Surf Abu Dhabi

What Surf Abu Dhabi does

Surf Abu Dhabi is a premium surf destination and hospitality venue operated by Modon Properties PJSC on Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi. The facility utilizes Kelly Slater Wave Company technology to generate the only WSL Certified man-made waves globally, with a 75,000 square metre basin (690m x 150m, up to 3m deep, holding 80 million litres of saltwater) producing four distinct wave types—from knee-high beginner waves at End Bay and Cocoa Beach to head-high barrels at Point Break and Kelly's Wave. The venue serves a fragmented customer base spanning first-time surfers, intermediate and advanced surfers, corporate groups, school groups, and non-surfing visitors, with offerings including Discovery Surf Sessions, Open Surf, Surf Trip, Surf Trip Plus, and Surf Social events.

The business operates a diversified revenue model combining one-time surf session tickets (AED 350–2,500 per person), ancillary hospitality through two owned F&B sub-brands (Nalu Restaurant offering Latin American-Asian fusion and Ilios Beach Club with Mediterranean-Greek cuisine), a Surf Club Pool Pass (AED 100), on-site retail, AI-captured surf photography and video, and coaching add-ons. Distribution is handled through the FareHarbor online booking platform, SevenRooms restaurant reservations, walk-in cash and card sales, and email-based corporate and group bookings. Marketing leans heavily on organic social channels (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) and visitor-generated influencer content.

The venue was launched in 2023 as a joint venture between Modon Properties PJSC (established 2018) and Kelly Slater Wave Company, supported by a strategic partnership with the World Surf League. The facility operates year-round with a seasonal closure from 1 July to 31 August and positions itself as a destination alternative to ocean surf travel, leveraging its geographic proximity to Abu Dhabi Downtown, Zayed International Airport, and Dubai to capture Middle East domestic and international tourist demand.

Name

Surf Abu Dhabi

Legal name

Modon Properties PJSC

Website

https://surfabudhabi.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2024

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Surf Abu Dhabi is a premium artificial-wave surf destination on Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, operated by Modon Properties PJSC using Kelly Slater Wave Company technology. It serves individual tourists, local residents, corporate groups, and school groups with multiple wave types, F&B outlets, and ancillary hospitality services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Surf Park & Hospitality Destination

NAICS

Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation, Water (48721)

akta.pro primary industry

Surfing & Kitesurfing Experiences (Lessons, Camps) (THAJAJAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Surf Schools & Surf Camps (THAAAKAC), Surf, Kitesurf & Wind Sports Adventures (THAJABAK), Water & Marine Guiding Services (Kayak, Canoe, Raft, SUP, Sailing) (THAAALAB)

Keywords

• Surf park experiences
• Artificial wave technology
• Surf lessons coaching
• Beach club dining
• Hospitality entertainment venue

Headquarters

HQ city

Abu Dhabi

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Surf Session Tickets: Customers purchase tickets for various surf experiences including Open Surf sessions (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced), Discovery Surf Sessions, 1-on-1 Learn to Surf, Surf Trips, Surf Trip Plus, and Surf Social events. Sessions are priced per person with different tiers based on experience level and duration.
2. Surf Club Pool Pass: Non-surfing visitors can purchase pool access passes (AED 100) for use of the pool, loungers, and Surf Club facilities. Allows companions of surfers to enjoy the facility.
3. Food and Beverage - Nalu Restaurant: Full-service restaurant serving Latin American-Asian fusion cuisine with indoor dining, wave lounge, and Oak Bar. Open daily 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM (weekdays) and 8:00 AM to 12:30 AM (weekends).
4. Food and Beverage - Ilios Beach Club: Mediterranean-Greek beach club with poolside dining, Euphoria Bar & Lounge, and private dining/event spaces. Open Monday-Thursday 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Friday-Sunday 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
5. Retail Merchandise: On-site retail shop selling surfboards, wetsuits, swimwear, clothing, accessories, and collectibles.
6. Water Photography Packages: Professional in-water photography and video packages captured by surf photographers during sessions, delivered digitally after the experience.
7. Coaching Add-ons: Private coaching sessions available as add-ons to Open Surf bookings. Surf Trips and Surf Trip Plus already include coaching.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Surf Abu Dhabi operates a premium man-made wave surf destination on Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, using Kelly Slater Wave Company technology. It sells timed surf experiences across five wave types (End Bay, Cocoa Beach, Point Break, Kelly's Wave) for all skill levels, supported by professional coaching, equipment provision, and AI-captured video clips. The facility complements surf sessions with two full-service restaurants (Nalu and Ilios Beach Club), pool access passes, retail merchandise, and private/corporate group events.

Product overview

Surf Abu Dhabi operates as a premium surf destination and hospitality venue on Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, combining world-class man-made wave technology with full-service hospitality. The core offering centers on surf experiences across five distinct wave types (End Bay, Cocoa Beach, Point Break, and Kelly's Wave) delivered through products including Discovery Surf Sessions, Open Surf, Surf Trip, Surf Trip Plus, and Surf Social. Complementary hospitality services include two restaurant venues (Nalu Restaurant and Ilios Beach Club), a Surf Club Pool Pass, coaching add-ons, and AI-captured video/photo services. The facility utilizes Kelly Slater Wave Company technology and is developed and operated by Modon Properties.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Nalu Restaurant: Latin American-Asian flavors beachside restaurant with all-day menu, surf vibes, and views directly in front of the main wave attraction.
• Ilios Beach Club

Products and services

• Discovery Surf Sessions Beginner-focused surf lesson combining 30 minutes of land drills with 45 minutes of in-water instruction on the End Bay wave, designed for first-time surfers aged 8 and above.
• 1-on-1 Learn To Surf Private surf instruction offering dedicated 45-minute guidance from a surf guide at the End Bay, providing personalized feedback and coaching for first-timers.
• Open Surf Sessions Shared wave sessions accommodating up to 4 surfers per 90-minute slot, with three skill levels: Beginner (Cocoa Beach wave), Intermediate (Point Break wave), and Advanced (Kelly's Wave).
• Surf Trip 90-minute private session offering exclusive main wave access for up to 6 surfers, customizable wave settings, coaching, and full Surf Club amenities.
• Surf Trip Plus Full-day exclusive basin experience with unlimited wave customization, private Surf Club access, on-demand coaching, and tailored arrangements for groups or events.
• Surf Social Saturday group event bringing together 42 surfers for 45-minute party wave sessions with pool access, food, and social atmosphere.
• Coaching Add-on coaching service featuring real-time feedback from jet-ski-mounted coaches, video replay analysis, and personalized progression plans for all skill levels.
• Nalu Restaurant Beachfront restaurant offering Latin American and Asian fusion cuisine with all-day dining, a wave lounge, and Oak Bar, located directly in front of the main surf basin.
• Ilios Beach Club Poolside Mediterranean-Greek restaurant and beach club featuring Meraki Dining, Apollo Bar, and Euphoria Bar & Lounge, with beach club access and shisha services.
• Clips & Photos Service AI-powered auto clip capture system recording all surf sessions, with optional water photography packages featuring in-water photographers for premium coverage.
• Surf Club Pool Pass AED 100 day pass providing access to swimming pool, loungers, Surf Club facilities including lockers, showers, and changing rooms.
• Gift Cards & Vouchers Gift cards and vouchers valid for 12 months from issue date, valid for surf experiences and on-site dining.
• On-site Retail Shop On-site retail store at Surf Club selling surfboards, wetsuits, swimwear, clothing, accessories, and collectibles.

Quantifiable outcome

• Sessions for every level from first-timers to world champions
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Modon Properties PJSCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerModon is the Abu Dhabi developer that owns and operates Surf Abu Dhabi. As the parent company, Modon specializes in developing vibrant communities, unique hospitality and lifestyle experiences, and world-class sports facilities. The facility is a result of collaboration between Modon and Kelly Slater Wave Company, with Modon providing the infrastructure and operational expertise while leveraging Kelly Slater Wave Company's technology.
• Kelly Slater Wave CompanycoreTechnology or IntegrationKelly Slater Wave Company provides the wave technology that powers Surf Abu Dhabi's wave basin. This is the only wave system to earn WSL Certified designation. The technology produces the longest, open barrel, high-performance human-made wave in the world. Kelly Slater, 11-time WSL World Champion, is the founder, bringing his expertise in creating optimal wave conditions.
• World Surf League (WSL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld Surf League partnership through Kelly Slater Wave Co. delivers unparalleled surf programs, training and events. The waves at Surf Abu Dhabi are WSL Certified, meaning they are fit for WSL elite competition. This partnership enables the facility to host professional surfing competitions and training programs.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Wave: The Wave in Bristol, UK is an inland surf lake offering year-round consistent waves for all skill levels, with on-site coaching, food, and surf school programming. It is the most direct operating comparison to Surf Abu Dhabi's destination surf-park model.
• URBNSURF: URBNSURF Melbourne (and planned Sydney) is an Australian inland surf park providing consistent artificial waves via Wavegarden technology, with a beach club, restaurant, and lessons for all levels. Closely comparable operating model to Surf Abu Dhabi.
• Wavegarden: Wavegarden is a Spanish wave-pool technology provider that also operates demo sites (e.g., Praia da Pita in Spain). It is the principal competing wave technology to Kelly Slater Wave Company and serves the same inland surf park market.
• Surf Snowdonia (now Adventure Parc Snowdonia): Adventure Parc Snowdonia in Wales is an inland surf and adventure lagoon originally built around a Wavegarden surf lagoon. It is the most direct UK/European operational comparison to Surf Abu Dhabi in the inland surf destination category.

Broad incumbents

• Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark: Atlantis Aquaventure in Dubai is one of the largest waterparks in the Middle East and a major competitor for the regional tourist's water-based leisure time and wallet. It is a broader incumbent in the regional water-based leisure category.

Emerging players

• Surf Lakes: Surf Lakes is an Australian developer of concentric wave-pool technology that produces multiple wave types simultaneously. It is a competing wave technology provider targeting the same inland surf park operator market as Kelly Slater Wave Company.
• Endless Surf (WhiteWater): Endless Surf, developed by WhiteWater, is a deep-water wave pool technology marketed to waterparks and resorts. Directly comparable as a competing wave technology targeting the same kind of premium leisure venues as Surf Abu Dhabi.
• American Wave Machines: American Wave Machines (Sun Surfing and PerfectSwell) designs and operates surf-amenity installations for resorts, waterparks, and cruise ships. Comparable category, smaller scale, and a competitor to Kelly Slater Wave Company for premium commercial surf installations.

Regional players

• Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi: Yas Waterworld is a major theme/waterpark on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, drawing the same regional tourist and family demographic for water-based leisure. It competes for the same discretionary leisure spend in Abu Dhabi, though it is a waterpark rather than a surf destination.
• SiO (Siheung) / Seoul Surfing Park (Wavegarden Korea): Siheung Mediterranean Surfing Park in South Korea is an inland surf park operating in a tourism/leisure destination near Seoul. Comparable as a regional inland surf destination in Asia, though it serves a different geography than Surf Abu Dhabi.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/surfabudhabi
• Instagraminstagram.com/surfabudhabi
• Facebookfacebook.com/surfabudhabi
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/surfabudhabi

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Surf Abu Dhabi