Padel tennis in Dubai: Health benefits, top courts, and why everyone's playing this sport

Dubai: With over 250 padel courts across Dubai—and new ones opening every month—the UAE’s passion for padel shows no signs of slowing down. As the summer heat drives outdoor sports like football off the field, residents are flocking indoors to enjoy the fast-paced, social, and downright addictive game of padel.

From yacht captains to accountants, seasoned tennis players to curious beginners, people from all walks of life are swapping sneakers for rackets, discovering a fresh, fun way to get fit, make new friends, and release stress—all within the cool comfort of air-conditioned courts.

So, what’s behind this padel boom? And why is it not just a game but a game-changer for your health and happiness?

Gulf News hit the courts to explore why padel is becoming Dubai’s ultimate sport for staying active, healthy, and connected in the UAE’s vibrant expat community.

It’s fun, fast, and you meet amazing people

For South African expat Reuben Maritz, a yacht captain based in Dubai South, padel was a welcome solution to a familiar problem.

“As a former tennis player, I always tried to get people to hit with me — but it was tough to find consistent partners.”

Then came the padel boom.

“Once padel took off, the hype was real. I figured I’d jump in — and I haven’t looked back since.”

What keeps him coming back?

“It’s the challenge. I want to improve, not just as a former tennis player, but as a proper padel player. The techniques are different, and that makes it interesting.”

Beyond the sport itself, Reuben says padel has helped him expand his social circle.

“The more I play, the more people I meet. It’s a great way to connect and get to know others on and off the court.”

Padel has also become a stress reliever amid his demanding schedule.

“It’s a great workout and really helps clear my head.”

He usually plays in Dubai South, close to home, but recently visited Paus Padel Club — which impressed him with its excellent service and ambiance, even if it's on the pricier side.

“It’s a bit more expensive, but the experience is top-notch.”

Padel started as a hobby — now it runs my life

Filipino expat Aten Auro, was a lifelong tennis enthusiast who only tried padel during the pandemic — and it changed everything.

“At first, I was hesitant. But after one game, I was hooked. Now, I’m 95 per cent padel, 5 per cent tennis,” she says with a grin.

What keeps her coming back is the perfect mix of strategy, fun, and social connection. The sport quickly became more than a hobby — it became a lifestyle.

“Padel helped me stay fit, lifted my mental health, and introduced me to people from all walks of life.”

Auro now helps lead Padel Pilipinas UAE, a community group that organizes regular matches and events for Filipino players across the emirates.

“There’s a real sense of belonging. We’re not just playing — we’re building friendships, support systems, and something meaningful.”

She frequents courts like Don Padel, PadelAE, ZY Padel, Padel Art, WPA Al Quoz, ISD Sports City, Padel Pro, and The Padel Club RAK, with fees ranging from Dh50 to Dh150 per player.

“Every court has its charm, but the ones that feel like a second home — those are the ones I keep coming back to.”

Natural social sport

Azerbaijani expat Fuad Israfilov has called Dubai home for 15 years, but he only started playing padel about 10 months ago — and it’s already made a big impact.

“At first, I thought it was just a fun, acceptable way to stay active. But what keeps me coming back is the unique blend of intensity and enjoyment. Every game feels different. You can go serious or casual, but you’re always moving, laughing, and improving.”

For Israfilov, padel has become much more than just exercise — it’s what he calls his “NSP,” or Natural Social Sport.

“Padel has transformed my social life in the UAE. You play with partners, but the best part is hanging out before and after matches. I’ve made friends I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

The positive effects on his mental and physical health are clear.

“No matter how stressful my day was, once I step on the court, everything changes. It’s like my body gets an ‘update.’ I’ve also lost 10 kilograms since I started playing padel.”

Israfilov's favorite place to play is ISD Padel Club and Sports Academy, close to where he lives.

“The friendly staff, quality courts, and supportive environment make it my go-to spot.”

Transforming social life

Born and raised in Dubai, Judith Rose, a Filipino expat, was a tennis regular before she reluctantly gave padel a shot — thanks to her “annoying but persistent” friends.

“They kept pushing me to try padel, and after just one game, I was absolutely hooked.”

Two years in, padel has become a core part of her routine — and her lifestyle.

“It’s still fun and challenging because there are so many skills and techniques to master. It’s incredibly satisfying when you finally land a tricky shot.”

Beyond the thrill of the game, Rose says padel has transformed her social life.

“Padel is naturally social — you're always playing with three others. I’ve met people from different cultures, backgrounds, and age groups. Sometimes, our squad books a court and we end up chatting more than we play!”

The fitness benefits have been just as noticeable.

“I’m much fitter now than I was two years ago. I’m on court so often, there’s no time to do anything unhealthy!” she laughs.

But, like many active players, she’s had to deal with injuries too.

“I’ve had tennis elbow that just won’t go away and a second-degree calf strain that kept me off court for five weeks. But even with the setbacks, I always come back.”

Her favorite clubs? S7 and PadelAE, both known for their high ceilings, great lighting, and exceptional coaching staff.

“The community feel is what makes these clubs special. The staff know your name, the players support each other, and honestly, the matcha lattes are amazing.”

From curiosity to commitment

Indian expat Ryan Michael Greenwood, an accountant who’s lived in Dubai for three years, discovered padel almost by accident.

“I kept hearing about it and got curious. Once I tried it, I was instantly hooked.”

Now, nearly a year into playing, padel has become a regular part of his routine — and a major part of his social life.

“I’ve made loads of new friends through padel. You don’t need much — just a mutual love for the game, and suddenly you're part of a great community.”

For Greenwood, the sport has brought mental clarity, physical agility, and a sense of connection.

“It keeps me active and limber. Proper stretching before and after is essential, but it’s so worth it.”

His favorite place to play is Padel Art, the club where he first picked up a racket.

“It’s where the journey started for me. I play with different groups and match formats, so prices vary — but the experience is always worth it.”

So, why should you try padel?

Padel isn’t just trending — it’s transformative. Experts say the sport offers a full-body workout, combining cardio, agility, and coordination in a way that’s fun and sustainable. It improves mental health, relieves stress, and offers a strong sense of community — something that many expats in the UAE crave.

Whether you're looking to get fit, make friends, or simply try something new, the courts are waiting — and there’s no better time than summer to give padel a shot.