Wellness
How to start playing padel in Dubai (courts, prices, finding a game)
Start padel in Dubai by downloading Playtomic, joining a beginner open match (roughly AED 50 to 90 per person once the court is split four ways), borrowing a racket from the club, and booking indoor from May to September. You do not need a partner, a racket or any experience.
To start playing padel in Dubai, download the Playtomic app, join a beginner open match, and turn up in trainers. A court costs roughly AED 180 to 320 an hour at the time of writing, so split four ways you pay about AED 50 to 90 a head. Clubs lend rackets. From May to September book indoor; the rest of the year an evening outdoor game under lights is the best thing about living here.
I only said yes to padel because the outfit was cute. That is the truth. My first ever game was filmed at ISD Padel in Dubai Sports City, with Caffelini, who I tagged in the reel, as part of that morning. I fully expected to look like I knew what I was doing. I did not. I was hooked anyway.
Disclosure: that first session was a collaboration with ISD Padel and Caffelini. My opinion is my own.
What is padel and why is Dubai obsessed?
Padel is tennis's smaller, friendlier cousin: doubles only, an enclosed court with glass walls that are in play, underarm serves, tennis scoring. Because the walls keep the ball alive, rallies last and beginners actually hit the ball on day one. That is the whole appeal. In Dubai it has grown from a few courts to dozens of clubs, and most of my friends now plan a weekend around a game.
Where can I play padel in Dubai as a beginner?
Prices are per court per hour, at the time of writing, and every club has peak and off-peak rates. Al Quoz has the biggest cluster of indoor courts, so search there first if location is flexible.
| Club | Area | Courts | Rough price per hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISD Padel | Dubai Sports City | 6 indoor, 3 outdoor | About AED 270 off-peak, 310 peak |
| Padel Kingdom | Al Quoz 4 | 4 indoor, with an academy | About AED 270 to 280 |
| Oxygen Padel Sport Academy | Al Quoz, Industrial Area 4 | 7 indoor, open 6am to midnight | About AED 180 off-peak, 280 peak |
| Padel Park | The Ripe Market at Academy Park, Umm Suqeim | 3 roofed, 3 open air | About AED 200 to 340 |
ISD is my pick for a first game: indoor courts, a café in the same building for afterwards, and it is easy to find. Oxygen is the value option if you can play off-peak. Padel Park is the one for a winter evening outdoors.
How much does padel cost in Dubai?
You book the whole court, not a place on it, so the maths is simple. Off-peak (weekday mornings and early afternoons) runs roughly AED 180 to 220 an hour; peak (weekday evenings and weekends, which here means Saturday and Sunday) runs AED 240 to 320. Split four ways, that is AED 50 to 90 each. Coaching is extra: a group beginner clinic is usually around AED 100 to 150 a head, private lessons more. Rackets are lent or rented for a small fee, so do not buy one until you know you will play again.
How do I find a game without four players?
This is the bit that scared me and should not have. Almost every club in Dubai runs its bookings through Playtomic.
- To book a court: pick a club, a date and a time, and pay in the app.
- To join a game alone: use the open match feature. You are matched with players at a similar level, and the app rates everyone, so you can filter for beginner matches and avoid being the weak link in a fast game.
- To learn first: most clubs run beginner clinics and social sessions. Book one of those before you go competitive.
Joining an open beginner match is the fastest way in. Everyone is a bit wobbly and nobody minds.
What should I wear and bring?
- Trainers with grip. Court shoes are ideal, clean running trainers are fine to start.
- Breathable activewear. The set you wear to the gym works.
- More water than you think. You sweat indoors too.
- A small towel and a hair tie.
- Outdoors: sunscreen, and only play early morning or after dark from May to September.
Mistakes I see
- Buying a AED 900 racket before the second game.
- Booking a peak-time court for four beginners when an off-peak hour costs half.
- Joining an intermediate open match "to learn faster". You will not get a ball.
- Playing outdoors at 5pm in July.
The outfit got me to the court. The game kept me coming back. It is the most fun I have had moving my body in years, and it does not feel like exercise, which is exactly my kind of workout. If you want a proper gym alongside it, see my guide to the best gyms and studios in Dubai. And for the outfit question, there is what to wear in Dubai.
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