General Authority of Sports and UAE Padel Association partners to promote Padel and its sustainability

H.E Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the General Sports Authority, interacted with the Board of Directors of the UAE Padel Association (UAEPA) during a virtual meeting to discuss the procedures aimed at fostering Padel and creating sustainable opportunities for sports.

These procedures are set to promote the leading position of the UAE in this sport and strengthen its presence in regional and international championships.

The meeting was attended by Saeed Al Marri, Secretary General of UAEPA, and the members of the Board of Directors. The meeting highlighted the development journey of Padel during the last years in the country, as well as its increasing popularity, and ways to create an environment that promotes its popularity in all emirates in the upcoming stage. They also discussed how to attract sponsors through the demanding presence of Padel in the community and thereby increase the association's financial and administrative stability and the sustainable development of Padel.

H.E Sheikh Suhail Bin Butti Al Maktoum said: “We appreciate the vital role of Padel in promoting sports culture in the community through its widespread popularity in the UAE. This comes in line with the strategy of the sports sector to encourage the people of all ages to practice sports and promote the concept of the sports community.” His Excellency emphasized the commitment of the General Authority of Sports in supporting all efforts and initiatives aiming to develop this sport and increase its popularity among various categories.

He added: “We look forward to expanding our collaboration with associations, governmental entities, and private sector institutions, to ensure continuous prosperity in the UAE sports sector. Accordingly, our efforts are exerted to promote partnership with the UAEPA to achieve the highest possible advantage of its reach, develop its growth foundations, and increase its popularity.”

On the other hand, Saeed Al Marri, Secretary General of UAEPA, offered his gratitude to the General Authority of Sports for supporting Padel. He elaborated: “We recognize the Authority’s interest in supporting the social role of Padel and monitoring its international growth over the past years. We look forward to preparing more talented athletes who would best represent the national team in regional and international competitions.”

The number of Padel players in the UAE, who are registered in the TOURNAMENT PLAY, has reached 26 thousand after 8 years of the Association’s establishment. This reflects the immense growth of the game, and the achievement of the Association’s aspired social goals.

It is worth noting that the Padel’s national team for men has achieved the silver medal in the Gulf tournament, which was recently held in Kuwait, whereas the women’s team achieved the bronze medal.