Sport

Padel: The UAE’s New Favourite Sport

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been a hub for luxurious lifestyles, innovative architecture, and vibrant cultural events. Recently, the nation has embraced a new sporting phenomenon: padel. This sport, blending elements of tennis and squash, has quickly become a favourite among Emiratis and expatriates alike. As padel courts sprout across the UAE, it’s clear that this sport is here to stay. Let’s delve into the rise of Padel: The UAE’s New Favourite Sport, its appeal, and why it has captured the hearts of so many in the UAE.

The Origins and Evolution of Padel

Padel, often referred to as paddle in English-speaking countries, originated in Mexico in the late 1960s. It was created by Enrique Corcuera, who adapted his squash court to fit his garden. This sport soon gained popularity in Spain and Argentina before spreading across Europe and, eventually, the globe. Unlike traditional tennis, padel is played on a smaller court surrounded by glass walls, adding a dynamic element as the ball can be played off these surfaces.

The Rise of Padel in the UAE

The UAE’s affinity for padel can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the sport’s accessibility appeals to people of all ages and fitness levels. Padel is less physically demanding than tennis, making it suitable for casual players and competitive athletes alike. Additionally, the social aspect of padel – it is typically played in doubles – resonates with the UAE’s communal culture.

In recent years, the UAE has seen a surge in the construction of padel courts. Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi now host numerous state-of-the-art padel facilities. For instance, the Real Racquet Academy in Dubai and the Abu Dhabi Country Club have become hotspots for padel enthusiasts. These venues offer world-class courts, professional coaching, and frequent tournaments, further boosting the sport’s popularity.

Why Padel is Captivating the UAE

1. Accessibility and Inclusivity

Padel’s simple rules and quick learning curve make it an inviting sport for beginners. Unlike traditional racket sports that can require significant skill and strength, padel’s emphasis on strategy and teamwork levels the playing field. This inclusivity has made it particularly popular among families and mixed-gender groups.

2. Health and Fitness Benefits

Playing padel offers numerous health benefits. It provides a full-body workout, enhancing cardiovascular health, improving coordination, and building muscular strength. The sport’s quick-paced nature ensures that players remain active and engaged, making it an excellent way to stay fit.

3. Social Interaction

In the UAE, where social interaction is a vital aspect of daily life, padel’s format as a doubles game encourages camaraderie and teamwork. Many clubs and facilities organise social events and tournaments, fostering a community spirit among players. This aspect of the sport aligns perfectly with the UAE’s cultural emphasis on social bonds and networking.

The Role of Padel in UAE’s Sports Culture

Padel has become more than just a recreational activity in the UAE; it is shaping the nation’s sports culture. The UAE’s commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle is evident in its support for padel. The government and private sector have invested significantly in sports infrastructure, ensuring that residents have access to top-notch facilities.

Moreover, padel tournaments in the UAE are gaining international recognition. Events like the Dubai Padel Cup and the Abu Dhabi Padel Tournament attract players from around the world, showcasing the UAE as a premier destination for padel sports. These events not only elevate the sport’s profile but also boost tourism and the local economy.

Padel and the Future of Sports in the UAE

As padel continues to grow in popularity, it is set to play a pivotal role in the future of sports in the UAE. The sport’s appeal across different age groups and fitness levels positions it as a key component of the nation’s sports development strategy. Initiatives aimed at introducing padel in schools and community centres are already underway, ensuring that future generations embrace the sport.

Padel Facilities in the UAE

The rapid expansion of padel facilities in the UAE highlights the sport’s growing significance. Top venues like the Real Racquet Academy, Dubai Sports World, and Emirates Palace offer world-class courts and amenities. These facilities provide coaching sessions, leagues, and social events, making it easy for newcomers to get involved and for seasoned players to hone their skills.

Testimonials from Padel Enthusiasts

Quotes from local padel enthusiasts highlight the sport’s impact:

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, an avid padel player, has been instrumental in promoting the sport. He often shares his padel experiences on social media, inspiring many to take up the game.

“Padel is a fantastic sport that combines skill, strategy, and fitness. It’s great to see its growth in the UAE.” Rafael Nadal

Conclusion

Padel has swiftly risen to become the UAE’s new favourite sport, captivating a diverse range of players with its accessibility, health benefits, and social nature. As the nation continues to invest in sports infrastructure and promote healthy lifestyles, padel’s prominence is set to grow even further. For those in the UAE looking to join the padel revolution, there has never been a better time to pick up a racket and hit the court.

For the latest updates on Padel and other exciting events in the UAE, visit What’s Hot in UAE.

Sport

LeBron James and USA Basketball team in Abu Dhabi

The journey towards a potential 17th Olympic gold medal in men’s basketball has brought Team USA to Abu Dhabi, where LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and their teammates are preparing for upcoming exhibition games against Australia and Serbia. This marks an exciting chapter in their preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics. LeBron James and USA Basketball team in Abu Dhabi is not just any experience.

Warm Welcome in Abu Dhabi

Upon their arrival, the squad was warmly greeted by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. He delivered a heartwarming speech, wishing the team luck and encouraging them to immerse themselves in the local culture during their stay.

LeBron James’ Excitement

LeBron James, familiar with the Middle East from previous visits, expressed his enthusiasm about playing in Abu Dhabi. “I’m excited to be here once again. I spent a little time in Saudi Arabia, I was in Dubai as well, and now being here in Abu Dhabi. I’m looking forward to playing in the game on Monday, playing the game on Wednesday, and seeing the reception that we get for Team USA. I’m super excited. It’s always a treat,” said the two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time NBA champion.

Repeat Visitors and New Experiences

Several players, including Anthony Edwards, Jrue Holiday, and Tyrese Haliburton, are no strangers to Abu Dhabi. Edwards, in particular, has visited twice in the past year and shared his positive experiences with his teammates. “I told them it’s super fun, the people are very welcoming, it’s a dope place to visit,” said Edwards, who plans to enjoy the beach post-practice.

Meanwhile, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Jayson Tatum took to Yas Links for a round of golf, embracing the leisure opportunities Abu Dhabi offers. Tatum, along with Boston Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, who replaced Kawhi Leonard on the roster, faces the challenge of gearing up for the Olympics soon after their NBA championship win over the Dallas Mavericks.

Balancing Training and Recovery

Holiday, who experienced a similar situation at the Tokyo Games after winning the NBA title with the Milwaukee Bucks, emphasized the importance of rest and recovery. “You rest when you can, you take care of your body when you’re not on the court. There’s a lot of things you got to do, just icing and stretching and massages and things to take care of your body,” he explained.

Preparing for the Olympics

Head coach Steve Kerr is back in Abu Dhabi, leading a different group of stars compared to last year’s World Cup team, which finished fourth. Kerr’s strategy for the upcoming games focuses on building a roster with more size and defensive prowess, featuring players like Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant.

After a victory over Canada in their first exhibition game in Las Vegas, Team USA is set to face Australia and Serbia in Abu Dhabi before heading to London for games against South Sudan and Germany. The exhibition against Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic, is particularly noteworthy as they will also be USA’s first opponent at the Olympics in France. Kerr hinted at a strategic approach, focusing on team improvement rather than revealing all tactics.

“This whole week is very important for us, practice time. So I don’t think we’ll plan anything special against Serbia [in Abu Dhabi], it’s more just continuing to get better,” said the Golden State Warriors coach.

Basketball – USA Basketball Showcase – United States v Serbia – Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – July 17, 2024 Bam Adebayo of the U.S. scores a basket as Serbia’s Nikola Jokic looks on REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

Conclusion

As Team USA gears up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, their time in Abu Dhabi represents both a crucial training phase and an opportunity to connect with international fans. With stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry leading the way, and a robust support system in place, the team’s journey towards another Olympic gold is well underway.

For more updates on Team USA’s progress and other sports news, visit What’s Hot in UAE.

Sport

UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team Ready for World Championship

Balqees Alhashmi and Khalid Alblooshi Lead Impressive 15-Medal Haul at Thailand Open

In an outstanding display of skill and determination, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team delivered an impressive performance at the Grand Prix Thailand Open 2024, held in Bangkok. The team secured a total of 15 medals, including five gold, three silver, and seven bronze, highlighting their readiness for the upcoming Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Greece this November.

UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team Ready for World Championship

Women’s Team Dominance

The UAE women’s team continued their strong performance from the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship held in Abu Dhabi in May. On the opening day of the Thailand Open, Balqees Alhashmi clinched the gold medal in the -54 kg division, showcasing her exceptional talent and preparation. Aysha Alshamsi secured a silver medal in the -45 kg category, while Asma Alhosani (-52 kg), Shamma Alkalbani (-63 kg), and Maitha Shraim (-48 kg) each earned bronze medals.

Balqees Alhashmi’s Achievement

Balqees Alhashmi expressed her pride and determination following her victory. “I’m proud to have reached the podium. Our hard work and intense preparations have paid off. We’ll keep training with the same determination for the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Greece to maintain our title for the fifth year in a row and also for other international events,” she said.

Men’s Team Success

The UAE men’s team mirrored the women’s success on the second day of the competition, capturing ten medals. Khalid Alblooshi (-62 kg), Mahdi Alawlaqi (-77 kg), Saeed Alkubaisi (-85 kg), and Omar Alsuwaidi (-56 kg) each secured gold medals. Silver medals were won by Mayed Alshehhi (-62 kg) and Rashed Alshehhi (-56 kg), while Hazza Farhan (+94 kg), Saeed Alketbi (-56 kg), Sultan Alhosani (-77 kg), and Mohamed Alsuwaidi (-69 kg) took home bronze medals.

Khalid Alblooshi expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, saying,

“We are thrilled with our performance today and proud to win a good number of medals despite the tough competition. We look forward to keeping up this strong performance, using this experience to continue our physical and mental development.” Khalid Alblooshi

Preparation for the World Championship

The impressive medal haul at the Thailand Open underscores the UAE team’s readiness for the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Greece. The athletes’ commitment to rigorous training and their ability to perform under pressure has set the stage for what promises to be a successful campaign.

Conclusion

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team’s performance at the Thailand Open 2024 not only highlights their current prowess but also their potential for continued success on the international stage. With dedicated athletes like Balqees Alhashmi and Khalid Alblooshi leading the charge, the team is well-prepared to defend their title and achieve new heights in the upcoming World Championship.

For more updates on the UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team and other exciting events, visit What’s Hot in UAE.

Sport

Lewis Hamilton Wins The British Grand Prix

In a thrilling race at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton Wins the British Grand Prix, marking his first win since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This triumph not only ended his three-year winless streak but also set a new record for the most victories at a single track, surpassing Michael Schumacher’s previous record.

A Historic Win at Silverstone

Hamilton, driving for Mercedes, managed to fend off fierce competition from Max Verstappen to secure his ninth victory at Silverstone. The victory was particularly emotional for Hamilton, who celebrated by embracing his father amid the deafening cheers of the home crowd. “I’ve been waiting for this,” Hamilton exclaimed as he crossed the finish line, clearly overwhelmed by the moment.

Key Moments and Performances

Hamilton’s Team Dynamics: This race was especially significant as it marked Hamilton’s last British Grand Prix with Mercedes, with the driver set to join Ferrari next season. Reflecting on his journey, Hamilton expressed deep gratitude towards his team and the fans, saying, “This is my last race for the team here, I love them so much, I’ll be forever grateful to everyone at Mercedes and to the incredible fans.”

George Russell’s Setback: Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, who had recently won the Austrian Grand Prix, faced a setback with a water leak that forced him out of the race despite starting from pole position.

Verstappen and Red Bull: Although Verstappen couldn’t secure the win, his performance helped him maintain his lead in the drivers’ standings. This race was a rare instance where Verstappen didn’t win consecutively, the first such occurrence since 2022.

Other Notable Performances: McLaren’s Lando Norris finished third, while his teammate Oscar Piastri secured fourth place. Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and Nico Hulkenberg of Haas also put in commendable performances, finishing sixth and seventh respectively.

The Bigger Picture

Hamilton’s victory is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite a challenging few years and an underperforming car, his unwavering focus and hard work have finally paid off. This win is a significant morale booster for Hamilton as he prepares for his move to Ferrari, a team with which he hopes to add more titles to his illustrious career.