A New Wavegarden Pool Is Opening in … Bahrain?

Originally posted on SURFER | By August Howell | Last updated Oct 1, 2024 4:36 PM ET

Are wavepools big business? In the Middle East, it’s starting to look like it. According to news from Wavegarden on Tuesday, two major investment groups in the Kingdom of Bahrain have put up capital for a forthcoming Bilaj Al Jazayer Development, with a full-scale Wavegarden Cove as the main attraction. The project is expected to be finished in 2026.

“The Bahrain Surf Park – Club Hawaii Experience, developed through a partnership between Edamah (Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company), GFH Financial Group and Wavegarden will be a centerpiece attraction at the prestigious Bilaj Al Jazayer Development — a 1.3 million square meter project along Bahrain’s scenic southwest coast,” according to a release from Wavegarden.

This news comes a day after the World Surf League completed its first contest at a state-owned wavepool in Abu Dhabi, a one-hour flight from Bahrain. It appears that Persian Gulf states are ready and willing to put up cash as a way to increase their tourism portfolio.

Here’s how Edamah CEO Chris Calvert described the park’s impact “Bahrain Surf Park will redefine the leisure and recreation scene in Bahrain, setting a new standard for innovative tourism experiences in the region. This project reflects our commitment to creating world-class facilities that foster an inclusive, vibrant community while showcasing Bahrain’s potential as a top-tier tourist destination.”

The Basque Country-based wavepool developers pulled out all the stops for this Bahrain party. The Bahrain cove can hold 90 surfers, churn out up to 1,000 waves per hour and has 20 different types of waves to suit different skill levels. The venue will also have a surf school, skatepark, beach bars, family amenities, retail stores, and event spaces. Wavegarden’s Chief Commercial Director Fernando Odriozola said the Bahrain site will have the most wave styles and the largest capacity in the manufacturer's global system.

"It’s a game-changer not only for Bahrain but for the Middle East, where surfing is set to become a major draw for tourism and sports enthusiasts,” he said.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: