Saudi Arabia makes waves with first-ever Red Bull pool clash at Aquarabia

Qiddiya City: Saudi Arabia’s surfing community came together this weekend for the inaugural Red Bull Pool Clash, the Kingdom’s first-ever pool surfing competition, held at Surftopia within Aquarabia Qiddiya City.

Bringing the excitement of surfing from the ocean into a controlled wave environment, Red Bull Pool Clash challenged riders to showcase their creativity, style, execution and innovation across a unique competition format designed to reward progression and fearless performance.

The competition began with high-energy Jam Sessions, where surfers had multiple opportunities to demonstrate their best tricks, lines and wave combinations. The highest-scoring athletes then advanced into the head-to-head elimination rounds, battling through quarterfinals, semifinals and a thrilling final in front of an enthusiastic crowd.

After an intense day of competition, Saudi surfer Leila Zahid was crowned the female champion, impressing judges with her technical ability, creativity and confidence on the wave. In the men’s division, Hugo Cardoso claimed the male champion title, delivering a standout performance that showcased exceptional skill, progression and style.

As champions, Leila Zahid and Hugo Cardoso earned an unforgettable surf trip to Munich, Germany, home of the world-famous Eisbach wave, one of the most iconic urban surf destinations in the world.

Held at Surftopia, the region’s newest surfing destination, the event combined sport, music and community spirit, creating a festival-like atmosphere that brought athletes, fans and first-time spectators together to celebrate the continued growth of surfing in Saudi Arabia.

Supported by Aquarabia, the Saudi Surfing Federation, Oakley, Nivea Sun, Endless Surfer and