United Arab Emirates (UAE) Pickle Ball Market Overview, 2029

In recent years, the UAE pickleball industry has grown dramatically, from a fringe sport to a thriving recreational activity enjoyed by both locals and expats alike. Pickleball, a paddle sport that incorporates aspects of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, was first brought to the UAE by expatriates looking for an alternative to traditional sports. The sport's popularity swiftly grew, prompting the development of the first official pickleball courts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi around 2015. The UAE Pickleball Federation was established in 2018, marking a key step towards the sport's formalisation in the country. The UAE pickleball market has recently gained traction, because of increasing media coverage and the organisation of high-profile competitions. In 2024, Dubai hosted the Middle East Pickleball Championships, bringing athletes from all over the world and raising the sport's profile in the region. Also, private investment has increased, with luxury resorts and real estate developers including pickleball courts into their recreational facilities to attract health-conscious customers. The Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and the General Authority of Sports have been influential in draughting policies that promote the sport's growth. These groups have enacted laws to ensure that pickleball courts fulfil safety standards and are accessible to players of all skill levels. Compliance with local rules, such as athletic facility safety standards, is severely enforced. Also, pickleball clubs and organisations must follow norms established by the UAE Pickleball Federation, which are consistent with international standards. This assures that all tournaments and recreational play are safe, fair, and inclusive.

According to the research report "UAE Pickle Ball Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the UAE pickle ball market is anticipated to grow at more than 24.47% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The pickleball market in the UAE has grown significantly in recent years, owing to a variety of factors. The addition of specialised pickleball courts and infrastructure in large cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi has greatly enhanced the sport's profile and accessibility. Also, the UAE Pickleball Federation's efforts to standardise and promote the sport have resulted in a steady increase in both leisure and competitive participation. The sport's popularity has also been boosted by the growing number of competitions and events, like as the Middle East Pickleball Championships, which have drawn international players and attention. Several trends are influencing the UAE pickleball market. One notable trend is the incorporation of pickleball courts into residential communities and luxury buildings. Developers recognise the sport's growing popularity and are including pickleball courts into their projects to entice inhabitants looking for an active lifestyle. Also, there is a growing trend of organising pickleball-themed events and social gatherings that combine leisure with fitness, appealing to a diverse audience. Another development is the increased use of social media and digital platforms to promote pickleball, with influencers and local celebrities playing a key role in raising the sport's visibility. . The UAE Pickleball Federation is a key actor, as it regulates the sport's development and organises important events. Other notable contributors include sports clubs such as Dubai's NAS Sports Complex and Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City, which have both invested in specialised pickleball facilities. In addition, global sports equipment manufacturers like as HEAD and Selkirk have entered the market, working with local distributors to provide high-quality pickleball equipment.

The UAE pickleball market has seen an increase in demand for specialised products such as balls, paddles, gear, and footwear as the sport grows popularity among both leisure and competitive players. Pickleball balls, which are lightweight and perforated, are a popular product on the market. They are available in a variety of sizes, weights, and colours to suit varied playing settings, both indoors and outdoors. Leading manufacturers such as Onix, Dura, and Franklin Sports dominate the market, offering balls noted for their durability and consistent performance. Paddles, another essential piece of equipment, are available in a range of materials, including graphite, fibreglass, and composite, to accommodate varied player preferences and ability levels. Companies like Selkirk Sport, Paddletek, and HEAD are in the forefront. As pickleball becomes more popular, there is a greater demand for specialised clothes and footwear that provide comfort, flexibility, and support while playing. Fila, Adidas, and Nike have launched pickleball-specific apparel lines that include moisture-wicking fabrics, UV protection, and ergonomic designs to improve player performance and comfort. Footwear, which is critical for maintaining balance and agility on the court, is also a developing market. ASICS, K-Swiss, and Wilson have produced pickleball-specific shoes with characteristics including strengthened toe caps, non-marking soles, and increased grip technology to prevent skidding and guarantee stability during rapid lateral movements.

The UAE pickleball market includes both indoor and outdoor courts, catering to the sport's growing popularity among a wide range of players. These courts differ in terms of structure, playing surface, and usage, with each providing distinct benefits that appeal to different parts of the market. Outdoor pickleball courts are commonly found in public parks, residential areas, and recreational facilities. These courts are built to survive the UAE's hot and often harsh weather conditions, with surfaces made of materials like acrylic or concrete for durability and little maintenance. Meanwhile, indoor pickleball courts are most commonly seen at sports complexes, fitness clubs, and luxury resorts. Indoor pickleball courts are currently the most popular in the UAE market. This is partly owing to the region's environmental conditions, which frequently make outdoor activities difficult, especially during the hot summer months when temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Indoor courts provide a more pleasant and safe setting for players, allowing for year-round play regardless of the weather. Indoor facilities also include superior lighting, climate control, and professional-grade surfaces, making them more desirable to serious players and clubs that hold tournaments and events. Sports and fitness facilities such as Dubai Sports World and Zayed Sports City have built high-quality indoor pickleball courts for both leisure and competitive players. These venues frequently partner with top pickleball brands, such as Selkirk Sport and Franklin Sports, to conduct events and coaching clinics that attract new players to the sport. Also, premium developers such as Emaar and DAMAC have begun to incorporate indoor pickleball courts into their residential and mixed-use projects, recognising the sport's growing popularity among health-conscious residents.

Pickleball items are distributed in the UAE through both online and offline channels, with each playing an important role in reaching various market segments. Offline channels include regular sports equipment stores, speciality shops and pro shops that are located in sports complexes and clubs. These actual locations provide a real experience by allowing customers to physically check and test pickleball equipment such as paddles, balls, clothes, and footwear before making a purchase. Offline channels offer personalised service and expert instruction from competent workers, which is especially beneficial for novices or those unfamiliar with the sport. On the other hand, online distribution methods have grown significantly in recent years. E-commerce platforms like Amazon.ae and Noon, as well as regional sports-focused websites like Sun & Sand Sports, have emerged as popular pickleball equipment shopping options. Currently, internet distribution methods dominate the UAE pickleball industry. Several factors contribute to the preference for online shopping, including the convenience of browsing and purchasing things from the comfort of one's own home, particularly in a region with high digital literacy and smartphone usage. The opportunity to access a wider selection of foreign brands and specialised products that are not always available in physical stores contributes significantly to this trend. Also, the COVID-19 epidemic has expedited the trend to internet buying.



The UAE pickleball market serves a wide range of end customers, including recreational players, professional athletes, educational institutions, and clubs and associations .Recreational players make up the largest portion of the pickleball market in the UAE. This organisation consists of individuals and families who enjoy pickleball for recreation, fitness, and social contact. The sport's appeal to recreational players stems from its accessibility and simplicity, it can be played by people of all ages and ability levels with little equipment and space needed. Pickleball courts catering to this group are frequently found in parks, community centres, and residential neighbourhoods. Companies such as Decathlon, Go Sport, and Sun & Sand Sports offer economical and beginner-friendly equipment for recreational players. The professional segment, however smaller than recreational players, is quickly expanding in the UAE. This group consists of competitive players who compete in regional and worldwide tournaments. The UAE Pickleball Federation and other sports organisations are actively promoting the sport's professional aspect by hosting tournaments such as the Middle East Pickleball Championships and other competitive leagues. Leading businesses such as Selkirk Sport, Paddletek, and HEAD provide elite players with high-performance paddles, balls, and accessories that are engineered for maximum control, power, and precision. Schools and educational institutions are a rising area of the UAE pickleball industry. Recognising the sport's benefits in terms of physical fitness, teamwork, and hand-eye coordination, many schools are adding pickleball into their physical education curricula.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Pickle Ball market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Paddles
• Balls
• Apparel & footwear
• Other Accessories

By Court Type
• Indoor Courts
• Outdoor Courts

By Distribution Channel
• Offline
• Online

By End User
• Recreational
• Professional
• Schools & Institutions
• Clubs & Association

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Pickle Ball industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.