Tennis Federation Embraces Supervision of Pickleball Sport

The UAE Tennis Federation has been officially tasked with overseeing pickleball operations across the country, marking the sport's formal recognition as part of the federation's activities. This move positions the Emirates to become a regional hub for one of the world's fastest-growing racquet sports.

The Ministry of Sports handed over responsibility for developing pickleball to the tennis federation, which will now organize local and international tournaments while building national coaching and administrative programs. The federation also plans to establish regulations that align with global standards for the sport.

Nasser Al Marzouki, Secretary General of the UAE Tennis Federation, said the organization feels honored by the ministry's trust. The federation operates under Sheikh Hasher bin Jumaa Al Maktoum's leadership and will focus on spreading pickleball culture across different segments of society.

The timing makes sense from a market perspective. Pickleball has exploded globally over the past few years, particularly in North America where participation has grown by over 200% in recent years. The sport attracts significant investment from professional athletes and celebrities, creating new economic opportunities around equipment, facilities, and tournaments.

Al Marzouki explained that pickleball combines elements from tennis, badminton, and ping pong, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. The sport uses a smaller court than tennis and a lighter ball, reducing the physical demands while maintaining competitive excitement.

The UAE's decision to formalize pickleball oversight reflects the country's broader strategy of diversifying its sports portfolio beyond traditional offerings. This approach has worked well with other sports like golf and Formula 1, where the Emirates has built international recognition.

For investors and facility operators, this official recognition creates clearer pathways for development. The federation's mandate to organize tournaments means consistent demand for courts and equipment, while the training programs will need qualified instructors and facilities.

The federation plans to launch training programs and competitive tournaments designed to raise the sport's profile both locally and regionally. This structured approach could help the UAE capture early-mover advantages as pickleball continues expanding across the Middle East and Asia.