Top stars to compete in inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Padel Master tournament

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

World Padel Tour (WPT), the world’s leading professional padel circuit, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, and property developer Modon announced Abu Dhabi as the host city for the first-ever Abu Dhabi Padel Master tournament.

The event has drawn 128 of the world’s top-ranked padel players at the Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master from 21-26 February 2023 at Bab Al Nojoum on Hudayriat Island.  
The Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master 2023, which will be organised by Global MICE Organisation Limited (GMOL Events) and presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism, will be the only master category tournament hosted by the World Padel Tour in the Middle East for the next five years.

The announcement was made at a press conference held in the presence of Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council; Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism; Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Strategic Affairs Executive Director at the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism; Bill O’Regan, CEO of Modon Properties; and Namir Hourani, Managing Director of GMOL Events.
Alex Corretja, Deputy President of the World Padel Tour and former professional tennis champion, delivered a virtual keynote speech highlighting the importance of the World Padel Tour coming to Abu Dhabi.

Awani said: “We are delighted to announce Abu Dhabi as the host of the World Padel Tour Master tournament and invite everyone to the UAE’s capital to witness the world’s best players compete on Hudayriat Island, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s ability to host top-notch international sporting events. Padel continues to gain major traction in the UAE with scores of new world-class facilities enhancing grassroots adoption and interest in the sport.”

Speaking at the press conference, Al Geziry added: “Padel Tennis has become one of the most sought-after racquet sports events, earning a prestigious place in the international sporting calendar. We are pleased to host 128 of the world’s top male and female players in Abu Dhabi to compete on Hudayriyait Island, and we look forward to welcoming local and international visitors to the UAE’s Capital to enjoy the tournament and what the city has to offer.”

The Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master 2023 will be the first Master tournament in the 2023 WPT season and marks one of only a handful of annual Master tournaments held around the world. Abu Dhabi joins Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Marbella, Valladolid, and Madrid as the latest city to host a WPT Master, the most prestigious tournament on the WPT circuit.

Delivering a virtual address, Corretja said: “We are excited to anchor a new Master tournament in Abu Dhabi, which has positioned itself as a world-class destination for leisure and sports entertainment with high-quality facilities and great infrastructure. This will not only be WPT’s first Master tournament of the 2023 season, but it will also be the only Master to be held in the Middle East, leveraging on the major boom the sport continues to witness in the UAE.”

The Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master 2023 will take place at Bab Al Nojoum, Abu Dhabi’s luxury campsite on Hudayriyat island, a leading leisure destination by Modon Properties. The island is located on the west coast of Abu Dhabi and has quickly become one of the emirate’s most thrilling sporting destinations. It boasts a range of high-end sporting facilities that add fitness-themed fun to its picturesque surroundings while promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

O’Regan said: “We look forward to showcasing Hudayriyat Island to the world through an action-packed global sport spectacle that will attract fans and families from the UAE and across the globe. Hosting the Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master reflects our vision to offer leisure and recreational attractions across the Emirate in a way that inspires residents to lead healthier and active lifestyles.”

The Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master 2023 will see 128 top-ranked men and women players compete in the main draw from 21 - 26 February, while the qualification round will occur from 18-20 February. The Master tournament is WPT’s top category tournament, awarding players with the highest number of ranking points across the entire tour. The Modon Abu Dhabi Master will grant a total prize money of €450,000, the highest amount ever awarded in a WPT tournament.

The event sponsors include Abu Dhabi property developer Modon Properties, multinational food chain McDonald’s, leading Spanish brewer Estrella Damm, sports equipment company Head, and leading Spanish Padel equipment supplier Bullpadel, amongst others.

Hourani, said: “Padel is an incredibly thrilling sport for spectators, players of all skill levels, and the growing communities that have embraced it, so we’re extremely excited about having secured the world’s most prestigious Padel tournament for Abu Dhabi. With live entertainment, music, unique food outlets, and community activities that will bring together UAE's residents and international visitors, the Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master 2023 is anticipated to be one of the most coveted sports festivals in the UAE.”