Midea Dubai Schools Games Padel Championship Records Remarkable Growth as Participation Nearly Triples Across Dubai Schools
Dubai, UAE – 16 May 2026
The sound of fast-paced rallies, tactical teamwork, and celebrations echoed across the courts at World Padel Academy as the Midea Dubai Schools Games Padel Championship returned for another exciting edition on 16 May 2026.
What was once an emerging event on the Dubai Schools Games calendar has rapidly transformed into one of the most popular school sporting competitions in the emirate. This year's championship welcomed 104 registered students, with 94 athletes attending from 47 schools, highlighting the extraordinary growth of Padel among young athletes across Dubai.
The figures tell a remarkable story. Compared to the previous season, which attracted 76 registered students, 68 participants, and 17 schools, the 2026 edition saw participation increase by 37% in registrations, 38% in attendance, and an impressive 176% growth in school representation. The expansion reflects the increasing popularity of Padel within school communities and the growing opportunities available through the Dubai Schools Games platform.
Hosted and delivered in partnership with World Padel Academy, the championship brought together students from a diverse range of schools, creating a vibrant atmosphere of competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Throughout the day, athletes demonstrated technical skill, strategic thinking, and determination as they competed for podium positions across multiple age categories.
The U12 Boys competition showcased the future of the sport, with young players displaying confidence beyond their years. After a series of competitive matches, Tommaso G from GEMS World Academy and Leonardo R from King's School Al Barsha secured the championship title. Faris Z and Mohamed A, representing Al Mawakeb School – Al Barsha and Safa British School, earned second place, while Shiva B and Rudra B from GEMS Wellington International School claimed third.
In the U14 Boys division, Al Ittihad Private School Jumeira dominated the competition. Saeed B and Mohammed F delivered a composed and consistent performance to capture first place, while teammates Hamdan B and Fares J secured silver. Rashid M and Abdulla A from Repton School completed the podium in third place.
The U16 Boys category featured some of the day's most competitive encounters. Veer A and Alonso Z, representing King's School Al Barsha and GEMS Dubai American Academy, emerged as champions after an impressive campaign. Spencer B and Ethan S from GEMS Jumeirah Primary School and Jumeirah College secured second place, while Yousif H and Thani S from Dubai International Private School – Al Garhoud finished third.
In the U16 Girls division, Talia E and Faith A from Emirates International School Meadows showcased exceptional teamwork and consistency to claim the championship title. Parisa N and Ishaa H from Jumeirah College secured second place, while Reem A and Hind A, representing Al Mawakeb Khawaneej School and Emirates International School Jumeirah, earned bronze.
Beyond the medal winners, the championship served as a celebration of the sport's rapid development within schools. While last season demonstrated the growing interest in Padel, the 2026 edition confirmed its status as one of the fastest-growing school sports in Dubai. The significant increase in participating schools reflects a broader commitment across the education sector to provide students with opportunities to compete, stay active, and develop valuable life skills through sport.
The Dubai Schools Games extends its sincere appreciation to its partners and sponsors whose support continues to create meaningful sporting experiences for students throughout the UAE:
Midea – Title Sponsor
Careem proudly joining the Dubai Schools Games family as its newest partner
The championship was organised by ESM, under the patronage of the Dubai Sports Council, and with the support of the Ministry of Sports, reinforcing a shared commitment to developing school sport and nurturing future generations of athletes.
As the final points were won and medals presented, the success of the 2026 Midea Dubai Schools Games Padel Championship stood as a powerful reminder of how far the competition has progressed in just one season. With participation growing, new schools joining the movement, and young talent continuing to emerge, the future of Padel within the Dubai Schools Games has never looked brighter.