Why Filipinos are falling in love with padel: The game that’s taking over the UAE

Dubai: Padel has taken the UAE by storm, and it’s no wonder why so many Filipinos are hooked! With its fast-paced action and a strong sense of community, padel blends fitness, fun, and friendship in a way that perfectly matches the Filipino spirit.

What’s the secret? The game’s inclusivity! Padel is easy to learn, making it ideal for players of all ages and skill levels. For many, it’s more than just a sport—it’s an opportunity to forge lifelong friendships and create cherished family memories.

At the heart of this thriving movement is Maria Zenaida Auro Driz, aka Aten Auro, 46, the energetic founder of the Pinoy Padelist group in the UAE. Having lived in Dubai for 11 years, Aten launched the group in February 2023 at Don Padel Club in Al Jaddaf. Born from a desire for fitness and connection during the pandemic, the group quickly became a go-to hub for both socializing and staying active—showing just how padel can be a game-changer for Filipinos in the UAE.

Aten Auro said: “From just 8 members, the group has exploded to 194 strong, with Filipinos making up 63% of the members and the rest coming from diverse backgrounds, including Egyptians, Russians, Indians, and more. Padel has brought together a vibrant, supportive community where respect, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange thrive.”

Aten Auro describes padel as more than just a sport—“It’s a full-body workout that keeps you fit, boosts your mood, and helps relieve stress.” For her, it’s also a way to stay connected while away from family. Every Friday, the group hosts a “Pinoy Padel Night,” where members come together to play, train, and experience different club vibes across Dubai.

Whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie, the Pinoy Padelist group welcomes anyone passionate about padel and camaraderie. No profits are made—fees go directly to the padel clubs, and basic training is offered for newcomers at the same rate.

For Anna Borela, 41, living in Dubai for 15 years, padel has become more than just a sport—it’s a family tradition and a vibrant community! A founding member of the Pinoy Padelistas, Borela recalls the early days: “It was just a small group of tennis players and coaches, and after months of fun, the idea of creating a Pinoy padel community took off. Now look at us!”

She adds, “The group is fantastic! With the Pinoy Padelistas, there’s always the perfect balance of good vibes and healthy competition. We have made so many new friends, and the bonds extend far beyond padel.”

Padel is a true family affair for Borela. “My husband and I have been playing tennis since we were kids, and now our daughter, Amber, can’t imagine a Friday night without the group! Sports are a huge part of our lives, and we have exposed Amber to tennis, swimming and padel. Whether she pursues sports professionally is up to her, but tennis and padel will always be part of our family story."

For Borela, playing padel is the perfect way to bond with family, meet friends, and stay active—all while enjoying the thrill of the game!

Judith Rose, 42, has been lighting up the padel courts with the Pinoy Padelists since March 2023, and her passion for the sport is unstoppable! Born and raised in Dubai, Judith describes the group as an exciting, diverse mix of Filipinos from all walks of life. "We have everything from Baby Boomers to Gen Alphas, Filipinos from all over the world, and even Filipinos at heart," she says. "The vibe is amazing—everyone shares the same love for padel, a passion for fun, and, of course, the love for food! My circle of friends has exploded. In fact, my BFFs have started calling me Mia—'Missing in Action'—because padel is now my life!"

For Judith, padel isn't just a sport; it’s a family affair. "It’s easy to learn and fun to play, so my husband and son quickly picked it up," she shares. "Now, it’s a full-blown competition between them on the court—watching them play is both a pleasure and a source of exasperation! I’ve even started competing in tournaments, and it’s so heartwarming to have my family cheering me on. I hope it teaches my son the values of sportsmanship, grit, and determination."

When it comes to winning and losing, Judith takes it all in stride with a smile. "If I win against a strong team, I’ll be ecstatic—it’ll justify all my growing padel expenses, thanks to ‘Girl Math’!" she laughs. "But if I lose, it just gives me another reason to get back on the court. And if it gets tough, retail therapy is always the answer!"

Judith’s advice to those struggling with padel? "Don’t give up. You just need to find the right people on your padel journey!" Whether you win, lose, or just have fun, Judith knows that the real magic of padel is the friendships, the competition, and the joy of the game.

Another powerhouse on the padel courts and a passionate member of the Pinoy Padelista community is Lito German! A managing director by day, Lito, 55, joined the group a year ago and has been hooked ever since. "We’re united not just by padel, but by our shared Filipino spirit of camaraderie and family," he says.

For Lito, padel is more than a game—it's a social sport that strengthens bonds. "It’s about connecting with your partner, reading your opponents, and creating meaningful interactions. That’s what makes it so special."

Padel has also brought Lito’s family closer. "It’s great that my wife and kids are sporty too. We’re bonding over this new adventure together."

Lito's competitive nature shines through: "I play to win, but the real value is in learning and growing together with the group. Losing? It’s just part of the journey."

His advice for anyone struggling? "Life and sports have ups and downs. It’s not about winning, but showing up and doing your best—and most importantly, having fun!"

Aike Fatima's journey with padel started in April 2024, and it’s been nothing short of transformative! At 40, this energy analyst, who’s lived in Dubai for 13 years, never expected to be so hooked on the sport. "I was introduced by my freediving friend, Kate," Fatima shares. "I wasn’t expecting to be so drawn to the group, but everyone was so friendly and fun. Soon, they became my regular weekend crew!"

The excitement doesn't stop there—Fatima discovered something truly special about the Pinoy Padelistas: "We all come from different parts of the Philippines, and through padel, we've shared and learned so much about each other’s cultures. It’s been an amazing way to connect!"

For Fatima, the best part of playing padel is the transformation it sparked in her health. "For a long time, I wasn't active—sports only once every few months. But padel pushed me to focus on my physical strength. I wanted to improve my game, and that motivated me to stay fit!" Even more exciting, Fatima has seen a change in herself socially. "I used to be a homebody, but now, I’m excited to meet and chat with my Pinoy Padelists friends every day. They’ve helped me step out of my shell."

As for competition, Fatime embraces both wins and losses with grace. "I see padel matches as friendly games. Of course, I want to win, but when I lose, I see it as an opportunity to learn and grow," she explains. "The true joy comes from enjoying the game, improving yourself, and building friendships along the way. Winning is just the cherry on top when you focus on the journey and the connections you make."

Fatima’s story proves that padel isn’t just about the game—it’s about personal growth, friendship, and making lasting memories!