Latest news with #WorldPadelAcademy
Mid East Info
01-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
World Padel Academy Makes History: Two FIP Tournaments Across Two Nations in One Groundbreaking Week
In a landmark move for global padel, World Padel Academy (WPA) has made history by becoming the first club in the world to host two official FIP (International Padel Federation) tournaments simultaneously in two different countries — a powerful display of ambition, organisation, and cross-border collaboration. Over the course of one electrifying week, the FIP Silver Damac Dubai and FIP Bronze Durrat Al Bahrain tournaments brought together 236 players from 38 nationalities, uniting two nations under one shared passion for the sport. The events, staged with the support of leading property developers Damac Properties and Durrat Al Bahrain, elevated the regional and international stature of padel — both in competitive performance and fan engagement. Organised in close collaboration with the UAE Padel Association and the Bahrain Padel Federation , the tournaments demonstrated WPA's unmatched ability to deliver premium sporting experiences at scale. Each tournament stood out not only for the high calibre of competition but for the seamless coordination that allowed two top-tier events to run concurrently across borders. Ali Al Arif, CEO of World Padel Academy , said: 'Hosting two international tournaments in two countries at the same time is more than a milestone; it's a reflection of what's possible when vision, collaboration, and execution align. We're proud to be driving the global evolution of padel, one court at a time.' His sentiments were echoed by Mr. Fahad Kanoo, President of the Bahrain Padel Federation : 'The FIP Bronze Durrat Al Bahrain was a standout moment for padel in Bahrain. Partnering with WPA and hosting this event with the support of Durrat Al Bahrain and other sponsors shows how far the sport has come and how far we're ready to elevate this sport.' H.E. Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Padel Federation , also underscored the significance of the Dubai leg: 'The FIP Silver Damac Dubai was a defining moment for padel in the UAE. With the support of Damac and in partnership with WPA, this event reflects how far the sport has come and the exciting journey that lies ahead for padel in the region.' From the energy on the courts to the global talent it attracted, this unprecedented initiative signals a new era for professional padel. For World Padel Academy, this isn't just about tournaments — it's about shaping the future of the sport, regionally and internationally. For more information about World Padel Academy, please visit
Arabian Business
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Arabian Business
World Padel Academy makes history with two FIP tournaments in two nations in one week
World Padel Academy (WPA) has made history by becoming the first club in the world to host two official International Padel Federation (FIP) tournaments simultaneously in two different countries. This is seen as a landmark move for global padel as it showed a powerful display of ambition, organisation, and cross-border collaboration. Over the course of one electrifying week, the FIP Silver Damac Dubai and FIP Bronze Durrat Al Bahrain tournaments brought together 236 players from 38 nationalities, uniting two nations under one shared passion for the sport, WPA said. The events, staged with the support of leading property developers Damac Properties and Durrat Al Bahrain, elevated the regional and international stature of padel — both in competitive performance and fan engagement, it said. Organised in close collaboration with the UAE Padel Association and the Bahrain Padel Federation, the tournaments demonstrated WPA's unmatched ability to deliver premium sporting experiences at scale. Ali Al Arif, CEO of World Padel Academy, said hosting two international tournaments in two countries at the same time is more than a milestone. 'It's a reflection of what's possible when vision, collaboration, and execution align,' he said. A post shared by Ali Alarif علي العارف (@alialarif) Fahad Kanoo, President of the Bahrain Padel Federation, said the FIP Bronze Durrat Al Bahrain was a standout moment for padel in Bahrain. Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Padel Federation, said the FIP Silver Damac Dubai was a defining moment for padel in the UAE. 'The event reflected how far the sport has come and the exciting journey that lies ahead for padel in the region,' he said.
Arabian Business
11-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Is padel the new tennis? Inside the ‘addictive' game taking over Dubai's sporting scene
Dubai is experiencing a rise in the popularity of padel, once perceived as a niche sport, it has quickly become a widespread phenomenon. The city is now home to over 250 padel courts, with the number of courts and players on an upward trajectory. But what is driving this growth and is it here to stay? 'In my opinion, Padel is here to stay—forever. Last year, it was actually the most played sport in the UAE, even more than football. While football remains the most-watched, Padel has seen incredible participation rates. With strong investment from the federation, government, and private entities, along with a constant influx of new players trying the sport for the first time, its growth shows no signs of slowing down,' said Ali Al Arif, CEO of World Padel Academy in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business. 'Padel has evolved beyond a trend – it's becoming a permanent part of Dubai's active lifestyle,' he affirmed. The racquet sport, often described as a mix between tennis and squash, has experienced exponential growth in recent years, becoming what Arif described as 'addictive.' Padel reportedly originated in 1969 when entrepreneur Enrique Corcuera developed the first court, designing it to fit within his available space. The compact dimensions of padel courts allow three to occupy the same area as a single tennis court, prompting many business owners to convert tennis facilities to padel for improved profitability. 'Today, padel is recognised as a serious sport with structured coaching systems, leagues, professional tournaments, and international competitions,' Arif explained. The factors behind padel's rapid growth 'Padel is easy to learn, fun to play, and social, which makes it appealing to a wide range of people,' said Arif. ' Dubai has played a significant role in the rapid growth of the sport, with private investment in top-tier facilities further accelerating its development.' The city's leadership has also played a crucial role in promoting an active lifestyle. 'This movement began with the influence of the Crown Prince, who introduced Padel to the UAE in 2014,' he explained. Initially, Padel was viewed as a casual pastime. However, Arif said that once people try it, they often become dedicated players. 'The moment players step onto the court, Padel becomes addictive, and they just keep coming back for more.' In 2023, according to the International Padel Federation, there were 1900 registered players in the UAE. It was also revealed that 30 per cent of padel courts in Asia are located in the Middle East, with UAE and Saudi Arabia recording the highest numbers. 'The biggest challenge was simply getting players to step onto the court. But once they do, they become lifelong Padel clients,' he added, 'More and more players are training and competing at higher levels, which is further driving the sport's growth.' Is the market oversaturated? With hundreds of Padel courts now available in Dubai, there remain concerns about potential oversaturation. Arif believes that quality, rather than quantity, is what matters most. 'The more courts there are, the more players will be encouraged to try the sport. But a great Padel club isn't just about the court—it's about the overall experience,' he explained. Facilities that offer structured coaching, a strong community, and additional services such as recovery setups and high-quality F&B options are growing. 'If you look at the past year, the top Padel companies and brands have continued to grow, despite claims that the market is oversaturated,' he explained. 'This proves that demand is still strong.' Some might wonder if Padel's rise is merely a passing trend. Arif is confident that the sport is here to stay. 'With strong investment from the federation, government, and private entities, along with a constant influx of new players, its growth shows no signs of slowing down.' Padel's increasing presence in Dubai's sports culture and its integration into fitness routines suggest it is far more than a passing trend. 'The community is a blend of locals and international players, particularly from Europe and South America, where Padel first gained traction,' Al Arif explained. 'It's a sport that brings people together – you'll often see a child playing with their parent or multiple nationalities sharing the same court,' he said. Compared to other Padel hotspots worldwide, 'Dubai is one of the top five cities in the world for Padel,' said Arif. 'The city offers some of the best facilities and hosts major tournaments, including the World Cup, solidifying its position as a key player in the global Padel market.' Earlier this week, it was announced that the Nad Al Sheba Padel Championship will begin on Monday. The event is expected to be the largest sports tournament of its kind. The tournament will include teams from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, Bahrain, Australia and the Netherlands. 'Padel was still a relatively unknown sport' The biggest hurdle, Arif explained, was raising awareness. 'At the time, when I mentioned Padel, many people would ask, 'What is Padd?' he said. Today, World Padel Academy operates in three countries with six venues, reflecting the sport's tremendous growth. Padel's popularity is driven by both its inherent appeal and the influence of high-profile figures. 'The sport itself keeps people coming back, but influencers and celebrities play a crucial role in raising awareness,' said Arif. 'Once someone tries Padel, they quickly realise how fun and engaging it is, and that's what keeps them hooked.' Global sports icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, NBA stars, and Formula 1 drivers have all been seen playing Padel, further fuelling interest. 'Their influence sparks curiosity among their followers, driving more people to try the sport,' he added. Despite its popularity, some question whether Padel is becoming an elite sport due to equipment and court rental costs. Arif insisted that it remains accessible. 'Like any sport, there are costs involved—whether it's swimming, diving, golf, football, or tennis. Padel follows the same model,' he said. 'At its core, Padel is a sport that welcomes everyone.' While those seeking professional training may incur higher costs, the general accessibility of the sport remains a key factor in its sustained growth. Looking ahead, Arif sees no signs of slowdown. 'I believe Padel will continue to grow and remain the fastest-developing sport worldwide,' he said. 'In the next five years, I see Padel becoming part of the Olympics and an essential aspect of many people's fitness routines.' With strong backing from both the public and private sectors, the sport is poised for continued expansion in Dubai and beyond. 'When we first started [WPA], most people didn't even know what Padel was,' he said. 'We initially thought the brand would be a single branch in Dubai to introduce the sport to the community. But in the past five years, we've expanded into three different countries with more than six venues.'
