The first images of Surf Abu Dhabi were released roughly one year ago. Now, on the near-anniversary of that limited digital sampler platter, the wave pool has revealed more clips, details and, finally, their pricing and session offerings.

So how much is it to surf Kelly’s wave at Surf Abu Dhabi? In a Private Session it will run you around $185US per wave – a deal compared to Lemoore’s high-season rate of $500+ per wave. To surf an Open Group session at Surf Abu Dhabi it will cost you $172US per wave.

Compared to Kelly’s wave in Lemoore, once you factor in flight, hotel and sessions, it is a better deal than trying to get into the OG Kelly wave pool. Flights from LAX or New York to Abu Dhabi run between $500-$1,200 for economy – depending on how skilled a shopper you are. If you’re flying from London, you can find rock-bottom prices as some flights are listed at just £100.

Wave Settings on offer at Surf Abu Dhabi are Beginner, Cocoa Beach and Kelly’s Wave. All settings are available for both Open and Private sessions.

WAVE SETTINGS AVAILABLE AT SURF ABU DHABI

Cocoa Beach Wave Settings at Surf Abu Dhabi

Designed for beginners and running waist to chest high at 3-5 minute intervals, Cocoa Beach features slow-paced waves geared for both learning and improving wave-riding skills. With easy take-off locations, the wave maintains a consistent height and deliberately slower speed.

Point Break Wave Settings at Surf Abu Dhabi

Designed for intermediate surfers and running at 3-5 minute intervals in the shoulder to head-high range, Point Break features faster waves with long, clean open faces, offering ideal conditions for connecting turns and experiencing soft barrels. As a notable upgrade from Cocoa Beach, Point Break is particularly suited for surfers transitioning to intermediate levels. The wave offers opportunities for light tubes and lots of turns.

Kelly’s Wave Wave Settings at Surf Abu Dhabi

Kelly’s Wave is the crown jewel at Surf Abu Dhabi it’s the one the WSL will run and now, the average punter can have a crack at it too. It’s a head-high to overhead high-performance wave pumped out every 3-5 minutes. Designed by Kelly himself, the wave offers two distinct barrel sections and high-speed turn sections.

Private Sessions

90-minute private session for 6 surfers is AED 15,000 or $4,083. This booking offers 20-24 waves (almost four waves per surfer in a group of six) or about $185 per wave, which is a much better deal than Lemoore’s $500+ high season per wave.

Settings for the private sessions are Cocoa Beach, Point Break and Kelly’s Wave. Each session includes use of surfboards made of PU, epoxy, and soft materials, along with leg ropes, fins, wax, and sun protection. Wetsuits and life jackets are also provided if needed, and equipment insurance is included. Participants in the private sessions receive one complimentary companion pass and access to the Surf Club and pool facilities.

Open Sessions

Yes you can session Kelly’s Wave in an open group limited to 4 surfers that will deliver 20-24 waves during either a 60-minute or 90-minute session.

Open Surf Advanced

The Open Surf Advanced sessions are ideal for single surfers or those with just a friend or two, as you don’t need a full 6-person count to hire out a private session. Price and wave count for Open Surf Advanced translates to 5-6 waves per surfer. The cost is 3,500AED or nearly $950 per surfer which works out to $172 per wave.

Open Surf Intermediate

The rate is the same for Open Surf Intermediate as the above-listed Open Surf Advanced setting. So, it’s $172 per wave whether you are double-arm dragging through square barrels on the Advanced setting or taking this more slopey, easier Intermediate setting.

Open Surf Beginners

As WavePoolMag reported last year, the facility has added a unique W shaped reef to offer more broken up waves for more users at a time. These sessions start at 1,800AED or $490. The wave on offer for Open Surf Beginners is the Cocoa Beach setting. For 60 minutes learners can expect between 6-8 waves, or about $70 per wave. All gear is included including a life jacket option.

Editor’s Note: There has been online controversy focused on the United Arab Emirates following the WSL’s announcement of adding Surf Abu Dhabi as a tour stop. The United Arab Emirates includes seven separate countries with each Emirate following slightly different laws. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serves as the President of the UAE and the ruler of Abu Dhabi. We are posting the above content as it’s our job here at WavePoolMag to present information on wave pools, whenever and wherever they are built regardless of that location’s laws or actions.

From the WavePoolMag Surf Planner

The Lowdown: Surf Abu Dhabi is the first Kelly Slater Wave Co system beyond Lemoore and is part of a massive 51 million square meter project on Abu Dhabi Island. The massive development will create 16 kilometers of new coastline and several new neighborhoods and attractions. The project is part of the Modon master plan for Hudayriyat Island, which also includes a velodrome and the biggest urban park in Abu Dhabi.

Type of wave(s): Lefts and Rights, hollow with no interrupting sections. Wave Settings on offer at Surf Abu Dhabi are Beginner, Cocoa Beach and Kelly’s Wave. All settings are available for both Open and Private sessions.

Wave Generating Technology: Kelly Slater Wave Co. Systems

Wave’s Technical Information: Wave height: 2-6 ft, Both Left and Right Breaks, Length of Wave: over 100 yards/meters, Hollow performance-oriented

Price for sessions at Surf Abu Dhabi: Open Surf Advanced and Intermediate Sessions (90 minutes) are $950 per surfer while Open Surf Beginner Sessions (60 minutes) are $450 per surfer. A 90-minute private session for 6 surfers is AED 15,000 or $4,083. This booking offers 20-24 waves (almost four waves per surfer in a group of six) or about $185 per wave.

Gear: All inclusive

Hours of operation/Seasonal Hours: Unknown, but given Abu Dhabi’s weather, it should be year-round.

Pool Structure: Manmade lake

Waves per hour: 12-25 waves per hour

Apparel: Bikinis, Burkinis, Boardshorts