Dubai concluded the inaugural Dubai Open Padel Academies Championship with strong success. The event was launched by the Dubai Sports Council in cooperation with the UAE Padel Association and in partnership with World Padel Academy. It forms part of a structured plan to identify and develop emerging talent in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. The championship aims to expand padel among juniors and provide high-level competitive and training pathways.
More than 70 players from 14 academies across the UAE competed in four age divisions. Under 12. Under 14. Under 16. Under 18. Each player took part in at least three group-stage matches followed by two qualifying or placement matches. The structure ensured a complete and balanced competitive experience.
Rashid Walid of the UAE Padel Association Academy was named Best Player of the Tournament. He delivered consistent performances and showed notable sportsmanship throughout the competition.
Category Results
Under 12
Winners. Farnam Kian and Adrian Rodriguez
Runners-up. Mehdi Abid and Hassan Ahmed Magdi AbouZaid
Under 14
Winners. Arseny Solovev and Adam Hammoud
Runners-up. Fares Nasser and Eisa Ahli
Under 16
Winners. Rashid Walid and Majid Al Abdullah
Runners-up. Hamdan Alkokhardi and Eisa Ahli
Under 18
Winners. Ahmed Almheiri and Rashid Walid
Runners-up. Hamdan Alkokhardi and Hamad Alkokhardi
Officials Highlight Strategic Role of the Championship
Saeed Al Marri. Secretary-General of the UAE Padel Association. said the partnership between the Association. the Dubai Sports Council. and private academies supports a long-term approach to disciplined grassroots development. “We are providing young players with training and competition at a high level. which is a direct investment in the future of padel across the country.” he said.
Ahmed Salem Al Mahri. Director of Sports Talent Development at the Dubai Sports Council. said the council places talent identification and development at the center of its work. He noted that DOPA strengthens a wider strategy designed to build a sustainable pool of young athletes. He said the championship joins the Dubai Open tournament series in football, basketball, handball, tennis, gymnastics, and badminton. and confirmed that the council will continue expanding initiatives that enhance Dubai’s role as a regional hub for sports talent.
Ali Al Aref. CEO of World Padel Academy. said the initiative offers juniors a platform to aim higher. “We believe in making padel accessible and inspiring. This partnership helps prepare the next generation through structured training. guidance. and real competitive opportunities.” he said.
A Growing Platform for Junior Padel
The Dubai Open Padel Academies Championship represents an early building block in a long-term junior development system. It reflects Dubai’s commitment to expanding padel through targeted youth programs. The initiative is expected to attract more rising players and provide broader pathways for developing future high-performance athletes.
