What is behind the rise of Padel in the Middle East?

What is behind the rise of Padel in the Middle East?
Above, action from Padel Rush in Riyadh. (X: @PadelRush)
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Updated 14 May 2024
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What is behind the rise of Padel in the Middle East?

What is behind the rise of Padel in the Middle East?
  • Over 3,200 padel courts in Asia, 85% in Middle East, with 320 clubs in Saudi a continental high

LONDON: From politicians to professional athletes, padel has won a host of new admirers in recent years and is one of the world’s fastest growing sports.

Football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both share a love of padel, while France’s President Emmanuel Macron is among a growing number of enthusiastic amateurs to have embraced the trend and picked up a racket for the first time.

In the Middle East, padel has exploded in popularity, particularly the Gulf.

There are now more than 25 million players in over 90 countries reportedly playing the sport. But what exactly is the appeal of padel?

The common consensus is that the sport’s allure lies in its accessibility to players of all ages and skill levels — making it a favorite among families, amateurs, and seasoned athletes alike. Its compact court, typically one-third the size of a traditional tennis surface, helps facilitate fast-paced gameplay that is easy for beginners to pick up. It is also usually played in a doubles format — making it a sociable sport with a community element at its core.

Like many padel aficionados, Emirati Eisa Sharif Al-Marzooqi grew up playing tennis but after being introduced to the sport in 2013, he instantly became hooked. He has played padel for more than a decade and for the past three years has overseen the sport’s growth as a board member of the UAE Padel Association.

“Padel is a fantastic game,” Al-Marzooqi told Arab News. “I think it is easier to adapt when you are a tennis or squash player but the barriers to entry are very low, which is why it has become so popular, so quickly.

“There are a lot of different competitive levels. It can be played outdoors but also indoors in the heat of the summer. If I’m in Europe, I play padel; if I go to the US, I play padel. Now it’s the same thing in the GCC. The sport has come a long way in a very short time, particularly here in the Gulf, and we want to push it even further and continue its development.

“The UAE leadership has been very supportive towards our goals for the sport and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan, the crown prince of Dubai, has really shown a lot of interest in the sport and he plays regularly. So every now and then you see him posting something about padel — this is obviously great for the sport.”

In the UAE, padel’s progress has been particularly significant in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, with Al-Marzooqi stressing that it was a tipping point for the sport.

“During the pandemic, there were fewer sports that you could play but padel was one of them so we saw more courts being built — both in private residences and in public spaces,” he said. “I feel that the Emirati community really got behind padel and that has made a huge difference.

“Pre-pandemic it was an expat sport, played primarily by Spanish and Argentinian players who were familiar with it. Now, we have wider participation among expats of different nationalities, but we also have this huge base of Emirati players.”

Spotting the rise in padel participation among the country’s citizens, the UAE Padel Association has been working hard to grow the game at the grassroots level, including launching a national academy at Nad Al-Sheba Sports Complex to provide valuable development opportunities.

“We've initiated the UAEPA Academy for youngsters to play and compete and we have really, in a very short period of time, managed to really develop a few players to be able to compete on a very good level.

“There are kids and families that want to take their children to play padel and there are a lot of tournaments out there for them to be able to improve their levels. We are making sure that there are enough courts, enough high-quality coaches. It is about building an ecosystem.

“We have plans to involve schools too and have done lots of clinics already as we know we need to encourage the next generation to continue the legacy of the sport. A lot of schools have taken the initiative to build padel courts and down the line we would love to have the sport as part of the curriculum.”

While convincing young people to play padel is a vital part of the sport’s long-term strategy in the UAE, attracting beginners of any age is beneficial. Dubai resident Scott Grayston is among the numerous expats to have taken up padel and after starting to play a few years ago at Emirates Golf Club, he is now a regular.

“I’ve never seen a sport grow as quickly as padel has — in Dubai, especially,” the British expat said. “There used to be two or three courts at Emirates Golf Club when I started playing and now they have more than 10 including indoor ones. That’s just in a few years.

“Everywhere you look, particularly in Al-Quoz, there are so many courts and so many options. They always seem busy. It’s men, kids, ladies, older people who perhaps aren’t quite agile enough to play tennis anymore — it’s a really social sport.”

The community element of padel is often highlighted by those who play regularly and Grayston feels that many clubs in the UAE are getting it right.

“You can see that often it’s not just a standalone padel court,” he said. “There will also be a place where you grab a drink or some food afterwards, or there may be spaces to do other sports too.

“I feel like padel is a bit more relaxed; you can have a chat with your friends and once you find a good group of people to play with, it’s a great way to sweat and have a good time. Lots of different nationalities play, though the Spanish and South American players are definitely more advanced. I tend to stay away from them as I like to win.”

The UAE is not alone in its passion for padel, with Saudi Arabia also emerging as a key market for the sport. According to World Padel, there are more than 3,200 padel courts across Asia and 85 percent of those can be found in the Middle East — with the Kingdom’s 320 clubs a continental high.

Spanish coach Adrian Blanco Antelo works at one of the facilities — Padel Rush in Riyadh. Blanco, who trained at the Gustavo Pratto Academy in Valladolid for 10 years and still plays professionally, feels that there are untapped possibilities for the sport in Saudi Arabia.

“I have been here for a year and it is clear that padel has grown a lot in that time,” Blanco said. “People in Saudi Arabia are very open to trying new sports right now and I think there is a really good opportunity to help improve the level of Saudi players.

“Padel is a fun, social sport and although Saudi Arabia is perhaps the last country in the Gulf to discover it, padel has a lot of potential to get even bigger here. It would be great to see the government step in to build more public courts and make the sport even more accessible.”

Padel’s popularity is evident in the number of court bookings on apps such as Playtomic and Malaeb across the region. But at the elite level, padel has also increasingly found itself at home in the Gulf.

Although Enrique Corcuera, a businessman living in Acapulco, Mexico, is widely credited with creating the sport in the 1960s, it was in Spain where padel really began to take off a few decades later. The first international competitions began in the mid-2000s, and between 2013 and 2023, the World Padel Tour took the globe’s best players from country to country.

That series has since been usurped by Premier Padel, which initially began as a rival competition in 2022 but has now become elite padel’s preeminent property. It has previously taken tournaments to Qatar and Egypt, and in 2024 the season-opening event took place in Riyadh.

“Hosting Premier Padel was a big step for Saudi Arabia and shows that it is taking the sport seriously,” said Blanco. “Tournaments like this attract new fans and inspire people to start playing, or to play more.”

Perhaps the most significant event to happen in the Gulf so far was in 2022, when Dubai filled in at late notice in place of Doha as host of the World Championships. For UAE Padel Association board member Al-Marzooqi, it was a special moment.

“Filling a stadium for the World Championships was incredible,” he recalled. “We took on the hosting of the tournament at very short notice and delivered an amazing event.

“I think the UAE has played an important role in padel’s evolution in the Middle East — building courts and bringing pro players.

“But I’ve been so happy to see the expansion in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan. Lots of Arab countries are embracing padel and we hope that we will see Arab champions in the sport.”

Padel’s growth story has been remarkable but it may reach its zenith at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, with suggestions it could be included in the mega-event for the first time. Al-Marzooqi feels it would be a deserved inclusion.

“I think it would make a spectacular Olympic sport,” said Al Marzooqi, who still tries to play three times a week. “The popularity is there, the fans are there. It’s just a matter of time before padel makes it to the Olympics.”


Man arrested after Ben Stokes’ home raided by masked gang

Man arrested after Ben Stokes’ home raided by masked gang
Updated 34 sec ago
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Man arrested after Ben Stokes’ home raided by masked gang

Man arrested after Ben Stokes’ home raided by masked gang
  • England captain was in Pakistan for a Test series when the incident occurred
  • Stolen items include a medal received after England won the 2019 World Cup

LONDON: A man has been arrested after England Test captain Ben Stokes’ home was burgled while he was on tour in Pakistan, police said Friday.
Stokes said his wife and two children were at home in County Durham, in northeast England, during the break-in by “masked” burglars on the evening of October 17, when valuables were taken.
Durham Police said a 32-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of burglary. He has since been bailed.
Stokes was in Pakistan for a Test series when the incident occurred.
He said items stolen included a medal he received after he was recognized in the 2020 New Year Honours list, for helping England win the World Cup the year before.
Describing the break-in on his personal X account, Stokes posted images of the items taken from his home including a Christian Dior handbag, a gold ring with England cricket insignia and bracelets.
“By far the worst thing about this crime is that it was carried out whilst my wife and two young children were in the house,” the 33-year-old wrote.
“Thankfully, none of my family came to any physical harm. Understandably, however, the experience has had an impact on their emotional and mental state.
“All we can think about is how much worse this situation could have been.”
England lost their Test series in Pakistan 2-1.


Saudi Arabia showcases FIFA World Cup bid at AFC conference in Seoul

Saudi Arabia showcases FIFA World Cup bid at AFC conference in Seoul
Updated 18 min 30 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia showcases FIFA World Cup bid at AFC conference in Seoul

Saudi Arabia showcases FIFA World Cup bid at AFC conference in Seoul
  • SAFF’s President Yasser Al-Misehal highlights international backing

LONDON: The Saudi Arabian Football Federation presented its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup at an Asian Football Confederation conference in Seoul on Friday.

The event, for member associations and regional associations’ presidents and general secretaries, saw Saudi Arabia highlight its position as a potential World Cup host, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

SAFF’s President Yasser Al-Misehal spoke of international backing for Saudi Arabia’s proposal, noting the “unprecedented historical support from over 170 federations.”

Al-Misehal added that the endorsement emphasized the confidence the global community had in the Kingdom’s capabilities to host the World Cup, a venture he described as “a dream come true” for Saudi football enthusiasts who had passionately supported the sport for years.

The event also featured SAFF’s Secretary-General Ibrahim Al-Qasim, who offered a presentation to football experts and pioneers which stressed Saudi Arabia’s capacity to host the World Cup.

Under the proposed new format, Saudi Arabia would be the sole country to organize the 2034 tournament, underscoring its infrastructural capabilities and commitment to delivering a world-class sporting experience, he said.

The AFC conference, which began on Wednesday, was attended by FIFA’s President Gianni Infantino, AFC’s President Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa, and national and regional federation leaders.

The decision on the hosts for the 2034 World Cup will be announced at FIFA’s Extraordinary General Assembly on Dec. 11.

Al-Misehal expressed optimism about Saudi Arabia’s prospects, adding that football fans across Asia and beyond were eagerly awaiting FIFA’s decision.


Netflix releases teaser for documentary series on Saudi Pro League

Netflix releases teaser for documentary series on Saudi Pro League
Updated 01 November 2024
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Netflix releases teaser for documentary series on Saudi Pro League

Netflix releases teaser for documentary series on Saudi Pro League
  • ‘Saudi Pro League: Kickoff’ will be released on Nov. 21

RIYADH: Netflix will launch its latest sports doc series, “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” on Nov. 21, the streaming platform revealed in a short teaser.

The docuseries will take football fans behind the scenes of a league with the ambition to become one of the top leagues in the world.

The six-episode series, produced by Whisper, delves into the journey of five Saudi football clubs, Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli and Al Etiffaq, as they compete to be crowned Saudi Pro League champions.

Well-known international players such as Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr), Neymar (Al-Hilal), Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad) and Ettifaq coach Steven Gerrard, as well as great Saudi players such as Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal), Feras Al-Buraikan (Al-Ahli), Talal Haji (Al-Ittihad), and Abdulrahman Ghareeb (Al-Nassr), all make appearances, describing their journeys, challenges, failures and triumphs throughout the 2023-2024 season.

Beyond the pitch, fans will witness the Saudi Pro League’s vision of transformation unfold, as international legends join the league and make a profound impact on the clubs, the competition and the Saudi football stars.

Featuring exclusive interviews from some of the world’s best players, managers and commentators, along with in-depth stories and highlights from the campaign, the series will offer fans backstage access to the developments shaping the future of the Saudi Pro League.


We’ll be Al-Nassr fans for a weekend, says Al-Ittihad’s Fabinho

We’ll be Al-Nassr fans for a weekend, says Al-Ittihad’s Fabinho
Updated 01 November 2024
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We’ll be Al-Nassr fans for a weekend, says Al-Ittihad’s Fabinho

We’ll be Al-Nassr fans for a weekend, says Al-Ittihad’s Fabinho
  • The Brazilian midfielder helped his team to a 1-0 win over Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli ahead of Al-Nassr’s clash with table-topping Al-Hilal in the Roshn Saudi Pro League’s Capital Derby

JEDDAH: Brazilian star Fabinho has revealed that the Al-Ittihad players are going to become Al-Nassr fans, but just for the Roshn Saudi Pro League Capital Derby against champions and current leaders Al-Hilal on Friday.

On Thursday night Al-Ittihad defeated Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli 1-0 as a part of the SPL’s Derby Week.

The win in the Sea Derby ensures Al-Ittihad is equal on points with Al-Hilal at the top of the SPL table but behind the Riyadh club on goal difference, having played an extra match.

Having dropped only three points all season — in a defeat to Al-Hilal — Al-Ittihad, title holders in 2022-2023, have emerged as the reigning champions’ biggest challengers for the league trophy this season.

With that in mind, the former Liverpool midfielder wants both Jeddah and Riyadh to be all yellow this weekend.

“At the moment we are fighting against Al-Hilal at the top of the league, so first we have to do our job,” he told Arab News before the clash in Jeddah.

“And of course we’ll support Al-Nassr this weekend. If they get a good result, it will be good for us, but as I said before we have to care about us first.”

As well as the Sea Derby and Capital Derby, the SPL also hosts Al-Ettifaq versus Al-Qadsiah in the Eastern Derby on Saturday.

All the matchweek nine clashes are a part of the innovative new Derby Week in the league this season.


Humbert knocks out Alcaraz to join Zverev and Tsitsipas in Paris Masters quarterfinals

Humbert knocks out Alcaraz to join Zverev and Tsitsipas in Paris Masters quarterfinals
Updated 01 November 2024
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Humbert knocks out Alcaraz to join Zverev and Tsitsipas in Paris Masters quarterfinals

Humbert knocks out Alcaraz to join Zverev and Tsitsipas in Paris Masters quarterfinals
  • Humbert: There were some incredible points, I think I have just experienced one of my greatest moments on a tennis court
  • Eighth-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov beat Arthur Rinderknech 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (5) to have an outside chance of reaching the season-ending ATP Finals

PARIS: Frenchman Ugo Humbert harnessed the energy of the home crowd and produced one of his best career performances in beating Carlos Alcaraz 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters on Thursday.

A flurry of forehand and backhand winners had Alcaraz 5-0 down in a first set so one-sided that Alcaraz — a four-time Grand Slam winner — ironically waved his racket and grinned to the crowd after holding in the sixth game.

“There were some incredible points, I think I have just experienced one of my greatest moments on a tennis court,” Humbert said. “I don’t want it to end here.”

The second-seeded Alcaraz controlled the second set but, after missing chances during the third set, served to stay in the match. The crowd jeered a replayed point but Alcaraz was unperturbed and held comfortably for 5-5.

Sensing a big upset, Humbert got the Bercy Arena crowd going in the next game.

The 26-year-old left-hander looked like he was about to do a lap of honor after a brilliant forehand pass down the line at full stretch and earned ovations following a superb angled volley and a booming winner that flew past his Spanish opponent.

“I have to congratulate Ugo. His performance has been really high,” Alcaraz said. “The way he hits the ball is unbelievable.”

Alcaraz said Hubert deserved victory, but added that the unusually high speed of the court made it more difficult for him — especially with the low trajectory of Humbert’s shots.

“The stats came out that this is the fastest court in the Masters 1000, probably on the tour,” the 21-year-old Spaniard said. “For example, the Davis Cup indoor court (was) way slower.”

A rattled-looking Alcaraz trailed 0-30 in the 12th game. Umpire Richard Haigh intervened to calm the crowd, urging them not to cheer when Alcaraz made a fault on serve and then said in English “Guys, you’re affecting both players.”

Serving again to stay in the match at 15-40, Alcaraz saved one match point but returned long on the next as the 15th-seeded Humbert set up a last-eight contest with Australian Jordan Thompson.

Eighth-seeded Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov beat Arthur Rinderknech 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (5) to have an outside chance of reaching the season-ending ATP Finals. Dimitrov, who served 17 aces, needs to reach Sunday’s final and next faces 2018 champion Karen Khachanov.

Earlier, Alexander Zverev silenced the raucous home crowd, beating French prospect Arthur Fils 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

The third-seeded German compiled 16 aces compared to nine for the 20-year-old Fils in their first indoor meeting.

“I am happy I hung in there today,” Zverev said. “He is a great player and has improved a lot this year. I am looking forward to the next few battles we are going to have.”

Zverev, the French Open runner-up, saved three break points in serving for the match at 5-3.

“The atmosphere here is a lot louder than at Roland Garros,” the 27-year-old Zverev said. “The crowd is on top of you.”

He next plays 10th-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas in their 16th career meeting, with Tsitsipas 10-5 up.

The big-serving Greek earlier rallied to beat Francisco Cerundolo 6-7 (1), 6-4, 6-2 to stay in contention to qualify for next month’s Finals in Turin, the year-end tournament gathering the season’s top eight players.

Although Tsitsipas hit nine aces and saved all three break points, he converted only three of his 11 break-point chances.

In other third-round matches, ninth-seeded Alex De Minaur kept up his chances of reaching the Finals with a 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 victory against Britain’s Jack Draper, the US Open semifinalist, and 2022 champion Holger Rune edged out lucky loser Arthur Cazaux 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Khachanov won 7-6 (5), 6-4 against Alexei Popyrin and Thompson advanced to the first Masters quarterfinal of his career by beating veteran Adrian Mannarino 7-5, 7-6 (5).

Top-ranked Jannik Sinner pulled out of the Paris Masters as did the record seven-time champion Djokovic.