Latest news with #AbuDhabiPro
Khaleej Times
12-02-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Moroccan surfer proud to represent the region at Abu Dhabi Pro
Ramzi Boukhiam, the top-ranked Arab surfer, has been making waves in the region's surfing community since he was less than half the size of the onrushing ocean swells of which he expertly weaved in and out. Boukhiam has long dreamed of building the sport he loves in this part of the world – and knows precisely how he feels about competing in the Abu Dhabi Pro, the region's first World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event. 'It's going to be fun surfing in Abu Dhabi,' says the 31-year-old Moroccan national of the tournament, which takes place from February 14 – 16 at Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island. Boukhiam, born in Morocco's coastal city of Agadir, believes witnessing the world's best 60 surfers compete in Abu Dhabi can only help inspire people across the region become more involved in the sport he has adored since childhood. Both male and female categories are in action in the UAE capital. 'Who would have thought that we would compete one day in Abu Dhabi!' says Boukhiam, who has qualified for both the past two Olympics and won a silver medal at the 2024 ISA World Surfing Games. 'It's an amazing thing and, even to push surfing there in this part of the world could be really nice. Hopefully we have a fun event. It is for sure going to impact surfing in the region and bring a lot of more eyes to the sport for people there.' The WSL Championship Tour is the pinnacle of professional surfing, with Surf Abu Dhabi, who collaborated with Kelly Slater in is creation, the perfect host for the inaugural Middle East event. Slater, a record 11-time WSL champion, is widely regarded as the greatest professional surfer of all time. Surf Abu Dhabi harnesses cutting-edge technology developed by the Kelly Slater Wave Company, delivering perfectly engineered waves that replicate the power and excitement of ocean swells – with the precision and consistency ideal to challenge the world's best surfers. 'Already since it's opened, there's a lot of people from the region surfing there,' says Boukhiam of Surf Abu Dhabi. 'I met a few when I was there, so that was pretty nice and it's going to keep growing. I think all these pools around the world are going to bring more eyes to surfing in general because they are making pools in places where you never think surfing was going to be. It's a good thing and I am excited for the event. I'm gonna try to do my best and I'm excited to be in Abu Dhabi.' The Abu Dhabi Pro marks the second stop on this season's Championship Tour, with the surfers currently rounding off the action in the Lexus Pipe Pro in Hawaii. Everybody competing on the incredible waves in Abu Dhabi is also bidding for a shot at the World Title in the season-ending WSL Finals. But beyond the surfing, the Abu Dhabi Pro is also a vibrant festival experience with live music, local food, and family-friendly entertainment, offering something for all the loved ones in your life this Valentine's Day weekend.
Web Release
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Why the Abu Dhabi Pro at Surf Abu Dhabi, the region's first World Surf League Championship Tour event, is the place to be from February 14-16
To get your tickets, which start from AED59 per day, visit: Surf Abu Dhabi PRO Tickets Abu Dhabi | Ticketmaster AE | Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi | This Valentine's Day weekend, make waves with the loved ones in your life and head for Surf Abu Dhabi for the highly anticipated Abu Dhabi Pro, featuring Olympic medalists and world champions, from February 14 – 16. The Abu Dhabi Pro is the first-ever World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event in the Middle East, with the event once again showcasing the UAE capital city as a premier global sports destination. three days Everyone loves being out in the sun on the beach at this glorious time of year, so here's why you need to be at Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi for three days of top-class competition: Reasons to attend: Surfing in a Unique Setting: The WSL Championship Tour is the pinnacle of professional surfing, with Surf Abu Dhabi the perfect host for the inaugural Middle East event. Surf Abu Dhabi harnesses cutting-edge technology developed by the Kelly Slater Wave Company, delivering perfectly engineered waves that replicate the power and excitement of ocean swells with precision and consistency, making it the perfect set to challenge the best surfers in the world. Global and Regional Talent: Olympic medalists? Yep. World champions? Yep. The top 60 surfers in the world are challengers in both male and female categories, competing over three days at the brand-new surfing destination. Absolutely, with everyone competing on the incredible waves in Abu Dhabi for a shot at the World Title at the season-ending WSL Finals. And included in the Abu Dhabi roster, hailing from Morocco, is the top-ranked Arab surfer Ramzi Boukhiam, inspiring a new generation of surfers in the region. Than Just Surfing: The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is a vibrant festival experience with live music, local food, and family-friendly entertainment, offering something for all the loved ones in your life this Valentine's Day weekend. 4. Establish Abu Dhabi as the global hub for Sports: Hosting the WSL Championship Tour in Abu Dhabi underscores the UAE's reputation as a premier sports destination for top athletes worldwide. Don't miss the chance to witness the world's best surfers up close, right in your own backyard, and take home a unique signed event merchandise, marking a moment in history. Event Day Highlights: Friday February 14: 7am – Start Competition Round 1 8.30am – Surf Village Doors Open 9am – Food Trucks Open 2pm – Ripe Market Stands & Workshops 5.15pm – Live Band Speed Wagon 11pm – Surf Village Doors Close Saturday February 15: 7am – Start Competition Round 2 & 3 8.30am – Surf Village Doors Open 9am – Food Trucks Open 10am – Ripe Market Stands & Workshops 3.50pm – Live Band = Abri 5.30pm – Live Band = 13 Daze 8.50pm – DJ Set = Dany Neville 11pm – Surf Village Doors Close Sunday February 16: 7am – Competition Start: Quarterfinals 4pm – Award Ceremonies 8.30am – Surf Village Doors Open, Food Trucks Open, Ripe Market Stands & Workshops 1.40pm – Live Band = Abri 6pm – Competition Finals: Men & Women 6.45pm – Award ceremony 7pm – DJ Set = Tim Davis 8pm – Surf Village Doors Close For more information: See World Surf League 2025 Championship Tour – Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Tickets and Hospitality: For tickets, see Surf Abu Dhabi PRO Tickets Abu Dhabi | Ticketmaster AE | Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi | General Admission: Starting at AED59 per day (free for children under 12). Hospitality Lounge: Immerse yourself in the ultimate Surf Spectacle, with premium views and exclusive amenities. – Prime Viewing – Premium Dining – Beverages Inclusive of Grapes and Hops – Afternoon Tea Break and Snacks – Valet Parking: On a First Come, First Serve basis – Access to All Entertainment: Live bands and DJ sets at the village – Access to the village: Kids and Family activities and variety of food trucks
