Is Padel The New Tennis? Inside The Addictive Game Taking Over Dubais Sporting Scene

“In my opinion, Padel is here to stay—forever. Last year, it was actually the most played sport in the UAE, even more than football. While football remains the most-watched, Padel has seen incredible participation rates. With strong investment from the federation, government, and private entities, along with a constant influx of new players trying the sport for the first time, its growth shows no signs of slowing down,” said Ali Al Arif, CEO of World Padel Academy in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business.

“Padel has evolved beyond a trend – it’s becoming a permanent part of Dubai’s active lifestyle,” he affirmed.

The racquet sport, often described as a mix between tennis and squash, has experienced exponential growth in recent years, becoming what Arif described as “addictive.”

Padel reportedly originated in 1969 when entrepreneur Enrique Corcuera developed the first court, designing it to fit within his available space. The compact dimensions of padel courts allow three to occupy the same area as a single tennis court, prompting many business owners to convert tennis facilities to padel for improved profitability.

“Today, padel is recognised as a serious sport with structured coaching systems, leagues, professional tournaments, and international competitions,” Arif explained.

The factors behind padel’s rapid growth

“Padel is easy to learn, fun to play, and social, which makes it appealing to a wide range of people,” said Arif. “Dubai has played a significant role in the rapid growth of the sport, with private investment in top-tier facilities further accelerating its development.”

The city’s leadership has also played a crucial role in promoting an active lifestyle. “This movement began with the influence of the Crown Prince, who introduced Padel to the UAE in 2014,” he explained.

Initially, Padel was viewed as a casual pastime. However, Arif said that once people try it, they often become dedicated players. “The moment players step onto the court, Padel becomes addictive, and they just keep coming back for more.”

In 2023, according to the International Padel Federation, there were 1900 registered players in the UAE. It was also revealed that 30 per cent of padel courts in Asia are located in the Middle East, with UAE and Saudi Arabia recording the highest numbers.

“The biggest challenge was simply getting players to step onto the court. But once they do, they become lifelong Padel clients,” he added, “More and more players are training and competing at higher levels, which is further driving the sport’s growth.”

Is the market oversaturated?

With hundreds of Padel courts now available in Dubai, there remain concerns about potential oversaturation. Arif believes that quality, rather than quantity, is what matters most. “The more courts there are, the more players will be encouraged to try the sport. But a great Padel club isn’t just about the court—it’s about the overall experience,” he explained.

Facilities that offer structured coaching, a strong community, and additional services such as recovery setups and high-quality F&B options are growing. “If you look at the past year, the top Padel companies and brands have continued to grow, despite claims that the market is oversaturated,” he explained. “This proves that demand is still strong.”

Some might wonder if Padel’s rise is merely a passing trend. Arif is confident that the sport is here to stay. “With strong investment from the federation, government, and private entities, along with a constant influx of new players, its growth shows no signs of slowing down.”

Padel’s increasing presence in Dubai’s sports culture and its integration into fitness routines suggest it is far more than a passing trend.

“The community is a blend of locals and international players, particularly from Europe and South America, where Padel first gained traction,” Al Arif explained. “It’s a sport that brings people together – you’ll often see a child playing with their parent or multiple nationalities sharing the same court,” he said.

Compared to other Padel hotspots worldwide, “Dubai is one of the top five cities in the world for Padel,” said Arif. “The city offers some of the best facilities and hosts major tournaments, including the World Cup, solidifying its position as a key player in the global Padel market.”

Earlier this week, it was announced that the Nad Al Sheba Padel Championship will begin on Monday. The event is expected to be the largest sports tournament of its kind.

The tournament will include teams from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Bahrain, Australia and the Netherlands.

‘Padel was still a relatively unknown sport’

The biggest hurdle, Arif explained, was raising awareness. “At the time, when I mentioned Padel, many people would ask, ‘What is Padd?” he said.

Today, World Padel Academy operates in three countries with six venues, reflecting the sport’s tremendous growth.

Padel’s popularity is driven by both its inherent appeal and the influence of high-profile figures. “The sport itself keeps people coming back, but influencers and celebrities play a crucial role in raising awareness,” said Arif. “Once someone tries Padel, they quickly realise how fun and engaging it is, and that’s what keeps them hooked.”

Global sports icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, NBA stars, and Formula 1 drivers have all been seen playing Padel, further fuelling interest. “Their influence sparks curiosity among their followers, driving more people to try the sport,” he added.

Despite its popularity, some question whether Padel is becoming an elite sport due to equipment and court rental costs. Arif insisted that it remains accessible. “Like any sport, there are costs involved—whether it’s swimming, diving, golf, football, or tennis. Padel follows the same model,” he said.

“At its core, Padel is a sport that welcomes everyone.”

While those seeking professional training may incur higher costs, the general accessibility of the sport remains a key factor in its sustained growth.

Looking ahead, Arif sees no signs of slowdown. “I believe Padel will continue to grow and remain the fastest-developing sport worldwide,” he said. “In the next five years, I see Padel becoming part of the Olympics and an essential aspect of many people’s fitness routines.”

With strong backing from both the public and private sectors, the sport is poised for continued expansion in Dubai and beyond.

“When we first started [WPA], most people didn’t even know what Padel was,” he said. “We initially thought the brand would be a single branch in Dubai to introduce the sport to the community. But in the past five years, we’ve expanded into three different countries with more than six venues.”

With no signs of slowing down, sport enthusiasts believe that Padel’s rise in Dubai represents more than just a passing trend.