The World Surf League's (WSL) decision to include a surfing event in Abu Dhabi as part of the 2025 Championship Tour has sparked significant controversy, particularly regarding the implications for LGBTQIA+ athletes. Prominent surfer Tyler Wright, known for her advocacy of inclusivity in the sport, now faces the challenge of concealing her identity due to the UAE's laws against homosexuality. Critics are increasingly vocal about the WSL's choice to host an event in a country where LGBTQIA+ individuals face criminalization and where women's rights are also severely restricted. A Change.org petition has emerged, urging the league to reconsider its decision, stating, “The WSL have chosen to support a government that criminalizes LGBTQIA+ people and discriminates against women, and in doing so are choosing to place their athletes, support teams, and spectators at risk.” As the debate intensifies, many are questioning the ethics of the WSL's partnership with a nation that imposes such stringent restrictions on personal freedoms, highlighting the potential dangers for those involved in the event.