Latest news with #SurfAbuDhabiPro
Gulf Business
24-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Surf Abu Dhabi's Ryan Watkins on the sport's rising popularity in the region
Images: Supplied 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, 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 Ryan Watkins/ Image courtesy: Thiago Diz 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. Taj_Lindblad/ Image courtesy: Run Amuck Photography 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. Luke_Wyler/ Image courtesy: Run Amuck Photography 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.
Arab News
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Brazilian Italo Ferreira remembers idol Ayrton Senna with celebration at Surf Abu Dhabi Pro
ABU DHABI: They say not all superheroes wear capes, but Italo Ferreira certainly does. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Having won the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro final at the weekend after two waves of four, Ferreira celebrated by tying a Brazil flag around his neck and hopping back on his board. The clip of the Olympic 2020 gold medalist and 2019 World Surf League Championship Tour winner weaving in and out of the Surf Abu Dhabi waves with his nation's flag billowing may turn out to be an iconic sporting moment. While many may have thought of Superman, patriotic Ferreira had another sporting superhero in mind — Brazil's late, great three-time Formula One world champion Ayrton Senna, who celebrated in similar fashion. 'That was a really cool moment for me,' said Ferreira. 'It was like Ayrton Senna, one of the idols from Brazil. We have so many good sporting talents in Brazil who inspire us, both from the past and right now. It was a really cool moment for me.' For confirmation of the adoration for Brazil's sports stars, you only had to look at the capacity crowd at Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island over the three days of action. There was a sea of yellow including many Brazilian jerseys with the numbers of Ronaldo or Neymar on their backs. But the most important number for Ferreira, who surfs wearing 15, is now No. 1 as the champion. 'That was really special for me making history here,' said Ferreira of his victory at the debut Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, which was also the first time the Middle East has hosted a WSL Championship Tour event. 'I'm so glad to live in this moment, that was very special. It's great to be here and have this kind of wave pool in the middle of the desert in Abu Dhabi,' the 30-year-old added. Surf Abu Dhabi's state-of-the-art technology was designed by another superhero, Kelly Slater, widely considered the greatest surfer of all time. Surf Abu Dhabi's system holds multiple Guinness World Records, including for the longest and largest artificial wave pool, and world's biggest barrel. Ferreira, a national hero who has some 3 million followers on Instagram, won his quarterfinal on Sunday against Kanoa Igarashi, in a repeat of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics gold medal match. Ferreira then soared through every run in the semifinal versus Jack Robinson with increasingly higher scores, building to a 17.37. And Indonesian star Rio Waida, so impressive in the competition, could only watch as the Brazil flag fluttered from the back of Ferreira in the final. 'It was incredible having a lot of Brazilians right here,' said Ferreira, who is from Baia Formosa, the easternmost city in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte. 'I had big support from all the fans, not only here but all around the world. The Brazil fans are special, and I can't wait to surf again with them right here.' The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro was the second of 12 global events in the 2025 WSL Championship Tour. Next on the roster is Portugal in March. All the top surfers, including Ferreira, are competing. But beyond that, the legacy of the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is something that matters greatly to Ferreira, who is keen to inspire surfers in the Middle East. 'We are making great moments right now, aren't we?' he said. 'We are making history; building new wave pools and making something special for the sport.' It is perhaps apt that Ferreira, cape and all, was the first superstar to write his name in the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro record books. His Wikipedia page states that he learned to surf on the 91-centimeter lid of a cooler box his father used to transport fish to sell to restaurants in Baia Formosa. 'My history is really special,' smiled Ferreira. 'I'm so glad to live this life, you know, it's like I came from the bottom and right now I'm at the top and this is motivating me more and more. 'My family have been supporting me every year and pushing me always, and my team as well. It's really cool.'
Web Release
17-02-2025
- Sport
- Web Release
ITALO FERREIRA AND CAITLIN SIMMERS THRILLED TO MAKE HISTORY AS WINNERS OF THE INAUGURAL SURF ABU DHABI PRO
Italo Ferreira and Caitlin Simmers, the winners of the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, have spoken of their delight at making history in the first World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event in the Middle East. Brazilian surfer Ferreira, in the men's category, and American national Simmers in the women's event, claimed victory on Sunday night after three days of world-class surfing at Surf Abu Dhabi. An appreciative and enthusiastic capacity crowd on the banks of Surf Abu Dhabi watched on as Ferreira defeated Indonesian star Rio Waida in the final after Simmers, the 2024 WSL champion, beat Molly Picklum from Australia. Ferreira said: 'That was really special for me making history here. There was a lot of work behind it. I have been training a lot for this moment. I'm so glad to live in this moment – that was very special. It's great to be here and have this kind of wave pool in the middle of the desert in Abu Dhabi. I saw some new guys enjoying the pool and surfing for the first time and this is very special for the sport, and for us as well.' The semi-finals earlier on Sunday saw 30-year-old Ferreira defeat the Australian surfer Jack Robinson, while Waida overcame Robinson's countryman Ethan Ewing. Simmers, 19, triumphed over Gabriela Bryan from Hawaii in her semi-final while Picklum beat Frenchwoman Vahine Fierro. Simmers said: 'It's pretty crazy. I'm just in a place where I never thought I would be – I never really thought that I would be in Abu Dhabi winning a surf contest. I feel like it's a very unique contest to win and I guess the fact that it's the first-ever contest here really makes it, like more unique. It's just fun. 'I love getting barreled on the surfboard, so that was just the funniest part about it. I know that every wave I'm going to get a barrel. It's just been a really fun learning opportunity to learn how to perform under pressure.' Ferreira won the WSL title in 2019 and achieved 2020 Olympic gold, while Simmers is the current WSL CT champion, emerging victorious in the 2024 season at just 18 to become the youngest woman in history to achieve the feat. Surf Abu Dhabi features state-of-the-art wave technology, powered by Kelly Slater's WaveCo. The innovative man-made system holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the longest and largest artificial wave pool, and the world's biggest barrel. The recent Lexus Pipe Pro in Hawaii began the 2025 WSL CT, with Surf Abu Dhabi Pro the second of 12 spots in the global season. The world-class surfers taking part in the incredible waves in Abu Dhabi over the weekend have been competing for a shot at the World Title at the season-ending WSL Finals. With most inquiries for Surf Abu Dhabi Pro coming from outside the UAE – and Surf Abu Dhabi's existing user base already comprised 75% international visitors – the event has solidified the UAE capital city's status as a global destination. The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro has welcomed world-class surfers, raised awareness of the sport, inspired future generations and fostered long-term growth within the local tourism industry. Surf Abu Dhabi is 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 remain 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.
Mid East Info
17-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
Italo Ferreira and Caitlin Simmers Thrilled To Make History As Winners Of The Inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro - Middle East Business News and Information
The first World Surf League Championship Tour event in the Middle East concluded on Sunday with Brazilian surfer Ferreira and American national Simmers earning men's and women's first prizes respectively 'That was really special for me making history here' – Ferreira 'I never thought that I would be in Abu Dhabi winning a surf contest. It's very unique' – Simmers. Abu Dhabi – February, 2025: Italo Ferreira and Caitlin Simmers, the winners of the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, have spoken of their delight at making history in the first World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event in the Middle East. Brazilian surfer Ferreira, in the men's category, and American national Simmers in the women's event, claimed victory on Sunday night after three days of world-class surfing at Surf Abu Dhabi. An appreciative and enthusiastic capacity crowd on the banks of Surf Abu Dhabi watched on as Ferreira defeated Indonesian star Rio Waida in the final after Simmers, the 2024 WSL champion, beat Molly Picklum from Australia. Ferreira said: 'That was really special for me making history here. There was a lot of work behind it. I have been training a lot for this moment. I'm so glad to live in this moment – that was very special. It's great to be here and have this kind of wave pool in the middle of the desert in Abu Dhabi. I saw some new guys enjoying the pool and surfing for the first time and this is very special for the sport, and for us as well.' The semi-finals earlier on Sunday saw 30-year-old Ferreira defeat the Australian surfer Jack Robinson, while Waida overcame Robinson's countryman Ethan Ewing. Simmers, 19, triumphed over Gabriela Bryan from Hawaii in her semi-final while Picklum beat Frenchwoman Vahine Fierro. Simmers said: 'It's pretty crazy. I'm just in a place where I never thought I would be – I never really thought that I would be in Abu Dhabi winning a surf contest. I feel like it's a very unique contest to win and I guess the fact that it's the first-ever contest here really makes it, like more unique. It's just fun. 'I love getting barreled on the surfboard, so that was just the funniest part about it. I know that every wave I'm going to get a barrel. It's just been a really fun learning opportunity to learn how to perform under pressure.' Ferreira won the WSL title in 2019 and achieved 2020 Olympic gold, while Simmers is the current WSL CT champion, emerging victorious in the 2024 season at just 18 to become the youngest woman in history to achieve the feat. Surf Abu Dhabi features state-of-the-art wave technology, powered by Kelly Slater's WaveCo. The innovative man-made system holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the longest and largest artificial wave pool, and the world's biggest barrel. The recent Lexus Pipe Pro in Hawaii began the 2025 WSL CT, with Surf Abu Dhabi Pro the second of 12 spots in the global season. The world-class surfers taking part in the incredible waves in Abu Dhabi over the weekend have been competing for a shot at the World Title at the season-ending WSL Finals. With most inquiries for Surf Abu Dhabi Pro coming from outside the UAE – and Surf Abu Dhabi's existing user base already comprised 75% international visitors – the event has solidified the UAE capital city's status as a global destination. The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro has welcomed world-class surfers, raised awareness of the sport, inspired future generations and fostered long-term growth within the local tourism industry. Surf Abu Dhabi is 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 remain 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. About Modon: Modon develops vibrant communities, unique hospitality and lifestyle experiences, and world-class sports facilities. Based in Abu Dhabi with an international vision, Modon Holding is a Private Joint Stock company listed on the ADX Growth Market with the shareholding of ADQ and the IHC Group being our majority shareholders. Through a diversified business portfolio in the UAE, we are engaged in strategic investment and innovation on an unrivalled scale, shaping future smart living. Our goal is to deliver long-term, sustainable value, laying the foundations for intelligent, connected living. About Surf Abu Dhabi: Surf Abu Dhabi, developed by Modon Holding, is a high-performance surfing destination located on Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Established in 2018, Modon specializes in developing vibrant communities, unique hospitality, and lifestyle experiences alongside world-class sports facilities. With Surf Abu Dhabi, Modon has created the biggest and most advanced wave facility in the world. This iconic destination features the world's longest ride, the world's biggest barrel, together with the world's highest man-made wave. Surf Abu Dhabi's WSL certification sets it apart, ensuring the highest standards and allowing it to host professional surfing events. Surf Abu Dhabi is developed in partnership with the Kelly Slater Wave Company, showcasing Modon's commitment to partnering with the industry leader in wave technology. This partnership adds to Abu Dhabi's diverse leisure and sports offerings and further positions the city as a leading tourism destination and an international sporting hub. Through Surf Abu Dhabi, Modon contributes to driving socio-economic growth of the emirate, shaping the Abu Dhabi of tomorrow, and offering the best experience for Abu Dhabi's citizens, residents, and visitors. About the World Surf League (WSL) The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world's best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing's global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport's rich heritage, while championing progression an innovation.
The Guardian
16-02-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Australia's Molly Picklum pipped in Abu Dhabi World Surf League final
Molly Picklum has come agonisingly close to taking another World Surf League title before having to give second best to reigning world champion Caitlin Simmers in a dramatic final at the Abu Dhabi wave pool. Picklum, the rising 22-year-old from Gosford, fought back superbly in the man-made waves on Hudayriyat Island, taking the showdown against the American to the last ride on Sunday. A clutch 7.70-point last-ditch effort from Picklum to recapture the lead forced Simmers to score 7.04 or more on her final ride to take her sixth WSL title. So when the teenager took a tumble near the end of an impressive ride, both she and Picklum were left agonising over whether she had actually done enough as they waited anxiously side-by-side to learn the judges' verdict. 'This is so close,' Picklum said aloud. When Simmers' score of 7.43 flashed up, the judges having decided the quality of her early routine had tipped the scales her way, the American was left whooping with delight as she realised she had prevailed by just 0.40 points, 16.10 to 15.70. Yet another cracker of a performance from Caity📺 #SurfAbuDhabiPro is LIVE. @surfabudhabi @ModonProperties Picklum had earlier made her way to the showdown by defeating Canadian Erin Brooks in the quarter-final (14.50 to 13.03) and Frenchwoman Vahine Fierro (13.77 to 10.53) in the semis. But 19-year-old Simmers, clearly the best surfer throughout the event, did enough to earn her sixth straight win over the Australian, who has yet to defeat her in a WSL head-to-head. The victory put the reigning champion Simmers back on pole in the WSL standings on 17,800 points, with Picklum second on 13,885 and her fellow Australian Tyler Wright third on 12,610. The loss provided the anti-climactic end to what had for a while looked set to be a red-letter day for the Australian surfers, with both Ethan Ewing and Jack Robinson having qualified for the men's semi-finals. But their bid to make it into an all-Australian final was scuppered when Ewing, the 26-year-old Queenslander who was fifth in last year's championship, was beaten by Rio Waida 15.93 to 15.70, after the Indonesian pulled out a decisive 7.50-point second ride. Olympic silver medallist Robinson, fourth in last year's championship, ran into inspired Brazilian hall of famer Italo Ferreira, the former Olympic champion who delivered a couple of magnificent alley-oops en route to winning 17.37 to 15.03. The 30-year-old Ferreira then maintained his vintage form to win the final against Waida 17.27 to 14.50. The Brazilian now leads the overall men's championship on 16,085 points, with Ewing the top Aussie in fourth place on 9405. Robinson is eighth on 7415.
