WSL cancels Abu Dhabi Pro stage of the 2025 world surfing circuit due to logistical limitations

The World Surf League (WSL) has excluded the Abu Dhabi Pro stage, in the United Arab Emirates, from this year's world circuit calendar. The decision was announced this Friday (4) by the entity, which claimed logistical limitations such as flight restrictions in the region, which is suffering from the war between the United States and Iran.

The Abu Dhabi stage, initially scheduled for October, had already been rescheduled by the WSL for the period from November 25th to 29th, in an attempt to keep the competition on the 2025 calendar.

“We have explored all options to keep Surf Abu Dhabi Pro on this year’s calendar,” said Ryan Crosby, executive director of the WSL, in an official statement. "Unfortunately, current conditions and logistical limitations have made it impossible for us to move forward. It was a difficult decision, but the right one at this time. We value our partnership with Surf Abu Dhabi and look forward to returning," he concluded.

With the withdrawal of the UAE stage, the world surfing circuit will continue with 12 stages. The format of the World Cup, according to the WSL, will be maintained, with three disposable results throughout the season.

There are only four stages left until the end of the circuit, and the next one in Trestles, California (USA), will define the 22 best male surfers and the 14 best female athletes who will advance to the post-season (stages in Peniche, in Portugal; and Cloud 9, in the Philippines). The world champions will be known in the grand final stage, the Pipe Masters, at the iconic surf spot in Hawaii.

Currently, Ítalo Ferreira from Rio Grande do Norte occupies second place in the world rankings, behind only the Italian Fioravanti. Completing the top 5 are current champion Yago Dora, three-time champion Gabriel Medina, and São Paulo native Miguel Pupo. In the women's race, Brazilian-American Luana Silva occupies fifth place.

Next stages of the 2026 World Cup

Stage 9 - Lexus Trestles Pro - September 11 to 20, 2026;

Stage 10 - MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal - October 16th to 25th, 2026;

Stage 11 - Philippines Pro presented by the Philippine Sports Commission - October 31 to November 10, 2026;

Stage 12 - Lexus Pipe Masters - December 8th to 20th, 2026.