Construction contracts have been awarded to Poullaides Construction Company, signalling swift progress towards a planned 2026 opening. The surf lagoon, powered by Wavegarden Cove, will deliver up to 1,000 waves per hour and accommodate as many as 90 surfers simultaneously, catering to a wide spectrum of ability levels.
Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, CEO of Mumtalakat and chairman of Edamah, described the project as “transformational for the tourism and recreation sectors in the Kingdom,” highlighting a strategic shift towards innovation-led leisure developments. Hisham Alrayes, GFH CEO, emphasised the surf park’s role in elevating Bahrain’s global tourism profile and enriching regional visitor experiences. Fernando Odriozola, Wavegarden’s chief commercial director, noted that the park would offer the region’s most varied “wave menu,” making it an appealing destination for both amateur and expert surfers.
Occupying a prominent position within the 1.3 million‑square‑metre Bilaj Al Jazayer development, the surf park is one component of a larger integrated leisure and residential scheme. This masterplan, already acknowledged by the Arabian Property Awards as Bahrain’s best leisure development, will also comprise beachfront hotels, retail, dining outlets and family-oriented spaces.
Wavegarden’s architecture is designed for sustainability, consuming as little as 1 kWh per wave—substantially less than comparable systems—which reflects a conscious emphasis on eco‑efficiency and reduced carbon output. The park includes a Club Hawaii Surf Academy for training surfers across all proficiency levels, plus a skatepark, food and beverage venues, retail outlets, event terraces, cabanas and dedicated corporate and school group spaces.
Visitor projections estimate annual footfall of between 250,000 and 300,000, with 120,000 to 140,000 surf sessions delivered each year. Discussions are underway for an international surfing event to be held in 2026, potentially coinciding with the park’s debut.
Industry observers have noted the significance of slicing-edge artificial wave infrastructure to spark both economic growth and cultural diversification. The park is expected to generate local employment, help foster a home‑grown surfing community and attract regional and global tourists.
Craig Stoddart, former CEO of The Wave in Bristol and newly appointed chief executive for Bahrain Surf Park, shared insights into construction timelines and operational strategy. He confirmed that main construction works have begun, with Wavegarden equipment ready for installation and an opening target set for late 2025 or early 2026. The project brings together international expertise with Bahrain’s public and private sectors, underpinned by Edamah, GFH and Wavegarden partnerships.
Stoddart also highlighted Bahrain’s climate and geographic advantages, noting that the year‑round temperatures rarely drop below 15 °C, making it an ideal setting for surfing experiences. Plans are under way to nurture a community hub through the surf academy, women‑only sessions and wider outreach to encourage swimming and water‑safety skills among local residents.
Once operational, Bahrain Surf Park – Club Hawaii Experience is poised to establish itself as a premier leisure and sporting destination in the Gulf region, distinguishing itself through the deployment of advanced technology, eco-conscious design and multifaceted community engagement strategies.
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Bahrain