A Guide to Racket Sports in UAE

Racket sports are a great way to stay fit while still having fun. Be it kids or seniors, these types of sports are enjoyable for individuals all around the world! From cardiovascular health to promoting mental focus, each type of racket sport comes with its own unique perks and benefits!

Some of the most popular types of racket sports in the UAE include tennis, badminton, padel, squash and table tennis. Dive into this ultimate guide to racket sports in the UAE to find the top places to enjoy these sports!

Tennis

Tennis is one of the most popular racket sports in the UAE that is enjoyed by locals, expats, as well as tourists! Not only is it an excellent way to stay active, but the sport also provides numerous health benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health and boosting coordination.

The UAE has several world-class tennis facilities to choose from. Many of these host international tournaments, making it one of the top destinations for tennis enthusiasts!

Best Places to Play Tennis in UAE

• Al Habtoor Tennis Academy - Offers a wide range of tennis programs for all skill levels. You can play your tennis match while admiring stunning views of the Marina! This academy is located in Dubai Marina/JBR, Dubai.

• Emirates Tennis Academy - One of the UAE’s premier tennis academies that offers top facilities such as clay and hard courts, along with professional coaching programs. This academy is also popular for local and international tournaments. This academy is located in Al Barsha, Dubai.

• Zayed Sports City - A massive sports complex that includes several indoor and outdoor tennis courts. Known as a tournament venue, it also offers lessons for players of all skill levels. This place is located in Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi.

• ISD Dubai - Provides excellent training and coaching tennis programs. The academy offers a wide range of outdoor courts for both their students and the public. This place is located in Dubai Sports City, Dubai.

Badminton

Badminton, known as the fastest racket game in the world, has rapidly been growing popular among families and friends in the UAE. With the quick movements and reflexes during the game, this sport offers a full-body workout, making it a fantastic way to stay fit! Badminton is often played in community centers, gyms and schools. There are many venues within the UAE that one can play badminton at.

Best Places to Play Badminton in UAE

• Dubai Sports World - A very popular indoor sports facility with badminton courts that are available for both casual play as well as organized events. Very convenient, especially during the summer months. You can find the location in Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.

• Prime Star Sports Academy - A well-known sports academy in the UAE that offers a wide range of programs including badminton training. The academy offers professional and comprehensive coaching for all skill levels and focuses on youth development. The academy is located in Muhaisnah 2, Dubai.

• Baseline Sports Academy - Known as UAE’s first private badminton academy, this court offers six BWF-standard wooden courts. They’re also designed to ensure maximum safety by offering shock absorption. The academy is located in Al Quoz, Dubai.

• Sharjah Badminton Academy - Offers high-quality and expert coaching classes for all skill levels. Mainly focuses on developing local talent and promoting badminton through several tournaments and events. The academy is located in Industrial Area, Sharjah.

Padel

Padel sports has been rapidly gaining popularity in the UAE. This racket sport is a hybrid of tennis and squash, making it unique and exciting. Padel is commonly played in dedicated padel clubs, resorts and recreational centers around the UAE.

Best Places to Play Padel in UAE

• World Padel Academy - Whether you're new to padel or an experienced player, this academy offers first-rate courts and expert instruction, creating a fun and active environment for you and your fellow enthusiasts! This academy is located in Al Quoz 1, Dubai.

• Matcha Club - This club blends wellness, café culture, and padel in a stylish hangout space. With six orange courts, nature-inspired landscaping and wellness studios, it’s a unique spot to enjoy the sport! The club is located in Al Quoz, Dubai.

• Padel Pro - One of Dubai’s original padel destinations, they own a total of 19 courts. Whether you’re booking a court or seeking coaching, they provide flexible packages for all levels. They have 3 locations namely, Jumeirah Park, Al Quoz and One Central, all in Dubai.

• Padel Kingdom - A key location for padel enthusiasts, offering access to quality courts and a vibrant community atmosphere. It provides a space for players to engage in both social and competitive play, contributing to the sport’s growth in the UAE. This place is located in Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi.

Squash

In UAE, squash is a challenging sport that draws players looking for high-intensity exercise. This racket sport is a great option for fitness enthusiasts since it provides a high-energy workout due to its fast-paced rallies and gameplay. Squash is commonly played in dedicated squash courts within sports clubs, fitness centers or some private facilities.

Best Places to Play Squash in UAE

• The Aviation Club - Features multiple courts with professional-level squash facilities within a premium sports club setting. Catering to those seeking a professional playing environment. This club is located in Al Garhoud, Dubai.

• Al Nasr Leisureland - Known for its affordable pricing, this sports complex provides accessible squash courts for public use, making it a great option for casual players as well! This complex is located in Oud Metha, Dubai.

• Etisalat Academy Sports & Leisure Club - A very well-known location for its high quality courts making it a popular location for those who opt for training at a professional level. This club is located in Al Muhaisnah 2, Dubai.

• Fit Lab Squash (Emirates Golf Club) - Features high-quality glass-back courts within a high-end golf club setting while offering a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels. This club is located in Al Thanya 3, Dubai.

Table Tennis

Table tennis or ping pong is another racket sport that is truly loved in UAE! This sport is ideal for all ages as well as skill levels. Making it a great way to improve hand-eye coordination along with some friendly competition. Several fitness clubs, sports complexes and even some malls provide table tennis tables for public use!

Best Places to Play Table Tennis in UAE

• Spin and Smash Table Tennis Academy - Offers focused table tennis training in a very welcoming environment. They cater to players of all skill levels as well as ages. This academy is located in Al Barsha, Dubai.

• Dubai Table Tennis Academy - Provides a comprehensive training experience with new butterfly tables and expert coaching that helps create a dynamic hub for table tennis enthusiasts. This academy is located in Al Nahda, Dubai.

• Al Wasl Table Tennis Academy - Offers a premier table tennis experience with a strong community focus. They are also known for hosting regular events and training programs. This academy is located in Oud Metha, Dubai.

• Insportz Club - Presents a multi-sport facility with accessible table tennis tables, offering a casual and fun environment for table tennis lovers. This club is located in Al Quoz, Dubai.

Whether you’re a professional or a complete beginner, the UAE offers a wide range of racket sports to explore. From the fast-paced action of padel, to the strategic precision of squash, the UAE offers a diverse range of racket sports for enthusiasts of all levels. Along with a variety of sport facilities and academies options to choose from, there is something for everyone! So, grab your racket sports equipment, pick a sport and head to one of these top venues to enjoy all the fitness and fun!

Racket Sports FAQs

There are plenty of options to enhance your racket sports in the UAE. Many facilities and academies offer coaching programs for all skill levels. You can try out academies like Etisalat Academy Sports & Leisure Club or ISD Dubai - Dubai Sports City to get personalized professional training of the racket sport of your own choice.

Depending on the sport, you’ll need a tennis racket, badminton racquet, padel racket, squash racket, or table tennis paddle. Many sports clubs and academies offer equipment, if not you can explore Decathlon UAE for top-quality racket sport products.

Yes, several racket sports clubs in the UAE offer programs specifically for women. Many of these clubs, such as the Emirates Tennis Academy and World Padel Academy, provide women-only sessions or coaching programs, promoting inclusivity in sports.