The new ‘Sheraa Community Talks’ initiative of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) recently hosted its first discussion at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah. Titled ‘How Padel Changed the Community’, the talk brought together padel enthusiasts and club owners from across the UAE to share personal and professional experiences and insights on the many opportunities for physical development and social engagement this fast-paced, accessible and social sport can offer.

The roundtable was part of the Sheraa community series, which aims to showcase businesses and industries that have driven community engagement.

Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, said: “Our goal to empower successive generations of entrepreneurs is tied into our larger objective of fostering community cohesion, engagement  and growth. The ‘Sheraa Community Talks’ series seeks to realise this vision by turning the spotlight on key topics by bringing together like minded individuals from a diversity of backgrounds to share their interests, experiences, and expertise to enrich the Sharjah and UAE communities. This first dialogue on the popular sport of padel has offered us a wonderful opportunity to discuss the impact of the sport on business owners, professional players of the sport as well as hobbyists, and on families and the community. Approximately a decade ago, Padel made its debut in the UAE, and since then, over 300 Padel clubs have emerged, effectively generating employment opportunities and highlighting the entrepreneurial mindset in our community to capitalise on an emerging sector and establish enterprises.”

Padel is not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle

Khalid Alshamsi, UAE national team player and Co-Founder of PadelPoint, said: “Padel is not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle that brings people together. It’s a unique blend of physical and mental challenges that constantly push you to be your best. I am proud to be a part of a community that is passionate about spreading the joy and excitement of Padel across the UAE and beyond.”

He added: “We were one of the first to take a trade license for Padel alone and was the first indoor padel court in the UAE. Yet, in a few months after we started, we achieved an occupancy rate of 97%, and are continuing to grow. I think 90% of people play Padel for the fun that the game offers, and it is the social aspect that makes it the fastest-growing sport in the world.”

Aisha Alawadhi, sponsored PadelPoint player and winner of the UAE WildCard Championship, said: “The community spirit in Padel in the UAE is truly remarkable, and it has only been made stronger with the help of technology. Thanks to Whatsapp groups, players can easily connect and arrange matches, making it easy to find new playing partners and socialise with fellow Padel enthusiasts. Padel has brought together people from all walks of life, and the camaraderie on and off the court is a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together.”

She added: “Padel is integrating people like never before, and is leading to long-life friendships. The key is to learn to enjoy the game while keeping up the competitive spirit. I put myself out there to become the best, become the change and learn new skills, and am constantly pushing myself further ahead.”

Saud Bin Ruken, UAE National Padel Team Manager and CEO and Co-Founder of Padel Arena, said: “Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we have seen an increased interest in Padel as a safe and socially-distanced sport. With its smaller court size and emphasis on doubles play, Padel has been able to adapt to the new normal and provide a way for people to stay active and connected.  As the manager of the UAE National Padel Team, I am honoured to work with such talented athletes and passionate individuals who are dedicated to representing our country on the international stage.”

He added: “The Emirati community has started opening up, and more clubs have become active. We have received huge support from both the government and private sectors, which has pushed us financially and otherwise to focus on the sport. We have a stable market for Padel lovers here and it is growing exponentially. I help manage clubs that are now focusing on sculpting and vibing the new generation.”

Luli Guerrero, club manager at 700 Padel& Fitness Hub, said: “I played Padel from a young age in Argentina, and Ten years ago, when I first came to the UAE and joined the newly established Padel community here, 100% of that community were expats, but now the sport has a large mix of Emiratis and all nationalities in it, and it has become a gateway to cultivating friendships with the Emirati community. Recently, we have also seen an increasing interest in Padel tournaments across the UAE, with players of all ages and levels eager to participate and showcase their skills.”

Sheraa is firmly committed to bolstering entrepreneurship in various domains and sectors, with a particular emphasis on Sharjah. As Padel represents one of the fastest-growing business segments in the UAE, Sheraarecognised the importance of convening experts and enthusiasts to explore the commercial dimension of Padel. This initiative aims to dive deep into successful business models and discern key factors that contributed to their efficacy.