While Qatar dazzles the world with Formula 1 and FIFA tournaments, a quieter sporting revolution is unfolding on courts across Doha — padel, one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide. This racket sport blends tennis and squash and is played in doubles on walled courts.
What is padel and how to play it
Originating in Mexico, padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It's typically played in doubles on an enclosed court that's smaller than a tennis court, with walls that players can use during the rallies. Padel is easy to learn — you serve underhand, and the ball can bounce once before being returned — but after the bounce, it can also hit the glass walls and still be in play.
Qatar's commitment to padel became official in 2023 when Qatar Sports Investments, the state's sports investment arm, bought the World Padel Tour. The acquisition merged two competing tours into one unified global circuit.
Following the acquisition, the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex — Qatar’s premier racket sports venue — began hosting major tournaments, including the Premier Padel Finals and the Ooredoo Qatar Major Premier Padel 2025, featuring the world’s top-ranked players.
Since then, padel has rapidly expanded across Doha with hotels, dedicated clubs, and sports complexes throughout the city.
"The padel community in Qatar is very active and well-developed," says Askhat Surauov, Performance Marketing Specialist at QIC and a padel enthusiast: "Platforms like Playtomic make it effortless to find games, track rankings, and connect with new players. When it's hot, there are plenty of indoor courts, and when the weather is nice, you can play outdoors with amazing views."
Askhat adds, “I started playing padel because it’s very social and easy to pick up, even if you’re not a professional athlete. What keeps me hooked is the mix of competition and fun — every game feels different, and it’s a great way to stay active while meeting new people.”
Gear and rentals: What you need to start playing
Most venues rent equipment. Racket rental fees typically range from QAR 30 to QAR 50 per session, depending on the venue. Wear regular athletic shoes with good grip — nothing fancy required.
If you decide to buy your own gear, padel rackets range from around QAR 90 for basic models to QAR 1,000+ for professional equipment. You'll find gear at shops like GO SPORT Qatar and TopTier Padel. Most padel venues also sell balls, shoes, and bags — ask about pricing when you visit.
Don't overthink the equipment at first. Rental gear works fine while you're figuring out if this is your sport.
Court costs
Court bookings in Doha generally range from QAR 150 to QAR 300 per hour. For doubles — the standard format — that's split among four players, so you're looking at QAR 40-75 per person for an hour of play. Peak times — evenings, weekends — cost more than midday slots.
Most venues accept drop-in bookings, though it’s worth booking ahead of popular time slots. If you’re visiting Qatar and want to experience local sports culture beyond watching matches, make sure you've got appropriate visitors' insurance before exploring everything from padel courts to unexpected aspects of life here.
Where to play padel in Doha: Clubs and courts
Dedicated clubs
Padel IN: This is where the sport really took root locally. Since opening in 2019, Padel IN has grown to three locations — Aspire Zone, City Center Doha, and Sealine. All offer indoor courts, equipment rental, and coaching sessions if you want to improve your technique or learn from the pros.
Doha Oasis: Doha Oasis features five indoor courts, including two that offer enhanced privacy for ladies-only sessions or private coaching. The facility provides racket rentals, professional coaching, a well-stocked padel shop, and a loyalty program that rewards six visits with a free hour of play. They also have a plant-based coffee shop at their location for post-match refreshments.
Hotel and resort courts
Several of Doha's hotels have added padel to their amenities, which works well if you're visiting or want to combine playing with other activities.
Doha Beach Club, located in the heart of West Bay, has just opened a new court as part of the beach facilities. Play a match, and cool off in the Gulf.
Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel in West Bay gives you easy access to the courts and fitness center. Convenient if you're staying nearby or working in the area.
Al Messila, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, 15 minutes away from West Bay, offers padel in a quieter resort setting. The courts sit among landscaped gardens, and you've got their spa facilities right there for post-match recovery.
Katara Club, in Katara Cultural Village, offers padel courts for club members, alongside private beach access and an Olympic-sized pool. Note that thisis a members-only facility.
Waldorf Astoria in Lusail delivers another beachfront padel experience in a modern luxury setting — courts, spa, beach access — all in one place.
Marsa Malaz Kempinski on The Pearl offers courts on what's essentially a private island.
