65 Teams Compete in Thrilling Mashreq Padel Championship Round

UAE Padel Federation Expands Grassroots Tournament Series with 130-Player Championship

The UAE Padel Federation is hosting its latest Mashreq Padel Championship from September 5-7 in Dubai, featuring 65 teams and 130 players competing across two men's categories. This tournament represents part of a broader eight-club community series designed to accelerate padel's growth in the Emirates while strengthening the national team pipeline through systematic player development.

Tournament Structure Reflects Professional Standards

The championship will unfold across 60 matches at Padel AI Club in Dubai, offering 264 ranking points to participants. The competition features two distinct categories: the "Men's 20" division and an open men's category, each following a knockout format that mirrors international tournament structures.

In the Men's 20 category, 16 teams will battle through qualifying rounds, with eight advancing to join 24 pre-qualified teams in the main draw's Round of 32. The open division bypasses qualifiers and launches directly into the Round of 32, with both categories culminating in championship finals on Sunday.

Strategic Focus on Citizen and Resident Integration

Tournament regulations mandate that each team include two players who are either UAE citizens or residents, reflecting the federation's commitment to developing local talent rather than relying solely on expatriate participation. This approach contrasts with some regional sports initiatives that have struggled to balance international competitiveness with genuine grassroots development.

The ranking points system serves dual purposes: improving players' domestic and international standings while creating a measurable pathway for national team selection. This systematic approach mirrors successful padel development models in Spain and Argentina, where structured amateur competitions have historically fed into professional circuits.

Part of Broader UAE Sports Diversification Strategy

The eight-club tournament series positions padel within the UAE's broader sports diversification agenda, which has seen significant investment in non-traditional sports alongside established favorites like football and cricket. Padel's rapid growth globally—particularly in Europe and Latin America—makes it an attractive option for a nation seeking to establish itself as a regional sports hub.

The timing coincides with increased padel facility construction across the Emirates, suggesting coordinated efforts between private club development and federation programming. This infrastructure-plus-competition model has proven effective in other UAE sporting success stories, from tennis to golf.

Market Implications for Regional Padel Growth

The tournament's scale—130 players across multiple skill levels—indicates substantial participation rates that could attract equipment sponsors and facility investors. The ranking point allocation suggests integration with international padel governing bodies, potentially positioning UAE players for broader regional and global competitions.

For the broader Middle Eastern sports market, the UAE's systematic approach to padel development could serve as a template for neighboring countries looking to diversify their sporting offerings beyond traditional regional preferences.