Padel Fever in Dubai: The Sport Taking Over Summer

With over 250 padel courts across Dubai—and new ones springing up monthly—the city’s love for padel is showing no signs of slowing down.

As the scorching summer heat sidelines many outdoor activities, residents are heading indoors to enjoy the fast-paced, social, and wildly addictive game of padel.

From yacht captains to accountants, seasoned athletes to total beginners, Dubai’s diverse community is swapping sneakers for rackets.

Padel has become the perfect way to stay fit, meet new people, and unwind—all while staying cool inside air-conditioned arenas.

But what’s fueling this padel craze? And why is this sport becoming so much more than just a game in Dubai’s thriving expat culture?

Read Also: Dubai Mallathon: The Coolest Summer Fitness Event

The Joy of Connection on the Court

For South African expat Reuben Maritz, a yacht captain based in Dubai South, padel is more than a game—it’s an answer to a problem.

“As a former tennis player, I found it tough to get consistent hitting partners,” Maritz recalls. “Then, the padel boom hit, and I figured I’d give it a shot. I’ve never looked back.”

For Maritz, the beauty of padel lies in the challenge. Though his tennis background helps, padel’s unique techniques and strategies keep things fresh. Beyond skills, it’s the social aspect that draws him in.

“Every time I play, I meet new people. It’s a fantastic way to connect. And honestly, it’s a great stress reliever after a busy day.”

Maritz plays mostly near Dubai South but recently visited Paus Padel Club for its upscale ambiance. “It’s a bit pricier, but the experience is top-notch,” he says.

More Than a Hobby

Filipino expat Aten Auro found a life-changing passion in padel. A lifelong tennis fan, she hesitated to try padel during the pandemic. But after one game, she was all in.

“Now, it’s 95% padel, 5% tennis for me,” she laughs.

Auro credits padel with elevating her physical fitness, mental health, and social life. Now, she leads Padel Pilipinas UAE, a community group that connects Filipino players through events and matches.

“Padel is more than a workout—it’s a lifestyle. It’s helped me forge deep connections with people from all walks of life.”

She travels to multiple venues, including Don Padel, PadelAE, and WPA Al Quoz. For her, it’s about finding courts that feel like home.

Dubai’s “Natural Social Sport”

For Azerbaijani expat Fuad Israfilov, padel is what he calls his “natural social sport.” Living in Dubai for 15 years, he dove into padel just 10 months ago, but it’s already become a major part of his life.

“It’s intense, fun, and unique. You can be serious or laid-back, but you’re always moving and laughing,” Israfilov explains.

The game has transformed his social life and his health. “I’ve lost 10 kilos and made fantastic friends who I wouldn’t have met otherwise. No matter how stressful my day has been, stepping onto the court fixes everything.”

Israfilov’s favorite spot to play is ISD Padel Club and Sports Academy, where he enjoys the friendly, supportive atmosphere.

A Game-Changer for Health and Community

For Dubai native Judith Rose, padel started as a reluctant experiment, thanks to her friends’ persistence. Two years later, it’s a core part of her routine.

“Padel is incredibly satisfying because there’s always a new skill or tricky shot to master,” Rose shares. More than that, it’s completely reshaped her social life.

“Almost every game, I meet someone new. The sport naturally brings people together. Sometimes, our group ends up chatting more than playing!”

The sport has also noticeably improved her fitness. “Between matches, there’s no time for unhealthy habits,” she jokes.

Although injuries like tennis elbow have set her back at times, she always returns to the court. She loves playing at S7 and PadelAE for their welcoming communities and standout facilities.

Read Also: UAE Fitness Trends: Beating the Summer Heat

From Curiosity to Commitment

For Indian expat Ryan Michael Greenwood, padel was originally just a curiosity. But after picking up a racket nearly a year ago, it’s transformed into a regular part of his life.

“Padel keeps me active, improves my mental clarity, and has expanded my social circle,” says Greenwood. Playing mostly at Padel Art, where he first discovered the sport, he’s found a community of players who make every match enjoyable.

Why You Should Try Padel

Padel isn’t just a trend—it’s a fitness revolution. Combining cardio, agility, and coordination, this full-body workout is fun, sustainable, and social. It’s also a great way to de-stress and build strong connections.

Whether you want to get fit, make new friends, or simply try something unique, Dubai’s courts are calling. And with summer in full swing, there’s no better time to give padel a shot.

Source: gulfnews

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.