• The only surfing competition in the GCC region
• Waiting period announced for February 23rd to March 31st
• Competition to feature 6 divisions including men, women, and children, as well as other beachside festival attractions at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai

One of the most hotly anticipated events in the region’s sporting calendar, the Corona Sunset Open surfing competition will return to Dubai’s shores later this month, with the waiting period now officially announced to be from February 23rd to March 31st 2018. 


As the only surfing competition in the GCC, the event is now in it’s 7th year and will bring together some of the best surfing talent from across the region to try their hand at taking home the prize of first, second, or third place across six divisions. Organized by Surf House Dubai and sponsored by Corona, this year the event will be held at Nikki Beach Resort &Spa Dubai.


“Surf competitions rely on the whims of nature, so the two-day event will run across the best consecutive Friday and Saturday of waves within this 5-week waiting period. It’s one of the most exciting times of the year for Dubai’s existing surf community – we have a surprisingly strong surf history here and we’re proud that there’s so much great talent in the region. It’s also a great opportunity for newcomers and other interested parties to experience Dubai’s vibrant surf community, whether it’s to take part in the event or simply to enjoy the atmosphere and other activities there.


Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai is an ideal location, not only do the waves around the location offer some of the UAE’s most high-performance surfing conditions, but the facilities will also provide spectators and participants alike with plenty of ways to enjoy the occasion in comfort and style,” says Scott Chambers, Managing Director and Founder of Surf House Dubai.

Alexander Schneider, the resort’s General Manager said, “Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai has grown to become one of the city’s favourite spots and we are happy to officially welcome the exciting UAE surf community to our shores. We have become home to surfers in search for the perfect wave and we look forward to welcoming participants, judges, friends and families to our beach.”


The event is free and open for all to spectators. To enter the competition, head to Surf House Dubai’s Facebook page and click the registration link. With only 100 spots open for competitors, hopefuls are encouraged to enter as soon as possible while spaces are still available. The divisions are split into the following categories:

• Super Groms (6-11 years)
• Groms Division (12-16 years)
• Girls/Women’s Open Division (17+)
• Men’s Open Division (17+)
• Long Board Division (15 +and surfboards above 9ft in length)
• SUP Surf Division (15+)


The event will also feature a number of other attractions, including beach yoga, strength and fitness training provided by RIG Crossfit, parkour installations, as well as a food and beverage selection from Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai, a retail selection from Surf House Dubai, live music and more.

To keep abreast of the announcements for the competition dates within the waiting period participants are encouraged to follow Surf House Dubai’s social media accounts (@SurfHouseDubai on Instagram, and “Surf House Dubai – Surf and SUP School” on Facebook) for regular updates, announcements, and more. ■


For inquiries or more information, please contact info@surfingdubai.com, or visit www.SurfingDubai.com


Photos by: Jon Walley Photography