Tell us about yourself and your career journey to Tournament Director of Dubai Premier Padel P1.
I’ve spent more than two decades working at the intersection of sport, business, and large-scale event creation. My journey started in player management, helping young footballers navigate contracts and global careers, before moving into the business side of sport. I had the privilege to work with incredible talents like Christian Pulisic and Victor Wanyama early in their journeys, and that experience taught me that sport is ultimately a human business built on trust and vision.
In 2015, I started Kosmos Tennis alongside Gerard Piqué, where we reimagined the Davis Cup Finals. As Event Director, I led a team of more than 2,000 professionals across three countries, overseeing every stage from design and logistics to broadcast and fan experience. That period reinforced my belief that when sport is structured and delivered well, it can reshape entire environments .
Since 2022, I’ve been leading Gallop Global, a UAE-based sports and entertainment company. Here, I’ve had the opportunity to bring ambitious projects to life – from Dubai Challenge Cup and the Al-Nassr China Tour, to now the second edition of the Dubai Premier Padel P1.
What is fuelling the popularity of Padel in the UAE?
Padel’s rise in the UAE has been nothing short of extraordinary. What makes padel so compelling is its accessibility, it’s easy to learn, social, and inclusive across ages and skill levels.
There’s also a strong cultural alignment here: people in the UAE value community, wellness, and shared experiences. Padel delivers all three. From private courts in residential communities to large public venues, it’s becoming a natural part of people’s routines. The government’s unmatched support through the Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Economy and Tourism and UAEPA has accelerated that momentum, giving the sport an institutional foundation to grow sustainably.
How are you contributing to the growth of Padel as a sport?
At Gallop Global, we see ourselves as builders of communities, not just event organisers. With Dubai Premier Padel P1, we’re not only staging a world-class tournament- we’re creating a platform for development, from professional exposure to community engagement and youth participation.
We’re working closely with the UAE Padel Association (UAEPA), the Dubai Sports Council, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to integrate padel into Dubai’s broader sports and tourism vision. That means developing year-round activation: junior programs, grassroots events, and pathways for local players to compete alongside global stars.
Tell us about your upcoming tournament. What can we expect?
The Dubai Premier Padel P1 will take place from November 9–16, 2025 at the Hamdan Sports Complex, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. As part of the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour, sanctioned by the International Padel Federation (FIP), it will bring the world’s top-ranked players back to Dubai. Fans and visitors can expect to see names such as Agustín Tapia, Ale Galán, Arturo Coello, Ari Sánchez, Gemma Triay, among others competing for the P1 title.
This event is designed as more than a week of matches – it is a full sports and entertainment experience. We are combining elite competition with the kind of atmosphere people associate with Dubai.
The Hamdan Sports Complex will ensure optimal playing and spectator conditions, which matters at this level -it is an indoor facility that guarantees consistency for players and comfort for families and fans.
What sets Dubai Premier Padel P1 apart from other padel tournaments globally?
Three elements: premium delivery, integration, and vision.
First, premium delivery. Dubai has proven it can stage world-class events at scale, and we are applying that same ambition to padel including building the largest padel court ever constructed in the GCC inside the Hamdan Sports Complex, where the Dubai Premier Padel P1 will be held.
Second, integration- we’re combining sport, tourism, and entertainment into one platform. The event is not just for padel enthusiasts; it’s for families, brands, and international visitors who want to experience Dubai at its most dynamic.
And third, vision – our focus is long-term. Dubai Premier Padel P1 is not a one-off; it’s part of a broader roadmap positioning Dubai as a global centre for racket sports and lifestyle events.
How is Dubai Premier Padel P1 making Dubai a centre point for padel, sports and entertainment?
Dubai already stands out globally for how it fuses business, lifestyle, and innovation. With this tournament, we’re amplifying that identity in sport. Hosting the Dubai Premier Padel P1 event under the international calendar means that every season, the world’s best players, sponsors, and media will converge here.
How are you aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community?
The Year of Community initiative reflects values that are already central to sport – unity, inclusion, and shared purpose. Dubai Premier Padel P1 is aligned with the vision of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to position Dubai as a global destination where world-class sport and community life coexist.
Our intention is to make this a moment the entire city can participate in: accessible to youth players, families, first-time spectators, and committed padel communities alike. For one week, Dubai will serve as a meeting point of cultures and as the global centre of padel, not just hosting a tournament, but staging a celebration of the sport.
Beyond the event, how are transforming sports infrastructure, fan engagement, and youth development in the region?
The facilities being built or upgraded for Dubai Premier Padel P1 are designed to outlive the tournament – we will host junior competitions, training clinics, and wildcard pathways in the years ahead.
On fan engagement, we’re leveraging technology – from digital ticketing to interactive fan platforms – to make every touchpoint immersive. We want the next generation of fans to not only watch but participate, whether through social content or live experiences.
What role do you think sport — and padel specifically — plays in the wider social and economic movement of the UAE?
Padel reflects the UAE’s modern identity. It’s a sport that thrives in communities that embrace diversity and innovation, and Dubai embodies that perfectly.
Economically, padel creates new value chains – from construction and retail to media and tourism. Socially, it brings people together. That’s why I see it not just as a sport, but as a new pillar of the lifestyle economy.
What is your vision for Padel in Dubai?
Our vision at Gallop Global is to align with the city’s objectives and add our small contribution for Dubai to become the global benchmark for padel – not only in hosting major tournaments but also in developing the sport from the ground up.
We have all the ingredients: leadership support, world-class facilities, and a community that embraces ambition. The next chapter is about sustainability – building legacy beyond the event itself.
Where can readers learn more about you and Dubai Premier Padel P1?
The best place to follow the tournament is through our official channels. Full event information is available at dubaipremierpadel.ae, and tickets are available through Platinumlist. The Dubai Premier Padel P1 takes place from November 9–16, 2025 at the Hamdan Sports Complex, and we look forward to welcoming fans from across the UAE and beyond.
https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/99062/dubai-premier-padel-p1-2025
