Meet an Emirati who turned his padel passion into a thriving ‘kingdom'
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
One summer, Abdulla Aljarrah and his friends were searching for an indoor sports venue but couldn't find any available courts. 'That's when the idea hit — why not build our own?' he told Aletihad . From there, Padel Kingdom was built. 'I was excited about padel because we needed an indoor sport for summer,' Aljarrah said. What began as a hunt for a seasonal activity and a venue evolved into a venture that blends business and community impact.Established in 2021, Padel Kingdom is now a premium club and a world-class venue that hosts international championships.The racquet sport of padel — which combines elements of squash and tennis — has been gaining popularity in recent years mainly because it is easy to learn, making it a fun social activity for people of all skill levels.'Even the elderly can play padel,' Aljarrah said. 'Grandfathers can play with their grandsons. Unlike tennis, which is physically demanding, padel is entertaining, easy to learn, and brings people together — men, women, and children alike.'
Building the Kingdom To set up Padel Kingdom, Aljarrah, along with his business partners — the owner Abdulla Yateem and his brother Hussein — invested in four courts and converted a warehouse in an industrial area into a high-quality padel facility.'It was a risk, but a calculated one,' said Aljarrah, now the general manager of Padel Kingdom. 'We didn't go cheap. We brought in international-standard courts and made sure everything was done right.'That initial decision to focus on quality paid off. Within two years, Padel Kingdom had grown in reputation and clientele.Hosting local and international tournaments, securing sponsorships, and attracting former tennis players — both young and old — the business began to thrive. 'People loved it. It's fun, easy to learn, and perfect for families,' Aljarrah said.A big part of Padel Kingdom's success lies in its accessibility. With four full-time coaches from Spain, Argentina, and South Africa, the club runs year-round academies, women-only sessions, and training programmes for kids as young as seven.'We created a space where everyone can play,' Aljarrah said. 'Whether you're a beginner or chasing international rankings, there's a path for you here.'The club's competitive spirit also sets it apart. From weekly social games to officially sanctioned FIP (International Padel Federation) tournaments, the calendar is packed. Padel Kingdom has hosted major events, including corporate tournaments like the one held for ADNOC employees.'Padel is more than a sport. It builds teamwork, improves fitness, and brings people together,' said Aljarrah, who is also a member and partner at WPPR (Wecourts Padel Player Rating) Council.The prizes can be attractive too, with some international championships offering up to €12,000 (over Dh50,000), distributed among top teams.
An Inspiring Journey For Abdulla Aljarrah, the real reward is building a legacy. 'We want to raise the level of padel in the UAE. We've had Emirati players like Aisha Shahdour and Saif Alhammadi train here. It's not just about business, it's about developing talent.'Looking ahead, Padel Kingdom plans to expand further into Abu Dhabi and beyond. New amenities such as saunas, recovery ice baths, and mini-cafés are being added to turn the club into a lifestyle destination. Summer academies for children and monthly leagues are also part of the ongoing development.
Aljarrah's journey is a testament to what young Emiratis can achieve when they put purpose into their passion. 'If you love something,' he said, 'and you work hard at it, success will follow. For me, it started with sports — and now, it's so much more.'
Source: AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI
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