Abu Dhabi, Actually

Like many of us, Taj Burrow had little experience with the Middle East before its waves became a talking point. “I’d only ever passed through Dubai airport,” TB told Stab. “So arriving and seeing these man-made cities, islands, and landscapes was surreal. It felt like stepping into the future, but on another planet.”

In recent years, the Middle East has been unapologetically ambitious in its quest to attract global visitors. Central to this effort is the Tourism Strategy 2030, unveiled by the Department of Culture and Tourism in April 2024. With a $10 billion investment plan, the region is reshaping its tourism infrastructure, focusing heavily on world-class sports facilities and hosting high-profile events.

For surfers, one of the most exciting elements of this futuristic Pinterest board was the KSWC wave pool on Al Hudayriat Island—the largest, longest, and saltiest man-made wave pool on the planet, now complete and set to host its first-ever Championship Tour (CT) event in February 2025.

It feels not hyperbolic to call Surf Abu Dhabi an engineering marvel: the wave basin stretches a staggering 690 meters in length, 150 meters in width, and holds a colossal 80 million liters of water sourced directly from the Arabian Gulf through a 650-meter-long pipeline.

The fusion of nature and cutting-edge technology is nothing short of extraordinary, and the developers behind the project, Modon Properties, have spared no expense in creating an experience steeped in luxury—from chilled pools to gourmet dining, to state-of-the-art gym facilities.

Before Surf Abu Dhabi opened its doors to the public, Stab brought Taj Burrow, Coco Ho, and Lungi Slabb to test the facility firsthand. They were joined by CT veteran and Abu Dhabi Surf’s Senior Director Mitch Crews, with a surprise cameo from actor Chris Hemsworth. 

“Before going, I thought a lot of the things we enjoy doing might be off-limits,” said TB, referencing perceived cultural restrictions in the region. “But people go to bars, drink, and act much like they do back home. Some of the sheiks looked serious and intimidating, but in the bars, they were vaping and smashing beers like everyone else. I was like, ‘Wow, this is pretty surprising.’”

Setting our rosy experience aside, not everyone has embraced the Middle East’s burgeoning role in international sports. Tyler Wright’s homosexuality, for instance, has sparked concerns about how LGBTQ+ athletes will be treated in a region where same-sex relations remain illegal. Critics have also accused the event of being part of a larger ‘sportwashing’ agenda, where governments use high-profile sporting events to distract from human rights issues.

These concerns are absolutely valid, and no one’s sexual orientation should restrict their professional opportunities. However, according to U.S. Department of State reports, there have been no recorded arrests or prosecutions for consensual same-sex conduct in the UAE since at least 2015. Moreover, openly gay performers like Elton John, Boy George, and Adam Lambert have performed in the UAE in recent years, and several major sports organizations, from the International Cricket Council (ICC), UFC, PGA, Formula 1, and Rugby 7’s, continue to host events in the country, despite counting LGBTQ+ athletes among their ranks. The WSL’s loggin’ cohort, who went earlier in the year, also had a few queer-identifying folks in the mix.

As Mitch Crews explained, “the limitations are straightforward: you can’t show too much skin in public, whether you’re male or female. Walking around shirtless or entering shopping centers barefoot is not allowed. For women, it’s less strict than often perceived—they can comfortably have their arms and legs exposed in some areas, though it may be frowned upon. It’s not as extreme as it’s portrayed.”

Here’s a rapid fire Q&A with Mitch Crews from an interview dropping shortly

Where to Stay and Cost: “The hotel we’ve been recommending is the Aloft Hotel. It’s simple, clean, and only 15 minutes from the pool. It won’t break the bank and is close enough to check out other spots like Yas Island or the Corniche in Abu Dhabi’s city center.”
Distance from Airport to Wave Pool: “Abu Dhabi Airport is 30 minutes away. Dubai is 90 mins away. You could land, drive straight here, surf in the morning, and head back out that evening if you’re on a layover.”
Where to Eat and Local Cuisine: “Dining in Abu Dhabi is some of the best in the world. Restaurants and cafes are incredible, with service on another level. But since much of the food is imported, it does come at a higher cost.”
Life Outside the Pool: “Abu Dhabi’s quieter than Dubai; it’s more relaxed and cruisy, which I prefer. The area has nice cafes, a marina, and beaches, with locals and expats mixed in. It’s an easy, enjoyable lifestyle.”
Other Activities and Nightlife: “You can do everything here, from beach clubs to dive bars. You can get fully into it at a bar — just make sure you get home safe and don’t cause a ruckus. That’s the only real rule.”
Supercar Rentals: “Cars are surprisingly affordable here, and finance options make it easy. You can buy a high-end vehicle for not much, enjoy it for a while, then sell it when you’re ready.”
Essential Items to Bring: If you’re coming to the pool, just bring boardshorts; we’ve got everything you need here. If you’re exploring the city, bring nice shirts and walking shoes. You’ll want to check out some stunning sites like the Grand Mosque and a few top restaurants.”
Local Language and Expat Community: “Yes, English is widely spoken. The locals are welcoming, and the expat community here is really vibrant. You’ll find a lot of people from all over, and everyone’s just going about their lives.”

Cost of a Session: “A session here costs $4,000 for an hour and a half, split between six people. That includes six full waves a piece, plus whatever scraps you can pick up. Or you can split waves and get 12 apiece. You get access to everything: boards, water safety, your own surf coaches, plus all your footage. You’re set for the day with this perfect setup.”