Today's Edition
TAARIQ HALIM (ALETIHAD)
Surf’s up and much more on Hudayriyat Island, where Surf Abu Dhabi is hosting the Longboard Classic 2025 this weekend.
The event is an official World Surf League Championship Tour stop and the third event on the 2025 WSL Longboard Tour, following Huntington Beach (USA) and Bells Beach (Australia).
From Friday, October 24, to Sunday, October 26, the world’s top male and female longboarders – including reigning champions Steven Sawyer (South Africa) and Alison Lemoigne (France), plus five-time world champion Taylor Jensen – will compete for crucial world title points at Surf Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest man-made surf facility.
In addition to three full days of world-class surfing action, the event offers a relaxed, family-friendly festival atmosphere with live music and activities for all ages, including:
• The Surf Village - an interactive zone filled with sport, culture, and creativity
• Kids’ games, surf workshops and balance challenges
• Surfboard painting sessions with Meraki Art Studio and community art displays celebrating surf culture
• Skate & Fitness Zone: Try-skate sessions, BMX demos, and balance board challenges
• Daily bubble shows and art workshops offering entertainment between heats
• Live falconry, Arabic calligraphy, henna, majlis seating, and traditional Arabic coffee service bring a taste of Emirati heritage.
• The Food Village offers everything from burgers and seafood to ice pops and specialty coffees
Throughout the day, live DJ sets and acoustic performances bring a beach-club vibe to the venue.
On Sunday evening, the event closes with a live performance by Donavon Frankenreiter, the legendary surf musician.
