There’s a new sound echoing through the sports clubs of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah — the satisfying pop of a padel ball ricocheting off glass walls. Padel: The UAE’s New Favourite Sport has moved from niche to mainstream in just a few short years, transforming itself from a quirky curiosity into a full-blown obsession for residents across the Emirates. What’s remarkable isn’t just its sudden popularity, but how seamlessly it fits into the country’s lifestyle: sociable, stylish, and just competitive enough to keep players hooked.
From Marbella to the Middle East — How Padel Arrived in the UAE
The roots of padel trace back to Mexico in the late 1960s, when businessman Enrique Corcuera built the first enclosed court at his home in Acapulco. The sport’s unique mix of tennis and squash began to flourish in Spain, particularly in Marbella, where it became a favourite pastime for Europe’s elite. Padel: The UAE’s New Favourite Sport was introduced to the Emirates around 2013, but for the first few years it remained tucked away in private clubs and exclusive resorts.
It wasn’t until around 2019 that the sport truly began to explode. UAE residents returning from trips to Spain brought their enthusiasm home, entrepreneurs started investing in purpose-built facilities, and word of mouth spread through WhatsApp groups faster than a well-placed smash.
Why Padel Works So Well in the UAE
There are plenty of reasons why Padel: The UAE’s New Favourite Sport has found such fertile ground here. For starters, the UAE is no stranger to adopting global trends quickly and at scale. Once an activity resonates with the local appetite for socialising, fitness, and status, it tends to boom.
Unlike tennis, padel courts are smaller, the ball moves slower, and the rules favour longer rallies — all of which make it more accessible for beginners. You don’t need to be a seasoned athlete to join in, yet skilled players still find it technically demanding. The glass-walled enclosures make it spectator-friendly, and there’s a natural sociability to the doubles-only format. It’s just as easy to chat and laugh between points as it is to focus on winning.
The Celebrity Factor
Every new sport benefits from high-profile endorsements, and in the UAE, celebrities and influencers have played a major role in catapulting padel into the spotlight. From footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi — both known to play padel abroad — to local figures like Khalifa Bin Hamad and prominent Dubai-based lifestyle influencers, the sport has gained a certain glamour.
Clubs in Dubai Marina, Jumeirah, and Yas Island have leaned into this, hosting VIP tournaments, brand-sponsored events, and even late-night padel sessions with DJ sets. If you scroll through Instagram, you’ll see the sport’s aesthetic appeal: neon-lit courts, designer sportswear, and perfectly timed action shots.
Local Clubs Leading the Charge
The infrastructure for Padel: The UAE’s New Favourite Sport has grown at an astonishing pace. Notable venues include:
- Padel Pro Dubai – One of the first to create a dedicated padel-only facility, with indoor and outdoor courts.
- Zabeel Sports District – An urban rooftop venue in the heart of Dubai.
- Abu Dhabi Padel Hub – Home to professional-level courts and regular competitive leagues.
- Rackets Academy – Offers coaching for beginners through to professional-level players.
These aren’t just places to play — they’re designed to be lifestyle destinations. Many feature cafés, lounges, and retail spaces selling premium padel gear.
Tournaments and the Competitive Scene
While many residents enjoy the sport casually, there’s a rapidly growing competitive side. The UAE hosts events sanctioned by the World Padel Tour and International Padel Federation, drawing top-ranked players from around the globe.
Local leagues have also flourished, giving amateur players the chance to taste competition. The Dubai Padel Cup has become a highlight on the calendar, attracting sponsorship from luxury brands and support from tourism boards keen to promote the UAE as a global sporting hub.
The Social Currency of Padel
In a place where lifestyle often merges with networking, padel has found a sweet spot. Business deals are discussed between points, friendships form across the net, and newcomers to the UAE find it a welcoming entry into the social scene.
Some companies even use padel sessions as team-building activities, knowing that the game’s pace and doubles format encourage interaction without the intensity of traditional sports.
Fashion, Branding, and the Business of Padel
Where there’s sport in the UAE, there’s style — and Padel: The UAE’s New Favourite Sport has created a mini-economy around itself. Luxury brands have started producing high-end padel gear, from limited-edition rackets to designer court shoes. Even wellness and athleisure brands are partnering with clubs to release capsule collections.
Local entrepreneurs have launched padel-specific e-commerce stores, while sporting goods retailers have dedicated more floor space to rackets and accessories.
The Future — Olympic Dreams and Global Ambitions
There’s talk of padel eventually becoming an Olympic sport, and the UAE is well-positioned to play a role in its journey. Government-backed initiatives in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are investing in sports infrastructure, and padel has benefited from this push.
If the current growth rate continues, the UAE could soon host one of the sport’s biggest annual events, rivalling tournaments in Spain, Argentina, and Italy.
