Surf Abu Dhabi
The only public Kelly Slater wave on earth. It is the most expensive session on this page by a wide margin.
What a session costs
Published prices at Surf Abu Dhabi, as printed on 2026-09-07. Operators change prices and seasons without notice, so treat these as the shape of the cost rather than a quote, and check the operator before you book.
| Session | Price |
|---|---|
| Open surf, beginner60 minutes, 6 to 8 waves | AED 1,800 / session |
| Open surf, intermediate and advanced90 minutes, 5 to 6 waves each | AED 3,500 / session |
| Private90 minutes, up to 6 surfers | AED 15,000 / session |
Prices collected 2026-09-07 from surfabudhabi.com. Session prices do not include flights, boards, wetsuit hire unless noted, or accommodation.
The waves at Surf Abu Dhabi
Surf Abu Dhabi opened in 2024. It is an outdoor pool on Kelly Slater Wave Company.
- End Bay beginner, 1-2 ftKnee-high whitewash for first-timers on foam boards, up to 4 surfers.
- Cocoa Beach beginner, 3 ftA smooth, slow waist-high wall, long enough to practise timing and first turns.
- Point Break intermediate, 4-6 ftA shoulder-to-head-high wave with turn sections and a soft barrel.
- Kelly's Wave advanced, 6-8 ftA fast, hollow overhead wave with a steep drop, a long barrel and an open face.
When to go
Closed 1 July to 31 August. In the warm weeks either side, sessions split into shorter 45-minute heats.
The saltwater basin runs about 21 C in winter and up to about 30 C in summer.
Wear swimwear. The operator provides a wetsuit if you need one.
Boards, wetsuits and lessons
Board hire is included in the session. Wetsuit hire is included in the session.
Every session includes board, leash, fins, wax, sun protection and towels.
Discovery sessions give 30 minutes of land drills and 45 minutes in the water. Jet-ski coaching adds on to Open Surf.
New slots release every Friday, up to 3 months ahead. Weekends sell out first, and the online system does not take Amex.
Getting there and where to stay
AUH is the local arrival. DXB is about 90 minutes away and is usually the cheaper long-haul fare.
From Zayed International Airport (AUH), a taxi takes about 25 to 30 minutes to Hudayriyat Island. From Dubai, the drive is about 1 hour 15 minutes.
There is no on-site lodging. Stay in Al Bateen, the Corniche or Yas Island, 25 to 35 minutes away.
Taking your own board? Check which airlines charge for one and whether your board bag fits.
Good to know
- Every main-wave session is filmed.
- Open Surf puts up to 4 surfers on the main wave.
- Arrive 1 hour before your session.
- Outside food and drinks are not allowed, but two restaurants serve on site.
Questions
- How much does a session at Surf Abu Dhabi cost?
- From AED 1,800 a session, for Open surf, beginner. That is the operator's price on 2026-09-07.
- What is the nearest airport to Surf Abu Dhabi?
- Fly into AUH. AUH is the local arrival. DXB is about 90 minutes away and is usually the cheaper long-haul fare.
- When is Surf Abu Dhabi open?
- Closed 1 July to 31 August. In the warm weeks either side, sessions split into shorter 45-minute heats.
- Do I need a wetsuit at Surf Abu Dhabi?
- Wear swimwear. The operator provides a wetsuit if you need one.
- Can beginners surf Surf Abu Dhabi?
- Yes. 2 of its sessions are for beginners: End Bay; Cocoa Beach.
Venue details checked 2026-10-07. Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. New to pools? Wave pool 101 covers how a session works.
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