The Asian padel scene is currently dominated by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, boasting over 950 courts for players to hone their skills. In a bid to further promote the sport, Gallop Global, together with the UAE Padel Association, has announced the Dubai Premier Padel P1 event. To encourage local talent, two Wildcard Tournaments have been organized for elite players in the UAE. Winners of these tournaments will secure direct spots in the official Dubai Premier Padel P1 qualifying event scheduled for November.
Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAEPA, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, highlighting its significance in promoting Dubai as a global sporting destination. With the UAE hosting one of Asia’s largest padel communities, the Wildcards Tournaments offer a unique opportunity for homegrown players to compete alongside top international stars. The growing interest in padel in the UAE is evident from the significant increase in the number of clubs and courts last year.
The Dubai Sports Council views the Wildcards Tournaments as a valuable addition to the Dubai Premier Padel P1 initiative. Leveraging the thriving padel community in the country, these tournaments provide amateur players with a chance to compete with professional players. Registration for the Dubai Premier Padel P1 Wildcards Tournaments began on September 10 and will continue until September 23. Ivan Modia, Tournament Director of Dubai Premier Padel P1, emphasized the platform provided by the Wildcards Tournament for local talent to showcase their skills.
Part of a unified 25-tournament season spanning 18 countries across five continents, the Dubai Premier Padel P1 event is set to take place from November 3-10. Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, the event will feature 256 players, including some of the world’s best. Notable players like Arturo Coello, Juan Lebron, Ariana Sanchez Fallada, Beatriz Gonzalez, and Alejandro Galan have already confirmed their participation, vying for a share of the substantial prize pool.
As the padel community in the UAE continues to grow, initiatives like the Dubai Premier Padel P1 and Wildcards Tournaments play a crucial role in further promoting the sport and providing local talent with exposure on an international stage. With the support of key stakeholders and the backing of prominent figures in the UAE sports scene, padel is poised to become a prominent sport in the region, attracting both amateur and professional players to participate in prestigious events like the Dubai Premier Padel P1. The upcoming tournaments promise an exciting showcase of talent and competition, offering a platform for both aspiring and established players to excel in the sport.
