Everything You Need to Know Before Stepping on the Court
If you’ve been swept up in the padel craze sweeping the UAE, you’re not alone. With new padel courts opening in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah almost every month, more people are discovering the fun, fast-paced game that blends the best of tennis and squash. But what makes a padel tennis court unique?
In this guide, we break down the official padel court dimensions, layout, and key features — whether you’re a curious beginner, a regular player, or even considering building your own padel court in the UAE.
Standard Padel Court Dimensions
Unlike tennis courts, padel courts are smaller and enclosed, which makes the game faster, more tactical, and more social.
Here are the official padel court dimensions according to the International Padel Federation (FIP):
• Length: 20 meters
• Width: 10 meters
• Net height: 88 cm at the center, up to 92 cm at the sides
• Wall height (glass): Typically 3 meters, with mesh fencing extending up to 4 meters
The court is divided by a net in the center and includes specific service boxes and side zones that follow standard padel rules.
Key Features of a Padel Court
Let’s take a closer look at what makes a padel court different from a tennis or squash court:
1. Glass & Mesh Walls
The back and parts of the sides of a padel court are enclosed by tempered glass panels, which the ball can rebound off — making for exciting, longer rallies. The remaining structure is framed with mesh fencing that keeps the ball in play while allowing for visibility and airflow.
2. Artificial Turf or Carpet Surface
Most UAE padel courts use synthetic turf or sand-filled carpet, offering excellent traction and reduced joint impact. This makes the game safer and more enjoyable, especially for beginners.
3. Fixed Lighting Systems
Modern padel facilities in the UAE often feature LED floodlights, enabling night games — crucial in the hot UAE climate where evening matches are most popular.
4. Court Access Doors
There are no “outs” like in tennis. Players are often allowed to exit the court during play to return difficult shots, so side openings or low doors are integrated into the court layout.
Indoor vs Outdoor Padel Courts in the UAE
Depending on the weather and space available, padel clubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer both indoor and outdoor courts.
Indoor Courts
• Climate-controlled (ideal for summer)
• Consistent lighting and conditions
• Popular in fitness clubs and private gyms
Outdoor Courts
• Great for winter months in the UAE
• Usually located in residential communities, hotels, or rooftop venues
• Open air offers a more natural playing environment
Whichever you choose, make sure the court is regulation size and well-maintained for safety and quality gameplay.
Planning to Build a Padel Court?
If you’re a hotel owner, fitness center manager, or real estate developer, now is a great time to invest in building a padel court in the UAE. With high demand, relatively low space requirements, and growing popularity, it’s a valuable addition to any facility.
Make sure to:
• Hire a certified court builder with FIP-approved materials
• Follow standard padel court dimensions
• Consider weather resistance, especially for outdoor courts
Final Thoughts
A padel court is more than just walls and turf — it’s the stage for one of the most exciting and fast-growing sports in the world. Whether you’re stepping onto the court for the first time or just looking to learn the rules better, understanding the dimensions and key features of a padel court will enhance your gameplay and appreciation of the sport.
And with the UAE quickly becoming a global padel hotspot, there’s never been a better time to get involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the standard dimensions of a padel tennis court?
A standard padel court is 20 meters long and 10 meters wide, enclosed by glass and mesh walls. The net in the middle is 88 cm high at the center and 92 cm at the sides. These official measurements ensure fair play and consistent game quality across all padel courts in the UAE and globally.
2. What type of surface is used on a padel court?
Most padel courts in the UAE feature artificial turf or sand-filled carpet, which provides excellent grip and shock absorption. This surface is ideal for quick movements and helps reduce joint strain during play, especially in high-traffic clubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
3. Can I build a private padel court at home in the UAE?
Yes, many individuals and property developers in the UAE are now building private padel courts in homes, communities, and resorts. Just make sure to follow the official court dimensions and work with a certified construction company experienced in padel court installation.
4. What’s the difference between indoor and outdoor padel courts?
Indoor padel courts offer climate control and consistent lighting, ideal for summer months in the UAE. Outdoor courts, on the other hand, are popular in winter and often found in residential areas or rooftops. Both must follow the same court size and layout standards.
5. Why are padel courts enclosed with walls?
Unlike tennis, padel uses the walls as part of the game. The glass and mesh enclosures allow the ball to rebound, creating longer, more strategic rallies. This design is what makes padel so dynamic and enjoyable — especially for players of all ages and skill levels.