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Estimated reading time 3 minutes
Padel is swiftly conquering the Middle East, court by court. With its unique blend of tennis and squash, the padel industry is poised to reach a staggering value of US $491.3 million (£395.8 million) by 2028, earning it the title of the “world's fastest-growing sport.”
Padel, sometimes called padel tennis, is a racket sport that originated in Mexico. It is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court a little smaller than a doubles tennis court. Although padel shares the same scoring system as tennis, the rules, strokes, and techniques are different. The balls used are similar but with a little less pressure. Among the differences are that the court has walls, and the balls can be played off them in a similar way as in the game of squash, and that solid, stringless bats are used.
One of Padel's greatest strengths is its accessibility. Unlike some sports that require years of practice to master, such as tennis, padel is very easy to learn and play. This low barrier to entry makes it appealing to a wide range of participants, from children to seniors, and from beginners to athletes. The sport's intuitive nature helps newbies quickly grasp the foundations and move on to enjoy competitive matches, which fosters a sense of achievement and encourages further participation.
The popularity of this sport is further promoted by its strong social component. It is typically played in doubles format, naturally encouraging interaction and camaraderie among participants. This social aspect extends beyond the court, with padel clubs becoming community hubs where people can also socialize. In the GCC, where community ties are highly valued, this aspect has contributed significantly to padel’s exponential growth.
Another aspect of padel that has contributed to its rapid expansion in the GCC is the design of the court. Being much smaller than tennis courts makes them easier to install in a variety of locations, including urban areas where space may be at a premium. This compact design also contributes to the sport's fast-paced nature, which makes for exciting gameplay that keeps players engaged and wanting to come back for more.
Padel’s fast rise to dominance can also be attributed to its high visibility. With high-profile figures like football stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi embracing the sport, it was able to gain serious traction among the public, further enhancing its appeal.
Fortunately for padel enthusiasts in the GCC, the region's investment in padel infrastructure and tournament organization is on par with, if not exceeding, established European padel hubs. Being recognised for its potential for community engagement and international events only serves to drive the growth further. The UAE alone boasts over 250 padel courts, reflecting substantial growth and commitment to the sport. Other GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are also rapidly expanding their Padel facilities and hosting major international tournaments, further elevating the sport's profile and accessibility in the region. This robust infrastructure development ensures that padel continues to thrive and attract new players across the GCC.
Padel's swift conquest of the Middle East is a testament to its unique appeal and strategic investment in the region. With its blend of tennis and squash, padel has captivated a diverse audience, from beginners to seasoned athletes, thanks to its accessibility and social nature. The GCC's robust infrastructure development, including the UAE's impressive 250 padel courts (minimum estimate), reflects a significant commitment to the sport. High-profile endorsements and a compact, exciting gameplay format have further fueled its popularity. As GCC countries continue to invest heavily in Padel facilities and host major international tournaments, the sport's profile and accessibility will only grow, ensuring that Padel remains a thriving and dynamic part of the region's sporting landscape.