Dubai has a habit of turning emerging trends into world-class industries. Padel, once a niche sport imported from Spain, has become the city’s latest sporting success story – a blend of community, competition and cosmopolitan appeal that mirrors Dubai itself. At the heart of this growth stands Ivan Modia, CEO of Gallop Global and Tournament Director of Dubai Premier Padel P1.
From newcomer to global player
“In the last years, Dubai’s gone from newcomer to reference point,” says Modia. “The ecosystem here is unique: impeccable facilities, decisive leadership and a lifestyle that rewards wellness and connection.”
That alignment explains why padel has exploded across the emirate. From neighbourhood clubs to corporate tournaments, the sport’s social nature has struck a chord in a city that thrives on networking and active living. Modia credits the UAE Padel Association (UAEPA) for creating a pipeline from grassroots participation to elite competition. “When a city removes friction,” he adds, “sport takes off.”
Neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar are investing heavily in new padel venues, but Modia argues Dubai holds a unique position. “Dubai is where sport, business, tourism and entertainment intersect seamlessly,” he says. “Others are investing, and that’s good for the region, but Dubai’s scale, ambition and event delivery give it a head start.”
New chapter
With global accessibility, a diverse fan base, and proven experience hosting major events, Dubai is primed to become the Middle East’s padel capital. It’s not just about facilities – it’s about the city’s rhythm. “Above all, we have the fans,” Modia stresses. “It’s not theory; it’s track record.”
The 2025 Dubai Premier Padel P1 marked a bold new chapter as the tournament moved to the Hamdan Sports Complex. Modia describes the venue transformation with pride: “We converted two swimming pools, including a 50-metre Olympic-sized one, into a purpose-built indoor padel arena – the largest indoor padel centre court ever seen in the Middle East.”
This audacious engineering reflects Dubai’s appetite for reinvention. “It’s bold, but that’s Dubai,” he says. “Reinvent, raise the bar, and deliver a fan experience you remember years later.”
Lessons from the Davis Cup
Before moving into padel, Modia co-founded Kosmos Tennis and helped reinvent the Davis Cup Finals, merging tradition with modern sports entertainment. That experience now shapes his Dubai playbook. “Two big lessons: respect the essence, reinvent the format,” he explains. “At Davis Cup we proved heritage and innovation can coexist if you listen to players, federations, and fans. In Dubai we apply the same logic – fewer frictions, better scheduling, stronger fan experience, and partnerships that make the product sustainable, not just spectacular.”
Grassroots up
Sustainability is a recurring theme in Modia’s thinking. For him, the event’s true value lies in its long-term contribution to Dubai’s sports ecosystem. “We work hand in hand with Dubai Sports Council, UAEPA, and Dubai Economy and Tourism,” he says. “This is about the city as a whole, not any single company.”
That collaboration aims to ensure padel’s growth extends beyond the week of the tournament. Legacy programmes, club activations, and youth academies are central to his roadmap. “A full house and global headlines matter,” he admits, “but the real KPI is what happens next. If more kids pick up a racket, if clubs are busier, if Dubai keeps setting the global benchmark – that’s success.”
Joy of sport
That strategy took a major step forward this year with the partnership between Dubai Premier Padel P1 and the DP World Tour Championship 2025, both held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
The collaboration creates joint activations, exclusive ticket discounts, and shared fan experiences across golf and padel. “It’s an important milestone,” says Modia. “We want to make padel accessible and engaging for wider audiences while supporting the UAE Year of Community 2025. Our aim is to inspire more people to discover the joy of sport and celebrate Dubai’s role as a global destination for major sporting events.”
Modia sees the event’s economic and cultural footprint as part of Dubai’s broader vision for inclusive growth. By blending international prestige with local engagement, Dubai is positioning padel not just as a sport but as a community platform. “Sustainability starts with alignment,” he notes. “When participation, talent, and events move in the same direction, you build durability.”