UAE's biggest indoor, air-conditioned padel complex opens in Dubai

The eight-court facility in Al Quoz also has female-only courts, a cafe and a pro shop

Padelae is located in Al Quoz Industrial Area 2, Dubai. Padelae

The UAE’s padel community has something to cheer about this summer, as a new indoor air-conditioned complex, Padelae, has opened its doors in Dubai.

Located in Al Quoz Industrial Area 2, the eight-court facility aims to make the sport more accessible year-round, with state-of-the-art facilities, including private, women-only courts, a cafe and a Padel Pro shop.

“As everywhere, padel is riding a wave of popularity in the UAE, with the sport’s appeal transcending die-hard enthusiasts to capture the interest of people who otherwise largely keep away from sporting activities, but find themselves drawn to padel because it is just such a fun and easy-to-play sport, and an extremely sociable one at that,” a spokesman for Padelae said.

“We are lately seeing that ladies, in particular, are taking to padel in a big way, and we have really gone the extra mile to make the courts, facilities and services all in tune with their needs.”

Members and non-members can book a court, create and join matches through the Padelae website and app. Members will receive benefits, discounts and booking privileges.

Padelae is also offering individual and group coaching sessions, as well as a number of summer coaching camps.

What is padel?

Padel is a racquet sport, although it differs from paddle tennis, which is popular in the US and Canada.

Typically played in doubles, padel takes place on an enclosed court roughly three quarters the size of a tennis court. Scoring is the same as in tennis and the balls are similar, but with less pressure.

The bats, however, are solid, unlike tennis racquets. The main difference between padel and tennis is the court. Padel courts have walls that the ball can be played off, much like in squash.