the surf industry’s presence in the Middle East. By showcasing the world’s best surfers in a region not traditionally associated with the sport, the event generated significant interest and awareness, inspiring potential new surfers.

Beyond the competition itself, Surf Abu Dhabi’s commitment to developing local talent through coaching programs and grassroots initiatives, including working with Emirati surfers towards Olympic aspirations, further fueled the growth of surfing within the region.

Can you elaborate on the state-of-the-art wave technology at Surf Abu Dhabi? How does this innovation set the venue apart from other surfing destinations around the world, and what role did it play in the development of surfing as a sport in the Middle East?

Surf Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art wave technology, powered by Kelly Slater’s WaveCo, set it apart as a truly world-class surfing destination. This innovative system produces what is widely considered the best man-made wave globally, holding multiple Guinness World Records, including the longest man-made wave and largest artificial wave pool.

This cutting-edge technology was crucial for developing surfing in the Middle East, providing a consistent and controlled environment for surfers of all levels, from beginners learning on smaller waves to professionals practicing high-performance manoeuvres on fast, barreling waves. This accessibility and the quality of the waves were key to fostering a vibrant surf culture and nurturing future talent within the region.

Modon’s strategy with Hudayriyat Island is to bring the world’s leading sporting facilities to the region, and this was truly the case with Surf Abu Dhabi.

With the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro attracting a global audience, what were the key factors that made the Middle East a growing market for international sporting events like surfing? How did Surf Abu Dhabi cater to international competitors and fans?

Several key factors contributed to the Middle East’s emergence as a growing market for international sporting events like surfing. The region’s investment in world-class infrastructure, coupled with a desire to diversify tourism offerings and engage a global audience, created an attractive environment for hosting major competitions. Surf Abu Dhabi, as a state-of-the-art facility designed for events of this scale, exemplified this commitment.

While the local surf community was still developing, the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro provided a catalyst for growth, attracting international competitors and fans. By offering a premium experience, both in terms of wave quality and overall facilities, Surf Abu Dhabi catered to the needs of elite athletes and created a memorable experience for fans from around the world.

What were some of the most significant challenges you faced in developing Surf Abu Dhabi, particularly in establishing it as a major destination for adventure and sports tourism, and how did you overcome them?

One of the key opportunities we addressed in developing Surf Abu Dhabi was establishing a thriving surf community in a region where surfing wasn’t traditionally prevalent. We recognised this as a chance to introduce the sport to a new audience and cultivate a passion for surfing.

By offering a world-class facility with unparalleled wave technology and expert instruction, we were able to attract both seasoned surfers and beginners, fostering a growing and enthusiastic surf community.

Another area of focus was positioning Abu Dhabi as a compelling surf destination alongside established global surf locales. We saw a positive response, with surfers increasingly choosing Abu Dhabi as a prime surf trip destination, drawn by the quality of the waves and the overall experience. This demonstrated the growing appeal of Abu Dhabi as a hub for adventure and sports tourism.

Looking to the future, what other initiatives or events will Surf Abu Dhabi host to further solidify its position as a leading destination for sports tourism in the region, and how do you plan to continue evolving the surf experience?

We’re developing a range of initiatives and events, including surf mastery retreats, festivals, and concerts, designed to enhance the surf experience, attract a wider audience, and showcase Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture and entertainment offerings.

While details are still under wraps, these future developments will build upon the success of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro and contribute to the continued growth of surfing and sports tourism in the region.