Surf, Eat, Drink, Repeat at Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island

So How Much Will Catching a Wave in Abu Dhabi Cost Me?

The only catch? Surfing in the middle of the desert is not cheap - far from it! Prices start from AED350 for the most basic beginner ‘Surf Discovery’ summer sessions on a soft top board, and cap out at AED3500 for advanced sessions (you can expect to surf around 6 waves to yourself). Feeling extra bougie? Hire the whole pool for a private session for you and your mates - it’ll set you back a cool AED10,000 (summer pricing) for less than an hour - but you can spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool at Nalu’s surf club. 

They do occasionally run specials on the cheaper sessions, but you’ll be lucky to secure them. Summer pricing is a little lower, but sessions are shorter and the pool usually closes for a month or two over the hottest months. So while catching proper waves in the Gulf is now possible, it comes at a steep price. 

‍

Luckily, one of the best things about Surf Abu Dhabi isn’t just the massive surf pool - it’s home to two great restaurants with unmatched views across the water - and watching people catch waves while enjoying lunch, brunch or a sunset drink is much more affordable than splurging for a session of your own!

‍

Nalu

Surf Abu Dhabi Hudayriyat Island

Located midway down the pool, Nalu is in the perfect spot to catch a tonne of surfing action - not only can you see most of the wave from start to finish, the restaurant it directly opposite the big screen for all the live action and replays - ideal when there is the odd surf comp on too! 

Nalu has a chic, upscale beachy vibe, made up of three main areas: inside, outside and their ‘Surf Lounge’ which has the best views in the house. Inside is perfect for summer - nicely designed, with a central bar area and luxe furnishings, it’s relaxed but still feels nice. The only downside? There’s not much of a view of the pool, but over summer you’ll catch less surfing action anyway. Outside has better views of the pool - particularly if they’ve popped some extra tables on the deck that leads out to the water as they do sometimes when the weather is good. The Surf Lounge is the best spot though - especially in winter. The tables are shaded and slightly elevated in front of Nalu, with a great view across the pool, perfectly positioned to catch a light breeze if you’re lucky - and the best spot for a mocktail or cocktail as the sun sets. 

‍

You’ll find a Latin American and Asian-inspired menu - flavours that feature heavily in Nalu’s brunch offering too - which is the perfect light fare to enjoy by the pool. Brunch is really solid - and includes some great cocktails and ice cold beer to complement the fresh food. They’re open daily for breakfast, with all the breakfast classics on the menu - from eggs to French toast and everything in between - and even do a Sunday roast, served up with draught Corona for a surf-y touch. 

‍

Open: 8AM - 12AM | Sunday - Wednesday | until 12.30AM Thursday - Saturday

Contact: +971 2 419 8509

‍

Ilios

Surf Abu Dhabi Hudayriyat Island

Ilios is located at the end of the surf pool, and while the restaurant itself is lovely - with a big deck that extends slightly over the end of the surf pool so the whitewash crashes below you - the jewel in its crown is without a doubt the stunning infinity pool. Popular for a pool day, you can snap up anything from a sunbed to a cabana for varying spends - or if you go for brunch, make use of the pool after you’ve eaten - winning! 

‍

You’ll find a Mediterranean and Greek menu at Ilios - with a sprinkling of sushi - perfect for days by the pool when you don’t want anything too heavy. Lightly battered calamari, feta wrapped in filo and drizzled with honey, well cooked steak, fresh oysters and king crab - the highlights are plentiful and there’s enough variety without being overwhelming. Cocktails are delicious - try the passionfruit martini - and the mocktails are excellent too (the Nada Colada is a virgin pina colada that really hits the spot). 

Ilios gets going on the weekends - and the sunset is one of the best in the city, especially if you’re in the infinity pool: the colours slash across the surf pool as day turns to night and the lights start to flick on for night surfing. 

‍

Open: 12PM - 12AM | Monday - Thursday | from 11AM Friday - Saturday

Contact: +971 2 419 8508

‍