Padel is everywhere, it’s filling social feeds and taking over our fitness routines. But, if you’re wondering where this new sensation came from, and what it is, the sport originated in Mexico in the late 1960s, when a tennis-loving local improvised with a smaller court and solid “padels” instead of stringed rackets. This resulted in a faster-paced, more accessible version of tennis that’s easier to pick up and way more social.
From there, padel (or paddle, depending on who you ask, but originally pádel) took off in Spain and South America before slowly making its way to the GCC starting with outstanding places like Mantra Dubai. Today, it’s the fastest-growing sport in the region and it’s easy to see why.
The GCC’s Ideal Game
There’s something about padel that just works in this region. It’s fast-paced but doesn’t require elite athleticism. It’s competitive, but still casual. And it can be played day or night, indoors or outdoors. Which fits the rhythm of life in cities from Beirut to Dubai, to Riyadh and Doha.
More than that, padel brings people together. It’s played in doubles, which naturally creates a sense of community and collaboration. For a region that values connection, whether through sport, culture, or business, padel is a vibe.
The Rise of Padel Culture
The GCC isn’t just playing padel, it’s building a culture around it. Boutique clubs such as Mantra in Dubai, are opening up across the region, offering luxe courts, coaching services, and spaces designed for both play and socialising. Padel has quickly become a lifestyle sport, sitting at the intersection of wellness, design, and community.
Governments and private investors alike are backing the growth. In Saudi Arabia, padel is now a featured part of national fitness initiatives. In the UAE, exclusive clubs are pairing courts with premium gyms, spas, and rooftop lounges. It’s clear: this isn’t a passing phase, it’s becoming part of our sporting infrastructure.
The Rise of Luxury Padel Rackets
Naturally, the fashion world wasn’t far behind. With the sport cementing its place in the lifestyle spotlight, luxury brands are now designing their own high-end rackets, transforming equipment into status symbols. These rackets aren’t just for play, they’re collectable, wearable, and unmistakably high fashion. In a region where design and detail matter, carrying a luxury padel racket courtside is now as much a flex as the latest designer bag.
It’s the ultimate crossover: where performance meets luxury, and sport becomes style. Padel, it seems, has officially gone couture.
For more stories of regional and international fashion, visit our dedicated archives and stay across our Instagram.
