Dubai’s Padel Boom: From Niche Sport to Lifestyle Phenomenon
Dubai is now home to more than 250 padel courts, and both the number of courts and the player base are continuing to grow steadily. What was once considered a niche sport has now become a city-wide craze, with padel rapidly gaining traction across all demographics. With court construction and participation both on the rise, the question remains—what exactly is fueling this explosive growth, and is it a temporary trend or a lasting addition to Dubai’s vibrant sports culture?
“In my view, padel is here to stay—permanently. In fact, last year it surpassed football as the most played sport in the UAE, although football still tops the charts when it comes to viewership. Padel, however, has taken the lead in actual participation,” said Ali Al Arif, CEO of World Padel Academy. “Backed by major investments from the government, the federation, and private companies, and with a continuous wave of new players trying it out, padel’s rise is showing no signs of slowing down,” he explained.
“Padel has transitioned from being a trend to becoming a fundamental part of Dubai’s active lifestyle,” Al Arif asserted.
This racquet sport—often described as a hybrid of tennis and squash—has seen tremendous popularity in recent years. Al Arif even described it as “addictive,” a sentiment echoed by many regular players.
The sport traces its roots back to 1969, when entrepreneur Enrique Corcuera created the first padel court to fit within his property’s limited space. Because padel courts are more compact—three can fit into the area required for a single tennis court—many business owners have opted to convert tennis facilities into padel venues, enhancing profitability.
“Today, padel is regarded as a legitimate sport, with structured coaching, competitive leagues, professional tournaments, and even global championships,” Al Arif noted.
The Drivers Behind the Surge in Popularity
“Padel is easy to pick up, enjoyable to play, and inherently social, which explains why it resonates with such a broad audience,” said Al Arif. “Dubai has played a pivotal role in the sport’s rapid evolution, thanks to substantial private investments in premium venues that have accelerated its development.”
Leadership in the city has also helped shape its rise. “It all began with the Crown Prince, who introduced padel to the UAE in 2014. His influence was crucial in creating momentum,” Al Arif added.
At first, padel was seen as a casual hobby. However, once players step onto the court, they tend to develop a deep connection with the sport. “The second someone tries padel, they often get hooked and keep coming back,” he explained.
According to the International Padel Federation, there were 1,900 registered padel players in the UAE in 2023. It was also revealed that the Middle East is home to 30% of all padel courts in Asia, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading the count.
“The greatest hurdle was simply getting players to try it,” Al Arif said. “But once they do, they’re usually in for good. More and more players are committing to serious training and competitive play, which is further propelling the sport’s growth.”
Oversaturation or Opportunity?
With hundreds of courts now operational in Dubai, some concerns have arisen regarding potential market saturation. But Arif believes the focus should be on the quality of venues rather than just the quantity.
“The more courts we build, the more likely new players are to give it a try,” he said. “But a successful padel club is not just about the number of courts—it’s about the overall experience it delivers.”
Clubs that provide structured training, foster a strong community, and offer additional features like recovery centers and premium food and beverage options are flourishing. “Looking at the past year, the top padel brands and companies have only expanded, despite claims that the market is overcrowded. That alone proves demand is still very much alive,” he emphasized.
While some still wonder if padel’s rise is just a fleeting craze, Arif is confident that its momentum is built to last. “With consistent investment from both public and private sectors and a steady flow of new players entering the sport, its growth shows no sign of tapering off.”
Padel has become increasingly woven into Dubai’s fitness and wellness culture. Its influence stretches far beyond casual entertainment—it’s part of the city’s daily life now.
“The community here is incredibly diverse,” Arif said. “You’ll see locals playing alongside expats, with many participants coming from Europe and South America, where padel originally gained popularity. It’s a sport that truly brings people together—you’ll often find a child playing with a parent, or a mix of nationalities sharing the court.”
Compared to other major cities known for padel, Arif places Dubai among the elite. “Dubai ranks among the top five cities globally for padel,” he said. “The city not only provides some of the finest facilities but also hosts major events like the World Cup, solidifying its position as a key hub in the international padel scene.”
Earlier this week, the upcoming Nad Al Sheba Padel Championship was announced. The event, launching on Monday, is set to be the region’s largest sports tournament of its kind.
The tournament will feature teams from across the globe, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Bahrain, Australia, and the Netherlands.
Padel’s Early Days: Unknown and Underestimated
The sport’s appeal is driven by both its gameplay and its visibility through public figures. “Padel itself keeps people engaged, but influencers and celebrities have had a huge role in raising awareness,” Arif noted. “Once someone tries it, they immediately understand how engaging and enjoyable it is.”
Famous athletes, from Cristiano Ronaldo to top NBA players and Formula 1 stars, have all been seen enjoying the sport, further boosting its popularity. “When fans see their favorite athletes playing padel, they’re curious to try it too,” he said.
While some critics suggest that padel may be evolving into an elite pastime due to court rental and equipment costs, Arif insists that it remains accessible to the general public. “Every sport involves some level of investment—be it football, tennis, swimming, or golf. Padel is no different,” he pointed out. At its heart, padel is inclusive. “It’s a sport that’s truly open to all,” he emphasized.
While advanced training programs may require additional spending, the general accessibility of the sport continues to be a driving factor behind its expansion.
Looking ahead, Arif is optimistic. “I strongly believe padel will keep growing and will soon be recognized as the fastest-developing sport in the world,” he said. “Within the next five years, I envision padel becoming an Olympic event and a central component of fitness routines around the globe.”
With robust support from both the public and private sectors, the sport seems poised to continue its upward trajectory in Dubai and beyond.
The momentum shows no signs of fading, and for many sports enthusiasts, padel’s rise in Dubai is seen not as a passing trend, but as the emergence of a new sporting legacy.
