New Sport To Try In The UAE: Surfing

by Barbara Yakimchuk

New Sport To Try In The UAE: Surfing

16 Jan 2025

If you have ever been to a Sunrise beach in the UAE (and I bet you have), you have likely spotted groups of people rushing toward the waves with their boards. Venture a little further, and you have likely seen kites soaring in the sky — and perhaps it took you a second to realise these are not the kind kids fly!

The surfing community in Dubai might not be the most visible, but it is incredibly strong, especially with a surfing season that lasts a full seven months — from October to April! So, why travel far to surf when Dubai offers fantastic surfing destinations right here? In this article, we will cover all the essentials surfers need to know, from the best surf schools to alternative surf-related sports available in the UAE.

Where to surf in Dubai:

If you are an experienced surfer, all you need is a great spot. Here are two of the best in Dubai:

Sunset Beach — Not only does it offer great waves, but it also boasts stunning views, perfect for capturing top-notch content.

North Beach — A go-to spot for board enthusiasts! On windy days, it is ideal for surfing, and when the water is calm, you can switch to paddleboarding.

But if you are after more than just waves, the following information will definitely come in handy!

Photo: Raman Aujla

Where to learn surfing:

As a beginner in surfing (and actually all board-related sports), I would say it is best to start your surfing journey with an instructor. It is quite important to have someone show you how to position your feet so you do not end up in the water within seconds or give your board that initial push to help you catch a wave.

Here is a list of the top three surfing schools in the UAE:

Surf House Dubai

This is probably one of the most popular surf schools in Dubai — not just for beginners but also for experienced surfers.

Here, you can find literally everything — from new boards to the surfer’s breakfast. But the main thing is the lessons themselves. All sessions are run according to International Surfing Association standards to make sure you will feel confident not only in Dubai’s calm waves but also in other surf spots all over the world! You can choose either private lessons (375 AED) or join a group session (from 225 AED). I would recommend the group option — it is more social, and you will still get your own instructor, while you are in the water.

For those keen to dive deeper into the world of surfing, Surf House also offers specialised Surf Development Program. These intensive courses go beyond surfing itself and include video analysis, fitness training, and surf skating to help you improve quickly.

Photo: @surfhousedubai

Soul Surf

This is more than just a surf school — it is a thriving surf community in Dubai, founded and nurtured by a young surfer from the UK. I give bonus points for the website interface: it is super user-friendly. Simply pick your preferred day or time (already tailored to wave conditions for intermediate level) and book a lesson — just 250 AED per session.

Like the previous option, they offer private lessons and advanced surf training, with flexible packages to suit your needs.

Surf Abu Dhabi

Last but certainly not least — this is the spot everyone has been talking about: the newly opened Surf Abu Dhabi, developed in partnership with Kelly Slater, the 11-time world surfing champion. Definitely new source of pride for Abu Dhabi tourism — and for good reason!

This place is not just about surfing — it has a full-on experience with several restaurants and a beach club on-site, offering the ideal balance of excitement and relaxation. So If you are planning a visit, it is best to set aside an entire day. With artificial waves and four designated spots, there is something for everyone, from beginners to advanced surfers. But do not let the word “artificial” put you off — the experience feels just like riding real ocean waves! The only difference? No waiting around for the perfect conditions, so the sessions are much more intense.

Photo: @surfabudhabi

The sport to try for experienced surfers: Kitesurfing

If you are an experienced surfer looking for a new thrill, kitesurfing could be your next adventure! This extreme sport is perfect for those who are ready to push their limits — but expect your whole body to ache after a session, and get ready for everyone to admire your stories when you talk about it!

It is best to start with an instructor, so here are three schools to consider. All are located near Kite Beach, so the best thing is to choose based on the instructor’s style or their schedule:

Kiteloop — Offering a constantly updated schedule and highly experienced instructors.

Kite Club Dubai — Providing lessons for both adults and kids!

Ocean Tribe — Known for high-quality lessons and a great vibe, created by European instructors.

Photo: Timur Garifov

Kitesurfing: A comment from the experienced kiter

Whenever I hear even the slightest mention of kitesurfing, something inside me shivers. So, if you feel the same way, I have gathered a few comments from my friend, who is already experienced in this type sport. Hopefully, some of them will inspire you, while others might offer a little reassurance.

— For those who have never tried kitesurfing, where should they start?

— Kitesurfing is an incredible sport, but it does require preparation. Even if you have experience with snowboarding, wakesurfing, skateboarding, or anything else, you need to start with an instructor. Why? Controlling the kite is a skill in itself. Your first lesson (or even two) will always be on land, where you will learn how to manage the kite. And only after a few sessions on solid ground the instructor will allow you move on to the water.

— If you have already tried other board sports, will it make learning kitesurfing easier?

— In case you have tried wakeboarding, wakesurfing, or snowboarding, you will likely find kitesurfing easier to pick up — the feeling of being pulled on a wakeboard by a boat is quite similar. However, if your experience is with skateboarding or skiing, it will not help much, as the mechanics are completely different. People with a well-developed sense of balance, even from sports like racquet sports or figure skating, will generally have an advantage.

Photo: @kitensurfdubai

— Is Dubai a good place to start kitesurfing?

— I would say Dubai is one of the best places for beginners to try kitesurfing and it is now also one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The most dangerous part of kitesurfing is when you are starting out and still learning to control the kite and board. At this stage, you risk being pulled in the wrong direction, which could lead to collisions with other people. But in Dubai, the kite beach area is entirely off-limits to swimmers, making it a perfect place to learn. While you might bump into another kitesurfer, that is nothing compared to the risk of hitting someone swimming nearby. Plus, the water temperature is ideal, so you will not have to worry about freezing. So, if you are into kitesurfing, pack your travel bags and head to Dubai!

by Barbara Yakimchuk