2025
Dubai, UAE —
Dubai is set to make regional sports history as it hosts the
inaugural Pickleball Open 2025 from May 8 to 11 — a major international
event marking the professional debut of Pickleball in the Middle East.
Backed by the Dubai Sports Council, the tournament is being organized by
Sport Spirit Fed (SSF) Events in collaboration with Global Sports, and will
take place at Pickleturf Dubai, the city’s newly launched premier Pickleball
venue located in Port Rashid.
An official press conference, held on May 6 at Dubai Sports Council head
quarter, brought together leaders from the realms of sports, entertainment,
and government, heralding the arrival of one of the world’s fastest-growing
sports in the UAE.
Khalid Al Awar, Director of Communications and Marketing at the Dubai
Sports Council, said: “Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global
hub for sporting excellence. Our support for the Pickleball Open 2025
aligns with our vision to promote emerging sports and encourage an active,
healthy lifestyle across all segments of society. We are proud to be part of
this pioneering initiative, which marks another milestone in the growth of
sports in the emirate.”
Global Sports: Leading the Pickleball Surge
Spearheading the event is India-based Global Sports, a prominent force
reshaping the Pickleball landscape across South Asia and now extending
its reach to the Gulf. The initiative is led by a visionary group of founders —
Hemal Jain, Yuvraj Ruia, Shashank Khaitan, Niraj Jain, Suresh Bhansali,
and Divyesh Jain — who are committed to propelling Pickleball onto the
global stage, including aspirations for Olympic inclusion.
Adding star power to the initiative is renowned Bollywood filmmaker Karan
Johar, who has joined Global Sports as a partner. His involvement bridges
the worlds of sport and entertainment, amplifying the tournament’s appeal
to a wide-ranging international audience.
Pickleturf Dubai: A Home for Innovation and Inclusion
The entire tournament will be hosted at Pickleturf Dubai — the UAE’s first
dedicated professional Pickleball venue — born from a local partnership
between Anam Mirza and Kashif Ali. Designed to serve both elite athletes
and enthusiastic newcomers, Pickleturf offers a world-class facility in one of
Dubai’s most iconic waterfront destinations.
More than 275 players from over 15 countries — including the United
States, United Kingdom, Australia, Iran, Vietnam, and India — will compete
in this high-energy event, showcasing Pickleball’s rapid global expansion
and inclusive nature.
An Event Fueled by Vision and Global Expertise
Sport Spirit Fed (SSF) Events, renowned for delivering top-tier tennis,
cricket, and football experiences across the UAE, is managing the event
under the leadership of Mohammad Saif. With its proven record of
excellence, SSF is poised to deliver a standout edition of the Pickleball
Open.
Global tennis icon Sania Mirza voiced her support:
“Pickleball is one of the most inclusive and fastest-growing sports globally.
It’s amazing to see Global Sports and Dubai come together to champion
this movement. I’m proud to be part of something that will shape the future
of sport in this region.”
Karan Johar added:
“This isn’t just about sport — it’s about culture, innovation, and community.
I’m thrilled to be part of a team introducing something so dynamic to the
Middle East.”
Shashank Khaitan, Founder of Global Sports, stated:
“We are honored to launch Dubai’s first Pickleball Open. This is just the
beginning of a bold, exciting chapter in international sport.”
A Long-Term Vision for the Region
Looking ahead, Global Sports has announced plans to develop three
international Pickleball IPs based in Dubai, focusing on tourism, youth
engagement, and international competitiveness. The goal: to position Dubai
as a year-round destination for Pickleball and a major contributor to the
sport’s global growth.
As the tournament kicks off tomorrow, Dubai is ready to welcome the world
to a celebration of athleticism, culture, and innovation. Pickleball Open
2025 is more than a competition — it’s the launch of a movement.
