First ever World Padel League to be held in Dubai

The first ever World Padel league will take place in Dubai on June 8-11 (Supplied)
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Updated 20 February 2023
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First ever World Padel League to be held in Dubai

  • Padel currently fastest-growing sport in world
  • New World Padel League to feature as ‘Greatest show on court’

Dubai: The world’s top-ranked padel players and entertainment stars are set to take part in the “Greatest show on court” with the inaugural World Padel League to be held in association with Dubai Sports Council at the Coca-Cola Arena from June 8 to 11.

The World Padel League will feature four teams, 24 of the world’s leading players, and four concerts with internationally renowned artists.

The four-day event will be staged in Dubai by the same team that recently concluded the World Tennis League, which proved a huge success.

Rajesh Banga, chairman of the World Padel League, said: “Our goal is to innovate and marry world-class sport with entertainment to give fans a unique and immersive experience.

“After the success of the World Tennis League and with the incredible growth we see in padel, specifically regionally, we are excited to live up to promise for another blockbuster event.”

Saeed Hareb, secretary-general of the Dubai Sports Council, said: “The World Padel League will increase popularity of sport more locally and globally with local and international players showcasing their talent, highlighting tournament rules and standards, and cementing the commitment we made to grow and develop the sports by fostering interest in residents and visitors to pursue active sports.

“We believe the WPL will attract more talent to our shores,” he added.


Lola Yamaha ABT look for pace and points under the lights in Jeddah

Updated 12 February 2026
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Lola Yamaha ABT look for pace and points under the lights in Jeddah

  • After missing points in Miami, team hope for better showing
  • Working hard, say drivers Zane Maloney and Lucas di Grassi

JEDDAH: Lola Yamaha ABT are returning to race under the lights of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where they are hoping to add to their points tally for season 12 of the Formula E World Championship this Friday and Saturday.

Situated alongside the Red Sea, the 19-turn, 3-km track features a long start and finish straight, technical chicanes and sweeping turns. The Saudi Arabian doubleheader will once again be at night.

And also host the first pit-boost race of season 12 where very driver must complete a 30-second, 600-kilowatt boost in the pitlane, giving an extra 10 percent of energy.

Last time in Miami, the team showed good pace throughout the weekend where they narrowly missed out on points, with Zane Maloney finishing 11th and Lucas di Grassi 13th, but they are hopeful for Jeddah.

“After a generally positive race in Miami, where we were much more competitive, I’m looking forward to taking to the track again in Jeddah,” di Grassi said.

“Racing at night always presents different challenges, with changes in temperature and lighting.

“With not much time between these races, we’ve been putting in the hours in the sim (simulator) to ensure we are as prepared as possible to maximize on the improvements seen last time out.”

Maloney said: “Although we narrowly missed out on points in Miami, it was a positive weekend for the team with good pace that shows we are moving in the right direction.

“Jeddah is a fast, technical circuit, which will test the team in different ways, particularly with the addition of the first pit boost of the season. However, we’ve been working hard in the short race gap and I’m confident we can be in the mix to score points this weekend.”

“We saw positive steps forward with organization and processes behind the scenes in Miami and this showed with good race pace which we are hoping to translate to points here in Jeddah,” said Mark Preston, team principal of Lola Yamaha ABT.