Padel tennis has enjoyed a stratospheric rise in popularity in recent years. Fuelled by the growth of a health-conscious population, the racquet sport has come to dominate both the sports and social scene of the UAE’s capital, providing a release from the stresses and strains of modern life. As such, a number of outstanding facilities are now littered across the city’s landscape, each vying for the title of best padel club in Abu Dhabi. Read on to discover which ones have made the list.
Let’s Padel Academy Sports
Abu Dhabi’s first outdoor padel court, located at Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan Hotel by Rotana - Al Bateen, offers three international standard courts.
Born out of a passion for the sport, Let’s Padel Academy provides high-quality coaching for players of all ages and ability levels. The facility also boasts four indoor courts, so guests can enjoy the game year-round.
With a couple of different membership options, which include reduced rates on coaching, court booking fees and tournament registration, among other things, Let’s Padel represents real value. Certified coaches deliver beginner, intermediate and advanced courses, and the club also encourages ladies' padel through their ladies-only time slots from 6 - 9 pm on Fridays.
Once you have survived your game, feel free to peruse the Let’s Padel Shop – which sells high-quality equipment – or the Let’s Padel Cafe to refuel.
Zayed Sports City
Anyone who has spent more than a couple of days in Abu Dhabi will probably have heard about this all-encompassing sports facility on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Arguably the most important sporting complex in the city, it’s no surprise that Zayed Sports City boasts an extensive padel scene. The complex offers both indoor and outdoor courts, so play is possible all year round, while equipment rental and high-quality coaching are available.
Where Zayed Sports City really separates itself from the crowd is the facilities it offers in addition to padel. The venue is a comprehensive sporting facility and provides an extensive range of sports from roller skating and running to rugby and baseball. This world-class sporting locale also boasts access to ice, cue and combat sports, in addition to a wide variety of fitness classes. Zayed Sports City represents the ideal place for those who wish to spend the day engulfed in sport.
Padelae
With some of the most competitive prices in town, this Musaffah padel club stands as one of the most popular spots in town to enjoy a good game of padel.
Padelae offers high-quality coaching through coach Enric Arauz, while also boasting some of the most expansive grounds across Abu Dhabi’s padel scene. The facility showcases no fewer than 18 indoor courts, making it one of the easiest places in the city to acquire a last-minute booking, although leaving it late isn’t recommended due to the popularity of the sport.
Furthermore, Padelae extends access to a Pro Padel Shop, where you can purchase all your padel paraphernalia.
Padel Kingdom Abu Dhabi
Located in the heart of Downtown Abu Dhabi, Padel Kingdom represents a fine option for those who wish to squeeze in a game before or after work.
The club has been around since 2021 and has quickly risen through the ranks of Abu Dhabi’s padel scene thanks to its top-class facilities and a bustling padel community. The club also offers kids classes, competitions and trainers who live and breathe padel, making this one of the most versatile padel spots in Abu Dhabi.
The facility is well-maintained and equipped with everything you need to either start your padel journey or to level up your game. Padel Kingdom also provides guests with the option to book a private court, so everyone has access to padel at this outstanding venue.
Gaby Reca Padel Academy Abu Dhabi
Located on one of Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive islands – Al Maryah Island – Gaby Reca offers a fine blend of competitive and social play. The environment is designed for padel enthusiasts to maximise their experience, all while enjoying the energetic backdrop of city and sea.
The facility showcases seven premium padel courts, with four outdoor and three indoor, meaning that this dynamic sport can be enjoyed all year round. Two of the indoor courts are dedicated, ladies-only spaces, ensuring the sport is accessible to the entire community.
Gaby Reca boasts almost two decades of experience in the game, and also serves as the head coach of the Argentina national team. His dedication to the game has seen him design a space which not only encourages play, but also enriches your social life through padel. He also has more than 25 dedicated coaches on the books, who are well-versed in providing classes for players of all ages and levels.
Yas Beach Padel
One of the smaller facilities on today’s list with just two adjacent courts, what Yas Beach Padel loses in space, it more than makes up for in scenery. Located right on the beach, sweeping views of the channel make this one of the more picturesque padel venues in the city.
This venue offers relatively standard facilities, but where it really comes into its own is through its location. An ideal option for those who plan to spend some time at the beach, it offers the perfect contrast between relaxation and activity. So the next time you plan on heading down to the beach, why not take your padel gear with you? With the sea right there to cool down in after your game, there really is no excuse!
Padel has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years. As Abu Dhabi cements its reputation as one of the world’s most forward-thinking cities, it is perhaps fitting that the city’s development has, in many ways, paralleled the rise of the sport. With both continuing to grow at the pace of a forehand winner, padel is set to remain a central part of the city’s recreational landscape.
