Padel’s Journey: From Mexico to the Sporting Heart of the UAE
Padel, a racquet sport that originated in Mexico in the 1960s, made its way to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the early 2000s, marking the beginning of a new era in the country’s sporting landscape. The introduction of Padel in the UAE can be attributed to the growing global popularity of the sport and the country’s commitment to diversifying its sports offerings. As expatriates and locals alike became more familiar with Padel, interest in the sport began to take root. Padel courts started to appear in sports clubs and recreational facilities, providing enthusiasts with the opportunity to learn and play. The accessibility of the sport, with its simplified rules compared to tennis and squash, attracted a wide range of participants, from seasoned athletes to those seeking a fun and social way to stay active. Padel’s inclusive nature and the relatively low barrier to entry for beginners contributed to its rapid adoption across different age groups and skill levels
Dubai’s confirmation as the host city for the leg of the 2024 Premier Padel season marks a significant milestone in the sports circuit. The UAE Padel Association (UAEPA), in collaboration with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Sports Council (DSC), has inked a multi-year hosting agreement with Premier Padel, the leading professional padel circuit globally.
The Dubai Premier Padel P1: An Overview
Scheduled for November 2024, the Dubai Premier Padel P1 event is a pivotal part of the restructured 25-tournament season spanning 18 countries across five continents. Gallop Global will spearhead the organization of this event, showcasing 320 players in separate categories for male and female pairs. Notably, the total prize pool for both segments amounts to 470,000 euros (AED 1.89 million).
UAEPA President’s Perspective
Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of UAEPA, hailed Dubai’s confirmation as a testament to the country’s burgeoning interest in Padel. He expressed his enthusiasm and remarked that securing Dubai’s position in the 2024 Premier Padel circuit is a significant achievement for the UAE. Padel’s escalating popularity, with over 250 facilities and 900 courts across the nation, underscores its status as a major sport in the UAE.
DSC Secretary General’s Optimism
Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, highlighted the event’s impact on Dubai’s global sports landscape. “Including the Dubai Premier Padel P1 in our roster of elite sporting events will not only enrich our event calendar but also elevate Dubai’s stature on the global sports map,” he emphasized, reaffirming Dubai’s position as a prime destination for top-tier sports competitions worldwide.
Aligning with Dubai’s Vision
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), underscored the alignment between the Dubai Premier Padel P1 and the city’s economic vision. “This event resonates with Dubai’s ambition to be a hub for premier sporting events, aligning with our broader vision of being the world’s leading city for work, leisure, and residence,” he articulated, acknowledging Padel’s meteoric rise in popularity across Dubai.
Gallop Global’s Enthusiasm
Ivan Modia, Gallop Global’s CEO, is thrilled to align Dubai’s sports legacy with the ambitious Dubai Premier Padel P1 plans for an epic international Padel showcase. The announcement of detailed plans for the Dubai Premier Padel P1 is eagerly anticipated in the upcoming year, promising an event that will captivate audiences worldwide.
Dubai’s 2024 Premier Padel Season is expected to catalyze commercial real estate growth by attracting tourists, stimulating infrastructure, and elevating local businesses. Explore your property deals with The RG Group. The RG Group was established in 2008 in Dubai. It is professionally operated and rapidly growing. It has been in the commercial, industrial, and retail sectors for the past 15 years, specializing in buying, leasing, selling with leaseback, financial investments, acquisitions, business mergers, and other business transactions.
The RG Group further broadened its horizons by establishing RVRG Real Estate Brokerage LLC, RGG Investments LLC, RG Interiors, YAS, and RG Development Co. In Dubai, we provide a range of investment-related services.
