Get your game on – from Burj Khalifa views to a floating court.
Padel is causing a racket in the UAE. Padel clubs and championships have caught onto the craze and have been popping up across the country. Padel is a cross between tennis and squash and can be played in singles and doubles. So, if you want to rally around, here are Dubai’s best Padel courts.
Dusit Thani Dubai
At Dusit Thani Dubai, you’ll have an I’m-in-Dubai moment. The hotel has teamed up with RRA Padel Academy to provide Padel with a view. Located in DIFC, the court boasts an Insta-worthy backdrop of the Burj Khalifa. With two courts to choose from, ask for the closer court where you can lob by the landmark.
Arrive early and in gym gear. On our morning visit, there were no court staff, changing facilities or drinks. The court is not easy to find and requires a walk through a car park and a lift to the rooftop. The venue has two courts with a bright blue floor. Beginners can let loose – not only did the high fence stop balls from escaping, but we had the venue to ourselves.
Don’t leave without taking the obligatory I-played-Padel-by-the-Burj shots. Whether you won or lost, indulge in a hero’s breakfast at Jones the Grocer. The chilled Australian café’s healthy options include bowls, smoothies, and shakes. Dusit Thani Dubai’s restaurants also include 24th St. World Street Food, Benjarong, MaKiRa and NoLo.
Bookings for 90 minutes start from 75 AED per person.
GO: Visit www.dusit.com for more information.
Matcha Club
Matcha Club is one of the coolest clubs in Dubai. Even if you’ve never thought about starting the sport, it will make you want to pick up a racket. Everything from the concept to the crowd, feels like it was made for Instagram.
Out of all the venues, this was the hardest to get a reservation. On our morning visit, the courts were booked back-to-back, from men playing doubles to women training with a coach. The staff were friendly, offering everything from cold water to insect repellent.
Despite the vibrant orange courts being crammed together, it still felt like we had our own space. Outside, there are tables and chairs for you to chill or friends to watch.
At the heart of Matcha Club is Padel, so it boasts state-of-the-art equipment, from rackets to balls. The venue brings together a health-conscious community, and hosts pilates and yoga classes and includes a healthy café. Plus, the facilities are clean and contemporary, with showers and L’Occitane products. It’s a hit.
Bookings for 90 minutes start from AED 400 for a court.
GO: Visit https://www.matcha-club.ae/padel for more information
PadelX
PadelX has ridden the Padel wave and opened the first floating Padel court in the GCC. Situated in Jumeirah Lake Towers’ Cluster I, it includes two courts located on the lakes. JLT can feel like a maze. Spot the stairs by Gold Tower, and see the floating court come to life.
On arrival, I received a warm welcome and the staff were happy to hit balls while I waited for my friend. We were asked if we wanted music, and a speaker shared background beats. The modern rackets and balls were aplenty, and the fridge was filled with drinks.
PadelX’s set-up includes two courts with bright blue floors, and a connecting corridor to relax. The venue oozes boho-chic vibes with soft cushions, wicker furniture and fake grass.
As you are surrounded by glass, it takes some getting used to the setting. When the balls rolled to the edge, we found ourselves being hesitant. Despite the high walls, we still hit a few balls with aplomb into the lake. Warning: if you are a self-conscious player, we had the courts to ourselves, but locals at lunchtime watched us workout.
PadelX’s USP is its statement set-up. Just don’t expect any fancy facilities: make sure you come in your workout wear and are in no rush to use the bathroom. It would be easy to dismiss the floating court as a gimmick, but it is a wonderful way to bring the community together. Get ready to be swept away by its charm.
Bookings for 60 minutes start from 200 AED for one court.
GO: Visit https://playtomic.io for more information.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai is a serene spot to play Padel. On our visit, we arrived at sunset for a swoon-worthy setting. Located on Palm Jumeirah, we fell in love with the Padel court, which is nestled among palm trees and by the beach.
If you’re a shy sportsperson, don’t worry about being watched. There is only one court, and it is located away from the crowds. The court includes speakers spinning dance beats, and a bench outside for when you need a breather. Even though we played at night, the floodlights were strong enough for the setting.
As we were in a five-star hotel, the changing facilities and equipment were impressive. The service was superb – not only did the staff shake out balls that were stuck in trees, but they also delivered protein shakes to the court. The menu ranged from an Energy Booster with blueberries, chai seeds and honey to Nutty with almond, banana and cashew. Plus, the water came chilled in a cooler.
If you need to drown or toast your time, visit Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai’s restaurants or bars. The options include Roaring Rabbit, Palm Kitchen and Varq. It’s a smash.
Bookings for 90 minutes start from 280 AED for one court.
GO: Visit www.exoticadubai.tajhotels.com for more information.
