Largest GCC skateboarding park opens in Dubai

Local skateboarders can now practice their kick-flips, aerial grabs and other tricks at a pro-level skateboarding park - the largest in the entire GCC - that has opened at Dubai's Kite Beach.
The 3,100 square metre XDubai Skatepark includes 29 different elements designed for novices all the way through to professional skateboarders, such as pole jams, rails, and soft-ended walls. The most notable attraction is a 3.2 metre deep "XBowl" built specifically for professional-level skaters.
"We developed the XDubai Skatepark with a vision to create a dedicated state-of-the-art facility for skateboarders in the Emirate and from around the world who come to Dubai," said XDubai Managing Director Ismaeil Al Hashmi. "We are confident the facility will become one of the most iconic and buzzing hubs in the Emirate."
"Besides skateboarders, BMXers, inline skaters and scooter riders will also have a destination where they can train and develop their skills," he added.
The park was designed by Convic, an Australian company which specializes in the construction of youth and "active space" facilities.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Convic General Manager Julius Turanyik noted that the park's design will help local novice skateboarders learn from more experienced ones and become better at the sport.
"Young skaters who are at a beginner's stage will have a chance to progress their knowledge, to watch the big pro skaters," he said. "Slowly or quickly, they'll pick up their tricks. It's quite a learnable sport and skill. I'm sure that a lot of local residents will pick it up quite quickly."
"Some may even advance their knowledge to become one of the big pro skaters in the world in the coming years," he added.
Among the local enthusiasts on hand for the opening of the park was Russian expat Alex Medvedev, a longtime Dubai resident who has been skating since 2001.
"It's super awesome, because we didn't have such facilities back in the day. Now it's a proper marble park with a lot of work put into it," he said. "The level of skating will definitely go up with the kids. It's a great thing for the community. Plus, on top of that, you can always jump in the water since we're right next to it."
Medvedev added that the XDubai park is as good as any he's seen in countries with more established skating communities.
"I definitely think it's on a level with California and other places around the world. It's made out of marble, which not a lot of skate parks have," he said. "It's also shaded to a certain extent, which will definitely help during the days of summer."
"I'll be coming three for times a week," he added. "It's super cool, we're stoked, and I hope more projects come in the near future for us." 
bernd@khaleejtimes.com