Dubai, already recognized for setting records in architecture, luxury, and innovation, has now extended its footprint into the sports arena with an ambitious move—hosting the second edition of the Dubai Premier Padel P1 tournament at the state-of-the-art Hamdan Sports Complex. The championship, scheduled from November 9 to 16, 2025, marks a monumental moment in the history of padel sports in the UAE, as it will feature the largest indoor centre court in the country with a capacity of 7,000 seats.
This remarkable milestone underlines not only the meteoric rise of padel in the UAE but also the nation’s growing influence as a global sports hub.
Padel Power : A Giant Leap for Padel in the UAE
The Dubai Premier Padel P1 made its debut in 2024 and was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. With more than 24,000 fans attending over the course of the tournament, it became immediately evident that the appetite for the sport was much larger than anticipated. Riding on this success, organizers decided to upgrade the venue for the 2025 edition. The Hamdan Sports Complex was chosen as the new home for the event—not only because of its capacity but also for its world-class facilities and climate-controlled comfort, a crucial factor in ensuring a seamless indoor experience.
Spread across a vast 24-hectare area, the Hamdan Sports Complex is the Middle East’s largest indoor sporting facility. The new layout for the tournament will include six padel courts—four match courts, two practice courts, and one central court with seating for over 7,000 spectators. This capacity surpasses all existing indoor sporting venues for padel in the UAE, setting a new benchmark for similar events in the future.
Breaking Barriers and Raising Expectations
Padel, a sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has grown rapidly in popularity in the UAE over the past few years. What was once considered a niche game is now a full-fledged competitive sport embraced by residents, expats, and locals alike. Dubai’s upgraded Premier Padel P1 reflects this trajectory and positions the emirate as a serious player in the international padel scene.
The move to a larger venue is a strategic one. The goal isn’t just to set records—it’s to elevate the tournament experience to a global standard. With comfortable seating, better visibility, upgraded acoustics, and efficient logistics, the spectator experience will now be on par with some of the top-tier global tournaments. At the same time, players will benefit from improved facilities and infrastructure that support peak performance.
Early-bird ticket sales have already gone live on Platinumlist, with general admission prices starting as low as AED 36. In an effort to promote inclusivity and accessibility, fans purchasing tickets to the centre court will also receive access to the other competition courts—encouraging fans to explore more than just the marquee matches and engage with emerging talent as well.
Boosting the Economy and Sporting Culture
Sporting events such as the Dubai Premier Padel P1 do more than just entertain. They serve as major economic catalysts, bringing together tourism, hospitality, merchandising, and media. With thousands of fans expected to attend, local businesses stand to gain significantly from increased footfall. Hotels, restaurants, transport services, and retail outlets are all anticipating a sharp rise in demand during the tournament week.
Moreover, the event strengthens Dubai’s positioning as a global sports destination. From hosting world-class tennis matches and Formula One events in nearby Abu Dhabi to organizing high-profile boxing and MMA fights, the UAE has consistently shown its ability to host events at an elite level. The Dubai Premier Padel P1 seamlessly integrates into this growing calendar, further expanding the region’s diverse sporting portfolio.
Additionally, the prize pool for the 2025 edition has been raised from €470,000 to €474,500 (around AED 1.98 million), which adds another layer of competitiveness and allure to the tournament. This increase not only affirms the financial commitment behind the sport’s growth but also attracts elite talent from across the globe.
Who’s Who on the Court
This year’s edition will feature some of the biggest names in global padel, making it an unmissable spectacle for fans and newcomers alike. Among the top-ranked athletes expected to take part are World No.1 men’s duo Arturo Coello and Agustin Tapia. On the women’s side, the formidable pair of Ari Sanchez and Paula Josemaria will headline the draw.
The tournament will feature 240 players from various nationalities, all competing at the highest level. The presence of such elite athletes enhances the credibility of the tournament and is sure to inspire a new generation of local talent.
These global stars not only bring skill and excitement to the court but also serve as role models for aspiring padel players in the UAE. With more children and teenagers now picking up the sport, their participation will surely act as a catalyst for grassroots development.
Government Backing and Strategic Vision
The tournament enjoys strong institutional support from the highest levels of UAE sports governance. Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Padel Association, emphasized the significance of the event by calling it a “historic milestone.” He highlighted how padel has evolved from a recreational activity to an elite sport with a solid fan base and professional infrastructure.
Similarly, Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, underlined the role of such tournaments in fostering a sporting culture and reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a premium sporting destination. The collaboration between public authorities and private organizers exemplifies how shared vision and coordinated efforts can yield exceptional outcomes.
Padel’s Meteoric Rise in the Emirates
Since its official recognition in the UAE in 2014, padel has seen an exponential rise. The establishment of the UAE Padel Association and its quick affiliation with the International Padel Federation gave the sport institutional legitimacy. Today, the UAE boasts over 1,000 padel courts, representing 30% of Asia’s total and 2% of the global count.
This boom isn’t accidental. It is the result of strategic planning, aggressive investment, and community engagement. Gyms, clubs, and even residential compounds now offer padel courts, making the sport accessible to a wide range of people.
Dubai Premier Padel P1 is the pinnacle of this movement. It symbolizes the progress made and the immense potential ahead.
Fan Experience and Beyond
Besides the intense on-court action, the tournament week promises a rich schedule of entertainment, fan zones, live music, food trucks, and interactive experiences. This hybrid of sports and lifestyle is central to Dubai’s event planning philosophy—ensuring that families, tourists, and casual attendees have reasons to participate even if they’re not die-hard sports fans.
From curated merchandise to brand activations and social media challenges, the entire event is designed to deliver a holistic experience, blending world-class sport with community engagement and entertainment.
Conclusion
The 2025 Dubai Premier Padel P1 is more than just a tournament. It is a landmark in the evolution of padel in the UAE. With a 7,000-seat indoor centre court, world-renowned players, a record prize pool, and government backing, the event encapsulates Dubai’s relentless pursuit of excellence. As padel continues to grow in popularity across the globe, the UAE has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of this sporting revolution.
In hosting such a high-caliber event, Dubai isn’t just raising the bar for padel—it’s redefining what sports can look like in the region. And with this momentum, the future of padel in the Emirates looks brighter than ever.
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