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Dubai’s Padel craze: What to know about the new sport taking over the UAE

Padel, a fast-growing sport blending tennis and squash, is taking over the UAE—and specifically Dubai—with its accessible gameplay and social appeal.

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DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — Padel is a sport that’s been gaining international momentum, and now it’s becoming a hit in Dubai as well. Blending elements of tennis and squash, padel offers an exciting, fast-paced game suitable for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned racket sport enthusiast or just curious about this new trend, here’s everything you need to know about padel and why it’s catching on in the UAE.

What is Padel?

At first glance, padel might look like tennis, but it’s a unique sport in its own right. Padel is played in doubles on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court, typically with artificial turf. It’s a blend of tennis and squash, and the use of walls makes it more dynamic, incorporating ricochet shots and offering new strategies for players.

The padel racket is shorter and stiffer than a tennis racket and features holes rather than strings, offering more control and less power. The ball used in padel is also smaller and has less air pressure, making it less bouncy compared to a tennis ball. The game is known for being easier on the joints, thanks to the softer playing surface, and less intimidating than tennis due to the smaller court size and the ability to use the walls.

Padel’s rules are similar to tennis in scoring, but the game’s unique dynamics come from the use of glass walls, allowing for rebounds, and serves must be hit underhand, unlike the overhead serves in tennis.

Why is Padel so popular in Dubai?

Dubai, known for its luxury lifestyle and love for all things sports and fitness, has embraced padel wholeheartedly. Over the past few years, padel courts have been popping up across the city in sports clubs, hotels, and even malls. The sport’s appeal in Dubai stems from its accessibility—padel is easier to pick up than tennis and requires less running, making it more enjoyable for casual players.

The game has particularly caught on among young professionals looking for a fun, social way to stay active. Dubai’s growing fitness culture, combined with a love for innovation, has made padel a natural fit for the city’s vibrant sporting scene.

The World Padel League has already made its mark in Dubai, hosting a thrilling and high-profile tournament that drew in top international players and fans alike. This prestigious event, held at the Coca-Cola Arena, showcased the best talent in the sport, further solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for padel. The league brought together both male and female athletes in a dynamic competition, elevating the visibility of padel in the UAE. The success of the World Padel League in Dubai highlights the city’s growing influence in the sport and sets the stage for future tournaments and events in the region.

The history of Padel

Padel originated in Mexico in the late 1960s. The sport was invented by Enrique Corcuera, who built the first padel court at his home. It quickly spread to Spain and Latin America before gaining traction across Europe. Today, Spain is considered the epicenter of padel, with the sport being played widely at both amateur and professional levels.

Padel’s rise in popularity can be attributed to its social nature. It’s typically played in doubles, encouraging teamwork and camaraderie. The game is less about sheer power and more about strategy and finesse, which adds to its broad appeal. As it continues to grow globally, Dubai has become one of the key hubs for the sport in the Middle East.

The growing Padel scene in Dubai

Dubai’s padel scene is booming, with numerous courts opening across the city. One of the most prominent venues is Dubai Padel Academy, which offers professional coaching and hosts international tournaments. The city’s warm climate and passion for luxury sports have made padel a year-round activity, and residents are increasingly flocking to this fast-paced game.

Various fitness centers, including some of the most exclusive gyms and resorts in Dubai, have also embraced padel, adding it to their list of activities. There’s even been talk of padel leagues and tournaments, drawing both locals and expatriates who are eager to compete.

How does Padel compare to other racket sports?

Padel is often described as a hybrid between tennis and squash, and while it shares similarities with both, it’s less physically demanding than either. Tennis players often find padel appealing because it incorporates familiar strokes and strategies but doesn’t require as much running due to the smaller court size.

Unlike tennis, where powerful serves dominate, padel’s underhand serve and the use of walls make the game more tactical and accessible for all ages and fitness levels. Squash players may enjoy the way padel incorporates wall rebounds into gameplay, adding a layer of strategy not found in tennis. In short, padel is a game of technique and strategy rather than pure physicality, making it appealing to a wide range of players.

The cost of playing Padel in Dubai

While padel is accessible in terms of gameplay, it can be expensive to play in certain locations, especially in Dubai. Renting a court in high-end venues can cost anywhere from AED 150 to AED 400 per hour during peak times, depending on the location and the type of facility. Some private clubs may offer memberships that reduce the per-session cost, while more affordable options can be found in public courts across the city.

Equipment is another factor to consider. A good padel racket can cost anywhere from AED 300 to AED 2,000, depending on the brand and quality. Balls are less expensive, but their unique low-pressure design means they need to be replaced more frequently than tennis balls.

Why should you try Padel?

Padel’s fast-paced but less demanding nature makes it ideal for anyone looking to stay active without the rigors of more physically intense sports. It’s easy to learn but challenging enough to keep players engaged. Whether you’re an experienced tennis player or completely new to racket sports, padel offers a fun, social, and competitive outlet.

Moreover, the sport is a fantastic way to meet new people, whether you’re playing casually with friends or joining local leagues. In Dubai, padel’s popularity is only growing, making it a great time to get involved.

The future of Padel in Dubai

With the sport still in its early stages of growth in Dubai, there’s plenty of potential for expansion. More padel courts are expected to open, including at some of Dubai’s iconic resorts and recreational facilities. As the sport continues to gain popularity, we may see the establishment of professional tournaments and leagues in Dubai, attracting international talent and raising the profile of padel in the UAE.

Given Dubai’s love for sports and fitness, along with its reputation for adopting global trends, it’s no surprise that padel is set to become a mainstay in the city’s sporting culture.

Padel is more than just a “childish version of tennis”—it’s a fast-growing sport with its own unique appeal. In Dubai, it’s quickly becoming the go-to racket sport for residents looking for a fun, social, and competitive activity. Whether you’re trying it for the first time or already a fan, there’s no better time to pick up a racket and join the padel craze sweeping the city.

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