Bahrain wave pool construction officially kicked off this week, marking a major milestone for surf development in the region. When WavePoolMag last interviewed Thinking Adrenaline founders Craig Stoddart and Damon Tudor, shovels had yet to touch the sand at the Bahrain Surf Park. Damon—formerly CEO of URBNSURF—was a familiar hardhat presence during construction of the Sydney wave pool at Olympic Park. This week, developers confirmed that ground has now been broken on both the wave pool and its Club Hawaii Experience, set along the Kingdom’s southwest coast.
Bahrain wave pool construction commenced this week. When WavePoolMag interviewed Thinking Adrenaline founders shovels had yet to hit the ground at the Bahrain Surf Park. Damon, as former CEO of URBNSURF, was a familiar hardhat figure when the Sydney wave pool at Olympic Park was under construction. This week developers announced they have broken ground on the wave pool and its Club Hawaii Experience on s southwest coast.
Edamah, the real estate arm of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, and GFH Financial Group lead the project. The surf park sits within the Bilaj Al Jazayer masterplan, a 1.5 million-square-meter coastal development zone.
Government and Company Leadership Attend Launch
Officials attended a ceremony to mark the start of construction. Among them were His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat and Chairman of Edamah
“Bahrain Surf Park – Club Hawaii Experience is a landmark initiative that reflects Bahrain’s vision to invest in innovative developments aimed at enhancing the tourism and entertainment sectors,” said Shaikh Abdulla. “It also aligns with Edamah’s mission to deliver integrated and sustainable communities that enhance the quality of life in the Kingdom of Bahrain.”
Mr. Hisham Al Rayes, CEO of GFH Financial Group, said the wave pool will expand Bahrain’s tourism offerings.
“The Bahrain Surf Park – Club Hawaii Experience project represents a milestone addition to Bahrain’s tourism landscape,” said Al Rayes. “Offering a unique surfing experience for all levels within the unique atmosphere of the Club Hawaii Experience brand, which encapsulates the spirit of Hawaii, the birthplace of modern surfing.”
A Strategic Addition to Coastal Development
Increasingly, several new wave pool projects fit within larger mega-projects. The surf park development here will span over 52,000 square meters within the broader 1.5 million-square-meter Bilaj Al Jazayer masterplan. Beyond surfing, the project will provide a range of activities, including training programs for beginners and professionals. Developers say surfing will help position the Kingdom as a global destination for entertainment and leisure and create new opportunities for economic growth.
Wavegarden Technology Brings Surfing to MENA
The project introduces Wavegarden Cove technology to the MENA region for the first time. Manufactured in Spain, this system can generate up to 900 surfable waves per hour. According to developers, the design accommodates 90 surfers at once and supports a range of skill levels.
Facility Features and Amenities
The Bahrain Surf Park will also include the Club Hawaii Experience Academy. The training facility aims to serve both beginners and experienced surfers. In addition, the park will offer food and beverage outlets, a large viewing terrace, a retail store, and shaded cabanas.
Planners also outlined flexible space for events and private group bookings, including corporate and school sessions. Developers state the energy-efficient wave pool will support Bahrain’s long-term tourism strategy while contributing to local employment and recreation.
The surf park forms part of a national push to boost tourism through entertainment infrastructure.
