A man-made surf lagoon is coming to Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s growing focus on sport and recreation infrastructure. Located in Qiddiya City’s Aquarabia water theme park the development will introduce the country’s first wave pool powered by Endless Surf technology. The facility is located just outside Riyadh.
Aquarabia is taking shape as a masterplanned water park in the heart of the Tuwaiq Mountains. Within that, Surftopia is one of several major planned features. According to Arab News, Aquarabia is one of the initial entertainment assets in the broader Qiddiya City project.
Surf Technology Meets Saudi Giga-Project
Surftopia will use 32 programmable caissons to generate customizable waves across four distinct wave pool zones. This setup allows surfers of varying abilities to session side by side in the same lagoon. Measuring 180 meters by 73 meters and holding more than 10,000 cubic meters of water, the pool’s design also incorporates a canyon-style backdrop and a rock facade wall.
Aquarabia’s Broad Appeal
Beyond surfing, Aquarabia will feature 22 rides and attractions. Of these, five are world firsts, according to The News International. Dividing the park’s layout are eight themed zones, each inspired by natural elements. It also includes dry attractions and competition-ready sports facilities.
The new wave pool in Saudi Arabia reflects Qiddiya’s broader vision of mixing entertainment with athletic development. Endless Surf parent company WhiteWater has confirmed it will supply several never-before-seen rides to the park.
A Larger Vision for Qiddiya City
Qiddiya City, where Aquarabia is being developed, is designed to serve as a new center for culture, sports, and innovation in Saudi Arabia. The project includes a Six Flags theme park, esports venues, a multi-use stadium, and a motorsports track. Six Flags will operate both major parks.
Furthermore, Qiddiya’s master plan includes residential neighborhoods, green zones, cultural spaces, schools, and healthcare centers. As AGBI reports, the entire development is part of a broader push to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and improve the quality of life for its residents.
Positioning Saudi Arabia in the Surfing World
While Saudi Arabia is not traditionally known for surfing, artificial wave technologies are changing that perception. Projects like Surftopia aim to attract local and international surfers alike. The wave pool is part of a global trend of inland surf destinations expanding access to the sport.
Finally, the Kingdom’s long-term ambitions for Qiddiya include hosting global sporting and cultural events. As Arab News notes, the “Qiddiya is an emerging capital for entertainment, sports and culture that aims to build destinations, programs and initiatives based on the power of play that will enhance the quality of life of visitors and residents.”
A new wave pool in Saudi Arabia is one of the first steps in this philosophy of the Power of Play.
