Everywhere we look lately, there seem to be rackets swinging and shoes squeaking for high-energy games of padel in Abu Dhabi. Padel has taken the city by storm lately and we’re absolutely here for it.
The sport is a mix between squash and tennis and is played in doubles. Unlike tennis, it’s quick and easy to pick up and most players get the basics within half an hour of playing, making it fun and accessible.
But it’s not enough to grab yourself a racket and start swinging. Padel is played on an enclosed court surrounded by glass and metallic mesh walls. The ball can bounce off any wall but can only hit the turf once before being returned. Points are scored when the ball does bounce twice in the competitors’ field. Basically, the court is essential if you want to learn to play padel in Abu Dhabi.
If you’re wondering where to play padel in Abu Dhabi, we’ve got you covered. Check out these top spots.
Al Forsan International Sports Resort
If you’re going to play padel in Abu Dhabi, Al Forsan is one of the biggest and best sports complexes in the city. It might be a bit of a drive to Khalifa City for those who don’t live there, but the beautiful facilities and man-made lake more than make up for it. The padel court is open from from 6am to 3pm and costs Dhs140 to play during that time; or you can go from 4pm to 2am and pay Dhs200. If you’re still feeling energetic, go for a whip around the wakeboarding track afterwards.
Dhs140 (6am-3pm) Dhs200 (4pm-2am). Daily, 6am-2am. Khalifa City, alforsan.com (02 656 5656).
Beach Club at Beach Rotana
If you’re looking for padel in Abu Dhabi with a view, check out the court at Beach Rotana. The blue padel court is located on the roof of the low-rise gym building with views of the waterfront. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent it there too. Court rental starts at Dhs215 for one hour and Dhs300 for 90 minutes. Racket rental is Dhs25. You’d better start practising your swing.
From Dhs215 (one hour). Beach Rotana, Al Zahiyah rotanatimes.com (02 697 9000).
Lets Padel Academy
It’s heating up out there and you wouldn’t be out of bounds to demand an indoor padel court this summer. Lets Padel Academy is located out in Mussafah and is a massive indoor padel facility. One hour of padel for four players costs Dhs340, or you can book for 90 minutes for Dhs440. There are also 30 minute extensions for Dhs120. We’re getting endorphins just thinking about it.
From Dhs340. Open daily, 7am-1am. Mussaffah, letspadelacademy.com (02 666 2241).
Marina Padel
If you’re looking to play padel in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, look no further than Marina Padel at Yas Marina. The new padel facility is open daily and costs Dhs250 for one hour of play, Dhs350 for 90 minutes and Dhs450 for two hours. If you’re not a pro padel player yet you can also get access to professional coaches and you can view availability, book courts and participate in events and competitions through the club member app that also includes a match-making feature where players can match with other participants. Sounds like fun.
From Dhs250 (one hour). Open daily, 5.30pm-1am. Yas Marina, @marinapadel (054 404 5378).
Yas Acres Golf & Country Club
Looking to play padel in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island? Yas Acres Golf & Country Club has a padel court that looks like loads of fun. Rates start at Dhs200 for one hour of play with four courts available for booking. If you become a padel fanatic, you can also buy any Padel equipment you require at the retail shop. There are racquets, balls, shoes and clothes available. Get ready to take the first swing.
From Dhs200 (one hour). Open daily, 9am-9pm. Yas Island (02 404 3004).
Zayed Sports City
Zayed Sports City is an easy choice for anyone looking to do something sporty in Abu Dhabi. So it’s not surprising that the facility has a big padel scene. There are new padel courts to try out and rates are Dhs200 for one hour, Dhs275 for 90 minutes or Dhs300 for two hours. After a game of padel in Abu Dhabi, make a day of it in the sports city and head for a round of bowling afterwards.
Open Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm; Sat-Sun 6am-10pm. Airport Road, Al Rawdah zsc.ae (02 403 4222).
