Smashing Success: The Rise of Padel in Saudi Arabia

CONTRIBUTOR: BRIGETTE ELIZABETH FARMER

Explore the excitement and growth of the sport of Padel across the Kingdom and seize the opportunity to become part of the action-packed Padel revolution reshaping Saudi Arabia’s sports landscape.

If you find yourself among the few who haven’t yet delved into the world of Padel, or perhaps you’ve heard of it but crave a deeper understanding, fear not. Join us as we unravel the sport of Padel, from its burgeoning presence in the Kingdom to the stellar international athletes spearheading its rise. Stay ahead of the curve with insights into upcoming tournaments and gain insider access to Riyadh’s premier Padel venues. We’ve also secured exclusive beginner’s club discounts at select venues for you, our readers.

Padel is a racket sport that is fast-paced, fun, social and an excellent work-out. Often referred to as a hybrid of tennis and squash with a twist. It originated in Mexico in the late sixties and has grown exponentially in world-wide popularity since, becoming arguably one of the fastest growing, most on-trend sports around the world with Saudi Arabia being no exception to the craze. KSA is home to the largest number of Padel clubs in the whole of Asia and more specifically, forty percent of those clubs are located right here in Riyadh so there’s no excuse not to get some friends together and give it a try! If you’re travelling solo, it’s an excellent opportunity to socialize and make some friends on-court.

Coach Khalid, the first professional Saudi coach in the Premiers.

Padel is played on a smaller court, enclosed by glass walls and metal mesh. The game is typically played in doubles, and the objective is to hit the ball over the net, into the opponent’s court without letting it bounce more than once. Players use solid paddles and a depressurized tennis ball, adding a unique spin to each shot.

KSA history was made earlier this year when Riyadh kicked off the 2024 Premier Padel season by hosting the Riyadh Season P1 tournament. This marked the first ever elite Padel tournament to be hosted in Saudi Arabia. Its flawless execution and worldwide acclaim, demonstrated the country’s emergence as a promising destination for many more prestigious Padel contests and events in the future. The Padel season will continue through 18 different countries, holding a total of 25 tournaments for the year. Players currently leading the way on the world padel stage hail mainly from Spain and Argentina, where Padel is a way of life. However, professional Saudi Arabian players are also on the rise. The Saudi Padel Committee currently holds around 1,000 professional licenses including four female and twelve male players who have earned FIP ranking points. Notably, among these players is Sattam Alshahrani, who currently ranks 379th in the world and stands out as the sole Saudi player to have triumphed in a qualifying round for an FIP event, specifically the FIP Star Riyadh held in June last year.

Omar Al-Thaqib and Sattam Alshahrani win the gold at the Saudi Games 2023. Photo credit: @saudipadel.sa

Fortunately, with the advent of smaller, local padel tournaments and events throughout the Kingdom, you don’t have to be a professional player to get competitive. You can put your skills to the test against local players at in-house club competitions which are often held by many local Riyadh clubs such as Padel Rush and Padel IN. The simplest way to stay informed about these upcoming events is to follow them closely on social media.

As padel continues to gain momentum in Saudi Arabia, the sport’s blend of athleticism, social interaction, and competitive spirit has solidified its place in the Kingdom’s sports landscape. With a strong emphasis on promoting health and wellness, padel serves as a gateway for individuals to stay active, connect with others, and immerse themselves in a vibrant and dynamic sporting community. As more players and fans embrace padel in Saudi Arabia, the future of the sport looks bright, promising continued growth, excitement, and success on and off the court.

If you think it’s time to stop sitting on the side-lines and start enjoying this fast-paced game of agility and fun, then see our list of some of the top Padel Clubs right here in Riyadh and enjoy the exclusive DQ Living discounts for you to begin your Padel journey!