What drew you to padel, and how did your journey with World Padel Academy begin?
I was first introduced to padel through close family friends, and what began as a casual interest quickly transformed into a genuine passion. The sport’s energy, strategy, and sense of community resonated deeply with me. World Padel Academy, being a family-driven organisation, felt like a natural home; its values, vision, and relentless dedication to the sport mirrored my own. Stepping into my role wasn’t just about joining a team; it was about continuing a legacy and actively contributing to the growth of padel in the UAE, combining my personal love for the game with our shared family mission.
Can you walk us through your role as Ladies Manager at WPA and the key female-focused initiatives you lead?
As Ladies Manager at WPA, I lead all initiatives designed to champion women’s participation in padel, from organising competitive tournaments and friendly social games to developing structured training programs for players at every level. My role encompasses managing bookings, scheduling, and coach coordination, while maintaining close connections with our players to ensure they feel supported and inspired. We’ve launched dedicated ladies’ mornings, social match days, and tailored coaching sessions that not only enhance skills but also build a vibrant, welcoming community. Being part of a family-run organisation allows me to turn ideas into action quickly, creating opportunities that empower more women to embrace and excel in the sport.
How do you create a space that is both welcoming and empowering for women in padel?
For me, it begins with cultivating a genuine sense of community. At WPA, we’ve built an environment where women feel confident stepping onto the court, whether they’re complete beginners or seasoned players. We listen closely to their needs, pair them with partners of similar skill levels, and strike the right balance between friendly play and healthy competition. It’s about removing barriers, fostering encouragement, and creating a space where women can challenge themselves while feeling fully supported
You’ve launched several ladies-only tournaments and training sessions. What inspired these initiatives, and how has the response been from the community?
The idea came directly from listening to women in our community, many shared that they wanted to play but felt hesitant about joining mixed sessions. I wanted to create a safe, encouraging starting point, so we introduced ladies-only tournaments and private training classes where they could build confidence and skills without pressure. The response has been remarkable, sessions fill up quickly, the energy on court is infectious, and many of our most dedicated players today began in those early beginner groups. It’s been inspiring to see their growth, both in skill and in love for the game.
Are there any upcoming events or collaborations you’re especially excited about?
Absolutely! We have a series of Ladies’ Tournaments coming up later this year in Dubai that I’m particularly excited about. I’m also proud of our ongoing Smash & Glow weekly tournaments, in partnership with Skin Lab, which offer a unique blend of sport and wellness. They’ve become a highlight for the ladies’ padel community, combining competitive play with a fun, feel-good atmosphere that keeps players coming back week after week.
As a female executive, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the corporate world in the UAE, and how did you navigate it?
One of the biggest challenges has been proving my capability in an industry that’s still carving out clear pathways for women in leadership. While being part of a family-run organisation gave me a strong foundation of support, I knew I had to earn my place through results. I focused on delivering high-impact events, driving consistent growth in participation, and creating measurable value for our ladies’ division. Over time, that track record has spoken louder than any doubts, reinforcing that capability is best proven through action and outcomes.
What are the biggest opportunities you see right now for women in leadership across the UAE?
Currently, there’s an incredible opportunity for women to take the lead in community-driven initiatives; projects that unite people, whether through sports, business, or education. The UAE actively supports women in leadership, and I believe grassroots programs, like those we champion at WPA, are the true catalysts for long-term change. By building strong foundations at the community level, we create lasting pathways for women to lead, inspire, and shape the future.
What role do you think sport, and padel specifically, plays in the wider movement for women’s empowerment in the UAE?
Sport is a powerful platform for building confidence, and padel, with its social, inclusive, and approachable nature, offers women a space to connect, collaborate, and compete on their own terms. In the UAE, it goes beyond the game itself; it’s about creating networks, fostering mutual support, and demonstrating what women can achieve when given the right opportunities and environment. Padel becomes not just a sport, but a catalyst for empowerment and community.
What advice would you give to young women in the UAE who are curious about padel but may feel hesitant to try it?
My advice is simple: just take that first step and join one session. You don’t need prior experience, special skills, or even your own equipment; we provide everything. The moment you step onto the court, you’ll feel the energy, the camaraderie, and the support. You’ll quickly realise padel isn’t just a sport, it’s a welcoming community where you can have fun, grow in confidence, and make lasting connections.
Looking back on your journey, what has been your proudest moment so far at WPA?
My proudest moment has been watching women who once stepped onto the court as complete beginners now competing at an advanced level. Their progress is living proof that the environment we’ve built: supportive, challenging, and community-driven, truly works. Seeing their confidence and skills grow reminds me of why I do what I do.
Where can readers learn more about you and the work you’re doing with WPA?
You can follow World Padel Academy on Instagram or visit our website to stay updated on our ladies’ programs, events, and tournaments. We regularly share news and insights from the court, and our doors are always open to new players, partners, and anyone passionate about supporting women’s sport in the UAE.
