The magic of padel lies in how simple it is to start and how fun it is to keep playing. No one’s saying it’s effortless, but the smaller court, slower ball, and doubles format mean beginners actually get to play from day one. It’s not like tennis, where you might spend the first hour chasing balls instead of hitting them.

That accessibility makes padel wildly attractive across generations. Kids, parents, even first-time athletes can step on the court and find their rhythm quickly. Plus, because it’s always played in doubles, it feels more social, more relaxed less pressure, more laughs.

Ten years ago, if someone mentioned padel in the Gulf, they were probably Spanish or Argentinian. But that changed fast especially post-COVID. When other sports shut down, padel stayed open. That gave the game a rare opportunity: people needed something to do, and padel answered.

In the UAE, for example, the courts started popping up not just in public parks, but also in private villas. Local players jumped in, including Emiratis like Eisa Sharif Al-Marzooqi, who went from tennis to padel and never looked back. And when someone like Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan posts about a sport? Yeah, it catches on.

It’s easy to forget, but Saudi wasn’t an early adopter. Still, in typical Saudi fashion, when they stepped in they went big. With more than 320 padel clubs, the Kingdom now leads the entire continent in number of courts. That’s not just impressive it’s a statement.

According to Spanish coach Adrián Blanco, who now trains players in Riyadh, the appetite in Saudi is massive. People are curious, open to new experiences, and eager to improve. Hosting elite tournaments like Premier Padel’s season opener in 2024 only adds fuel to the fire. Padel’s not just a hobby here it’s becoming part of the national conversation.

Padel isn’t about flashy winners or solo stardom it’s about community. Many of the clubs popping up in the Gulf understand that. They're not just building courts they're building spaces. Cafes, lounges, fitness areas, music, events. The game is just the beginning.

Players like Dubai resident Scott Grayston talk about it as a lifestyle. It’s where friends meet. Where people hang out after the match. Where you can play seriously or just for fun and still feel like you belong.

Absolutely. From the UAE hosting the World Championships on short notice in 2022 to the buzz around a possible Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, the region is not just riding the wave it’s helping steer it.

Grassroots programs in the UAE are nurturing young talent. Schools are adding padel courts. Federations are thinking long-term. The goal? Not just to grow the sport but to produce champions. And if things keep moving at this pace, that dream might not be far off.

So what’s behind the rise of padel in the Middle East? It’s not one thing it’s everything. Timing. Simplicity. Support from leadership. Smart infrastructure. And perhaps most importantly, a shared desire for a sport that brings people together, rather than pushing them apart.

Padel doesn’t need a long rulebook or fancy gear. Just a court, a racket, three friends and maybe, a coffee after. Sounds like a weekend well spent.