Padel in the UAE 2026: growth data and how to pick a Dubai club

Two organisations publish most of the numbers people quote about padel: the booking platform Playtomic, which writes an annual Global Padel Report with PwC's Strategy&, and the International Padel Federation (FIP), which publishes a World Padel Report. Both say the sport is still growing worldwide. On the UAE they agree on the overall picture: a mature, premium, mostly indoor market that is no longer adding courts quickly. They do not agree on how many courts the country has. This guide sets out what each source actually says, then turns to the practical question: how to choose a court and a club in Dubai.

Note: This site has no connection with any club described below. Nobody paid to be included, and the clubs appear in alphabetical order with no ranking.

The global picture in 2026

The fourth Playtomic and PwC Strategy& report, published in May 2026, counts 58,334 courts worldwide at the end of 2025, after 7,898 new courts and 4,969 new clubs were added that year (Playtomic & PwC Strategy&, Global Padel Report 2026). Its landing page summarises this as "58,300 courts, nearly 20,000 clubs, and 19.4 million players worldwide", with the industry "projected to reach 91,000 courts globally by 2028".

The FIP counts more. Its World Padel Report 2026, presented in Madrid on 12 October 2026, says the world reached 91,234 courts by the end of August 2026, when the report was finalised, and more than 28,497 clubs and accommodation facilities (FIP, World Padel Report 2026). It estimates that around 40 million people played padel at least once in the past year, of whom about 27 million play more often.

The gap is about method, not error. Playtomic's 2026 report says its 19.4 million figure includes federated players taken from FIP data, and that "while FIP reports a total of 35M players, our bottom-up analysis, triangulating multiple data points, indicates a more conservative estimate." The 35 million figure comes from the FIP World Padel Report 2025, which reported "over 35 million players" and 77,300 courts (FIP, December 2025).

Deloitte's projections from three years ago are a useful check. The 2023 edition of the Playtomic report, produced with Deloitte, forecast "around 85,000 padel courts worldwide" by 2026 and a "6 billion industry by 2026", as reported by PADEL1969. By Playtomic's own later count the world finished 2025 well short of that court figure. By the FIP's count it passed it during 2026. No Deloitte padel report newer than 2023 could be found.

What the reports say about the UAE

Playtomic and PwC: a premium market, 800+ courts

The 2026 report treats the Gulf as a separate case that "stands outside the archetype framework, with a capital-led and premium-driven padel model". On the UAE specifically, it says the country "sets the regional benchmark for premium padel experiences", describing a "mature, high-end padel ecosystem led by Dubai and Abu Dhabi", a "strong premium, club model, supported by indoor infrastructure and year-round demand", and "increasing integration of padel into real estate developments and luxury assets". It puts the UAE at 800+ total padel courts, against 1000+ for Saudi Arabia and 150+ for Qatar (Global Padel Report 2026, p.23).

The 2025 edition was blunter about the state of the market. It described the UAE as "consolidated markets, with new openings restricted to large indoor clubs", and in a Gulf comparison called it a "very mature, consolidated market, small outdoor clubs closing down and very few new openings" (Playtomic & PwC Strategy&, Global Padel Report 2025). The same page headline reads: "In the Middle East, the future of padel is indoors", noting "high seasonality, with indoor clubs filling up while outdoor clubs lose momentum".

For the wider region, the 2024 edition counted 670 new courts built in the Middle East in 2023 (Global Padel Report 2024). The 2025 edition counted 522 new courts in "Middle East and Africa" in 2024, a different regional grouping, and gave the Middle East a total of 1.6k courts. That 1.6k total is hard to square with the 2026 edition's 800+ for the UAE and 1000+ for Saudi Arabia alone, so treat the regional totals as indicative.

The 2024 edition also ranked the UAE 14th among countries for growth in Google search interest in "padel" compared with the previous report (Global Padel Report 2024).

The FIP: around 1,000 courts, and growth now flat

The FIP's figures are higher. Its 2025 report says the UAE has "around 1,000 courts and 13.5% of padel fans" in Asia, second in Asia behind Saudi Arabia (438 facilities, 1,127 courts) and ahead of Kuwait (600 courts). Its UAE country profile, sourced to the national federation, gives June 2025 estimates of 320 clubs, 950 courts and 450,000 amateur players, or about one court per 10,017 residents (FIP, World Padel Report 2025, p.205). Clubs affiliated to the federation numbered far fewer: 70 clubs, 300 courts and 1,300 licensed players in 2024.

The 2026 FIP report says that "after driving the growth of padel in Asia between 2020 and 2024, the Middle East is now undergoing a strong phase of consolidation". Its table for the UAE shows 0 new clubs and 0 new courts between 2025 and September 2026, alongside a 20% rise in Google searches compared with 2025 (FIP, World Padel Report 2026, p.47). The Middle East's share of Asian padel facilities fell from 89% in 2024 to 72% in 2025 and 38% in 2026, as Indonesia and other Southeast Asian markets grew.

The same report includes an economic model built with OpenEconomics. It ranks the UAE 19th of 191 territories by padel spending, at €100.6 million, of which €84.0 million is court rental.

Where the UAE numbers disagree

The affiliated figures also diverge: the FIP's March 2024 article reported 155 clubs and 620 courts affiliated in 2023 (FIP, 2024), while the FIP's 2025 profile lists 70 clubs and 300 courts affiliated in 2024. Neither document explains the drop. The safe reading: the UAE has somewhere between about 800 and 1,000 courts, and the number has barely moved since 2025.

Key numbers

UAE padel news, 2025 to 2026

Premier Padel in Dubai. The first Dubai Premier Padel P1, in 2024, drew 24,000 spectators. For 2025 the organisers, Gallop Global, moved it from the 5,000-capacity Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium to the Hamdan Sports Complex, announced with a "7,000-seater Centre Court" (WAM, 6 May 2025). After the event, WAM reported that the complex's Olympic pool had been converted into a padel arena "with seating for 8,000 spectators". Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello won the men's title; Claudia Fernandez and Bia Gonzalez won the women's (WAM, 17 November 2025). The two WAM reports give different seat counts. The 2026 edition runs from 8 to 15 November 2026 at Hamdan Sports Complex (Gulf News, updated 25 June 2026).

One federation for tennis and padel. On 31 December 2025 the Minister of Sports, Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, approved the merger of the UAE Tennis Federation and the UAE Padel Federation into a single body, the UAE Tennis and Padel Federation, with a board term running to 2028. Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, previously president of the UAE Padel Association, is President of the new board (WAM, 31 December 2025). The padel association had been officially recognised in 2014.

History. Dubai hosted the FIP's men's and women's world championships in 2022, listed in the FIP's roll of honour as the FIP World Cup (FIP, WPR 2026).

How to pick a court and club in Dubai

The reports describe the market. These are the factors that matter when choosing where to play.

Indoor or outdoor

This is the main decision, and it depends on the season. Playtomic's 2025 report notes that Gulf clubs see "high seasonality, with indoor clubs filling up while outdoor clubs lose momentum". In the hot months, an air-conditioned indoor court is the practical choice for daytime play. Outdoor courts come into their own in the cooler months and in the early morning or late evening.

Padel Pro, which runs both types, puts the trade-off well on its booking page: indoor courts give "no wind interference" and "steadier court conditions", while outdoor play offers "a more tactical challenge" because wind changes lobs (Padel Pro). Some venues state that indoor courts are air-conditioned; others only say "indoor", so ask.

Glass, turf and lighting

• Panoramic glass. Panoramic courts replace the metal uprights between glass panels with clear glass joins, giving an unobstructed view. Several Dubai venues advertise them, so ask which courts in a club are panoramic if it matters to you.
• Turf. Look at the court before you book a block of sessions. Check for flattened or bare patches and uneven sand. Some clubs name their turf supplier; Padel Point, for example, lists Mondo.
• Lighting. Indoor halls with low roofs or uneven lighting make lobs hard to track. A higher ceiling is worth having if you like to lob.

Booking and price

Most Dubai clubs take bookings through Playtomic, their own app or WhatsApp. Session lengths vary, so compare like with like. Two clubs publish prices:

• Just Padel: AED 220 for 45 minutes at Mina Rashid and Kite Beach, and AED 180 for 45 minutes at several smaller outdoor sites (Just Padel, courts page, accessed 18 October 2026).
• Padel Pro: AED 400 for a 90-minute full-court booking indoors at Al Quoz and AED 360 outdoors at One Central. A single 90-minute matchmaking place costs AED 110 indoors and AED 95 outdoors (Padel Pro, indoor prices; outdoor prices, accessed 18 October 2026).

Neither page separates peak from off-peak rates, so check the live price in the app before you book.

Coaching, community and level

If you are new, look for beginner group classes, a levelling session, and social formats such as americanos or matchmaking, so you do not need to find three partners yourself. Some venues also offer women-only courts or sessions.

Location, parking and facilities

Six of the seven venues listed below have courts in the Al Quoz industrial areas. That suits central Dubai but can mean a long drive from Dubai Marina, Dubai South or the northern edge of the city at rush hour. Check for free parking, changing rooms and showers, which not every venue lists.

Seven Dubai venues, from their own listings

The details below come only from each club's own website or Playtomic listing, as of 18 October 2026. The list is alphabetical and is not a ranking.

Note: Court counts, prices and facilities change. Check with the club before you book.

Central Padel Dubai. In Al Quoz Industrial Area 3. The club says the complex "comprises 7 indoor courts including Centre court" and describes itself as the first World Padel Tour facility in the world. It lists an adult academy, a junior academy, physiotherapy and cold plunge, a café and ample parking (Central Padel).

Just Padel. A multi-site operator. Its courts page lists Mina Rashid with 8 indoor air-conditioned courts, a separate 4-court indoor ladies-only section and 4 outdoor courts; Kite Beach with 4 outdoor courts; Ripe Market with 5 outdoor courts; plus smaller outdoor sites including The Square at Nad Al Sheba Gardens and Brighton College. Bookings are made on the website, through the Just Padel app or by WhatsApp (Just Padel).

Match Point Padel. In Al Quoz Industrial Area 2. Its Playtomic listing shows three courts and describes "indoor courts, private court for ladies including changing room & washroom". Listed amenities are free parking, a cafeteria, changing rooms and WiFi, and it opens from 7am to midnight (Playtomic listing).

Padel Kingdom. The Dubai branch is in Al Quoz Industrial Area 4, with indoor courts, coaching, a lounge and booking through Playtomic. The group also has branches in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain and says selected branches offer ladies-only courts (Padel Kingdom).

Padel Point. Two facilities a minute or two apart in Al Quoz Industrial Area, with five indoor, climate-controlled courts on Mondo turf. It runs a Monday "Open Americano", a 60-minute Playtomic levelling class and coach bookings, and lists free parking and a café. Bookings are through Playtomic or WhatsApp (Padel Point).

Padel Pro. Founded in 2017, it describes itself as "the first stand-alone padel club in the Middle East". One Central (Dubai World Trade Centre) has five panoramic outdoor courts, a pro shop, a café, free parking, changing facilities and an outdoor gym area. Al Quoz has four panoramic indoor courts, a pro shop, a café, free parking and changing facilities. Both open daily from 6am to midnight, bookings are 90 minutes, and courts can be booked through Playtomic or WhatsApp. It offers matchmaking, junior training for ages 8 to 16 and tournaments (Padel Pro).

World Padel Academy. Lists Dubai venues in Al Quoz and at SIRO One Za'abeel, plus two in Sharjah, with coaching and academy programmes and court booking. Its site does not state court numbers (World Padel Academy).

Checklist: choosing a club

• Season and time. Indoor and air-conditioned for summer days; outdoor is an option in the cooler months and late evenings.
• Air conditioning confirmed. "Indoor" does not always mean cooled.
• Court type. Panoramic or standard glass; turf condition checked in person.
• Lighting and ceiling height. Visit at the time you plan to play.
• Booking channel. Playtomic, the club app or WhatsApp; note the cancellation rules.
• Price per minute. Compare 45-minute and 90-minute slots on the same basis.
• Coaching. Beginner groups, levelling sessions and a published price list.
• Community. Americanos, matchmaking or leagues if you lack a regular four.
• Travel time. Check the journey at rush hour, not on a Friday morning.
• Facilities. Parking, changing rooms, showers, racket hire.
• Women-only options, if they matter to you.

Sources

1. Playtomic and PwC Strategy&, 2026. Global Padel Report 2026 (landing page and report). https://playtomic.com/global-padel-report. Accessed 18 October 2026.
2. Playtomic and PwC Strategy&, 2025. Global Padel Report 2025. https://8258038.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/8258038/Global%20Padel%20Report/PLAYTOMIC_GLOBAL%20_PADEL_REPORT_2025.pdf. Accessed 18 October 2026.
3. Playtomic and PwC Strategy&, 2024. Global Padel Report, 2024 Release. https://8258038.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/8258038/Global%20Padel%20Report/Playtomic%20and%20Strategy%26%20-%20Global%20Padel%20Report.pdf. Accessed 18 October 2026.
4. International Padel Federation (FIP), 2026. FIP World Padel Report 2026. https://www.padelfip.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/FIP-WPR-2026_DIGITAL.pdf (landing page: https://www.padelfip.com/world-padel-report-2026/). Accessed 18 October 2026.
5. International Padel Federation (FIP), 2025. FIP World Padel Report 2025. https://www.padelfip.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FIP-WPR-2025_DIGITAL.pdf. Accessed 18 October 2026.
6. International Padel Federation (FIP), 2025. Online the FIP World Padel Report 2025 (press release, 2 December 2025). https://www.padelfip.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2_december_FIP-World-Padel-Report_ENG-1.pdf. Accessed 18 October 2026.
7. International Padel Federation (FIP), 2024. Focus on…Arab Emirates. Padel in Dubai grows again. https://www.padelfip.com/2024/03/focus-on-arab-emirates-padel-in-dubai-grows-again/. Accessed 18 October 2026.
8. PADEL1969, undated. Global Padel Report 2023: Key Takeaways (summary of the Playtomic and Deloitte report). https://padel1969.com/global-padel-report-2023-key-takeaways/. Accessed 18 October 2026.
9. WAM (Emirates News Agency), 2025. Dubai Premier Padel P1 tournament to launch next November (6 May 2025). https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bjjdurr-dubai-premier-padel-tournament-launch-next. Accessed 18 October 2026.
10. WAM (Emirates News Agency), 2025. Mansoor bin Mohammed awards trophies to Dubai Premier Padel P1 winners (17 November 2025). https://www.wam.ae/en/article/bmrhd39-mansoor-bin-mohammed-awards-trophies-dubai-premier. Accessed 18 October 2026.
11. WAM (Emirates News Agency), 2025. Sports Minister approves merger of tennis, padel federations (31 December 2025). https://www.wam.ae/en/article/15y61k5-sports-minister-approves-merger-tennis-padel. Accessed 18 October 2026.
12. Gulf News, 2026. Dubai Premier Padel P1 returns: Dates, tickets and all you need to know (updated 25 June 2026). https://gulfnews.com/sport/dubai-premier-padel-p1-returns-dates-tickets-and-all-you-need-to-know-1.500582435. Accessed 18 October 2026.
13. Aletihad, 2026. Padel power play on point in Abu Dhabi (13 March 2026). https://en.aletihad.ae/news/uae/4651185. Accessed 18 October 2026.
14. Just Padel, 2026. Courts. https://justpadel.ae/courts/. Accessed 18 October 2026.
15. Padel Pro, 2026. Book a Padel Court in Dubai; Indoor prices; Outdoor prices. https://padelpro.ae/court-booking/, https://padelpro.ae/indoor-prices/, https://padelpro.ae/outdoor-prices/. Accessed 18 October 2026.
16. Central Padel Dubai, 2026. Home page. https://centralpadel.ae. Accessed 18 October 2026.
17. Padel Point, 2026. Home page. https://padelpointae.com. Accessed 18 October 2026.
18. Padel Kingdom, 2026. Home page. https://thepadelkingdom.com. Accessed 18 October 2026.
19. Playtomic, 2026. Match Point Padel (club listing). https://playtomic.com/clubs/match-point-padel-kmk. Accessed 18 October 2026.
20. World Padel Academy, 2026. UAE. https://worldpadelacademy.com/uae/. Accessed 18 October 2026.