First Wavegarden Surf Facility in the Middle East Announced
Bahrain is Desert Surf Park taking a bold step in reshaping the Middle East’s leisure and tourism scene with the creation of the region’s first major surf park. The ambitious project, called Bahrain Surf Park – Club Hawaii Experience, is scheduled to open in early 2026 and is set to introduce world-class wave technology in a region better known for its deserts than its swells.
Located along Bahrain’s southwest coastline in the rapidly growing Bilaj Al Jazayer development, this surf park will bring consistent, artificial waves to the Gulf for the first time. The park will use Wavegarden’s cutting-edge “Cove” technology, which is already popular in destinations like Australia, South Korea, and Brazil. Once complete, Bahrain Surf Park will become a centerpiece of the country’s tourism and leisure offerings.
What Makes Bahrain Surf Park Unique?
Unlike natural ocean waves that depend on tides and weather, Bahrain’s wave pool will produce perfect surf conditions every day of the year. The Wavegarden Cove system can create up to 1,000 waves per hour, with a variety of wave types suited for all skill levels—from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. Up to 90 surfers will be able to ride waves at the same time, making the park ideal for group lessons, competitions, and family outings.
The waves will range from gentle rolling surf for learners to steep, barreling waves that challenge advanced riders. The water settings and wave sizes can be adjusted instantly through a digital control system, making the park one of the most versatile surfing environments in the world.
Another major advantage is energy efficiency. Wavegarden’s technology uses only 1 kilowatt-hour of energy per wave, which helps keep the operation environmentally friendly compared to older, less efficient wave pool systems.
Club Hawaii: Bringing the Aloha Spirit to the Gulf
In addition to being a technical marvel, Bahrain Surf Park will feature the Club Hawaii Surf Academy, a training and education center aimed at nurturing surfing talent across the Middle East. The academy will offer a full range of surf programs, including beginner lessons, competitive training, and surf safety workshops for kids and adults.
The name “Club Hawaii” is a tribute to surfing’s birthplace and the laid-back island lifestyle. The park will include Hawaiian-themed décor, surf culture-inspired events, and tropical-style amenities, creating a unique and immersive environment for visitors. Whether you’re riding your first wave or just soaking up the beach vibes, the Club Hawaii experience will offer something for everyone.
Not Just for Surfers
The surf park is only one part of the larger Bilaj Al Jazayer waterfront development, which spans over 1.3 million square meters. In addition to wave-riding, guests will enjoy a wide variety of family-friendly facilities and entertainment options. These will include shaded cabanas, a retail store selling surfing and lifestyle gear, casual dining restaurants, smoothie bars, and outdoor lounge areas.
The developers are also planning spaces for private events, school visits, and corporate retreats, making the park a multi-use venue. Event planners will be able to rent out surf zones, host concerts or brand activations, and even organize surf-themed weddings or parties.
Another major milestone on the horizon is the hosting of an international surf competition in 2026, shortly after the park’s official opening. This would bring global attention to the facility and help promote surfing across the Middle East and North Africa region.
Big Tourism Plans Backed by Bahrain’s Government
This surf park isn’t just a business venture—it’s a strategic move by Bahrain’s tourism authorities to grow the kingdom’s appeal as a modern travel destination. The park is being developed in partnership between Edamah (Bahrain’s sovereign real estate investment company) and GFH Financial Group. Both companies have committed to creating high-quality recreational experiences that align with Bahrain’s Vision 2030, which focuses on economic diversification and attracting more international visitors.
The Bilaj Al Jazayer beachfront has already received awards for excellence, including recognition as Bahrain’s Best Leisure Development. In addition to the surf park, the area will soon welcome new luxury hotels, beachfront residences, and modern retail and dining venues, all of which are being designed to match international standards.
Speaking about the surf park project, Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, the CEO of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company and chairman of Edamah, said the project reflects the country’s focus on innovation and investment in future-ready tourism infrastructure. He emphasized that developments like this will help position Bahrain as a regional hub for sports and leisure.
A New Era of Surfing in the Middle East
Until recently, surfing was mostly limited to areas with natural coastlines and reliable ocean swells. But with wave pools now offering high-performance surf anywhere in the world, the sport is going through a global transformation—and Bahrain wants to be at the center of it.
Bahrain Surf Park – Club Hawaii Experience will not only introduce thousands of locals to the joy of surfing but will also attract international tourists, sports enthusiasts, and families looking for unique experiences. It is expected to host over 300,000 visitors each year, generating 140,000 surf sessions annually. This could open the door to the growth of surf culture in the Gulf and potentially even a Middle Eastern surf team in future Olympic Games.
The park’s opening in 2026 will mark a major milestone for sports, tourism, and entertainment in the region—and could inspire similar developments in neighboring countries.
Final Thoughts
With its groundbreaking technology, tropical-themed design, and strong backing from the Bahraini government, Bahrain Surf Park is set to become the Middle East’s first true surf destination. The project combines global innovation with local vision, promising not only a fun day out but a bold new chapter for the kingdom’s tourism story.
As construction progresses and excitement builds, one thing is clear: soon, the Middle East won’t just be a destination for sun and sand—it’ll be one for surfboards and swell too.
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