Dubai: The UAE Padel Association (UAEPA), which governs the sport of padel across the UAE, has announced the launch of the Mashreq Padel Tour 2023.
The tour, which includes 20 tournaments over eight competition weeks from February 2023 to December 2023, carries a total prize purse of $95289 (AED350,000) in its debut season.
Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, UAEPA President, noted that “the popularity of padel in the UAE has exceeded all expectations at the recreational level, and we are embracing this unparalleled growth by introducing a nationwide event to further elevate the padel community, tournament standards, and players’ competitive experience.”
The Mashreq Padel Tour 2023 represents a new era for the UAE padel and underlines our commitment to develop the sport nationwide. The inaugural Tour will be a strategic enabler to realise the Association’s objectives of fostering increased standards for players, organisers, and clubs, as well as aiding the national vision of a more active population regularly pursuing healthy sporting pursuits.
Sheikh Saeed added.
The Mashreq Padel Tour will traverse four Emirates in its first season, with registered players in men’s, women’s, or open categories receiving ranking points linked to their final standing in three competitions, which are UAEPA10, UAEPA100, and UAEPAE&E.
These competitions must feature two-player teams comprising an Emirati and an expatriate. A fourth competition for U-16s that is open to boys or girls depending on the tournament will not be ranked.
Six padel clubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman will host the eight tournament weeks, starting with the Mashreq Padel Tour 2023 opener at the World Padel Academy in Dubai from February 17 to 19. The kick-off event will feature three competition categories, which are UAEPA10 (men’s), UAEPA100 (men’s), and U-16s (open).
Mr. Ahmed Abdelaal, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mashreq, remarked that “the Mashreq Padel Tour 2023 is a testament to our commitment to supporting the growth and development of sports in the UAE. We are proud to be associated with the UAE Padel Association and this exciting new tournament series, which will provide a platform for amateur players to showcase their skills and compete for a substantial prize purse.”