The Middle East is shaping up to be a hotspot in the emerging world of wave pools. The latest facility to open its doors is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the massive development boasts much more than just man-made surf.
The pool is located in Aquarabia, a water park that is itself part of a $750 billion development called Qiddiya City. Created by Endless Surf parent company WhiteWater, the park spans a whopping 60 acres, and features 22 rides and experiences, in addition to the pool. Aquarabia held its grand opening on April 23.
“Aquarabia is a powerful example of how surf is evolving within the global attractions landscape,” said Paul Chutter, President and Co-Founder of Endless Surf. “We’re seeing surf move beyond standalone venues into fully integrated destinations like this — where it plays a central role in the overall guest experience. Delivering at this scale, within a project of this ambition, requires a level of control, flexibility, and reliability that is fundamental to Endless Surf. Aquarabia is a clear expression of that, and we’re proud to deliver it as part of this landmark project.”
At the heart of the facility is an ES32 surf lagoon, powered by 32 pneumatic caissons which can generate the requisite variety of customizable waves we’ve come to expect from such facilities.
“This world-class project shows how far surfing can evolve beyond its traditional boundaries,” said Cheyne Magnusson, Surf Design and Operations Manager at Endless Surf, in a press release. “You’re bringing a true surf experience to places with no existing surf culture, which opens the door for entirely new audiences. It makes surfing more accessible, more consistent, and ultimately more global than it’s ever been before.”
Promotional photos of the facility immediately conjure images of Electric Blue Heaven, the 2012 Dion Agius-helmed surf film that loudly, and stylishly, heralded the oncoming of desert waves – filmed at the Wadi Adventure Wave Pool. However, the massive scale of the project also signals how far we’ve come, for better or for worse, from those humble beginnings.
