Padel tennis is rapidly becoming one of the most popular sports in the UAE, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. From luxury residential communities and hotels to sports clubs and academies, the demand for high-quality padel tennis courts is growing fast. However, building a padel court is not just about installing turf and glass—it requires precise design, certified materials, and proper construction standards.
In this blog, we explain the essential features of a padel tennis court, helping investors, club owners, and developers understand what truly matters when planning a professional and long-lasting padel facility.
What Makes a Padel Tennis Court Different?
Unlike traditional tennis courts, padel courts are fully enclosed, and the walls are part of the game. This makes accuracy in construction extremely important. Any compromise in materials or dimensions directly affects gameplay, safety, and durability.
A well-built padel court ensures:
- Consistent ball bounce
- Player safety
- Low maintenance
- Professional playing experience
1. Standard Padel Court Dimensions
Padel courts follow strict international standards.
- Court size: 20 meters × 10 meters
- Net height:
- 88 cm at the center
- 92 cm at the sides
- Playing format: Doubles
Maintaining correct dimensions is essential for tournament play and professional training.
2. Tempered Glass Walls
Glass walls are one of the most defining features of a padel court.
Key Specifications
- Material: Toughened / tempered glass
- Thickness: 10–12 mm
- Back walls height: 4 meters
- Side walls height: 3–4 meters
Why Glass Walls Matter
- Allow ball rebound during play
- Ensure player safety
- Provide clear visibility for spectators
- Add a premium look to the court
Only certified tempered glass should be used to withstand strong ball impact and player contact.
3. Metal Structure and Mesh Fencing
The court enclosure is supported by a strong metal structure combined with mesh fencing.
Features
- Galvanized or powder-coated steel
- Rust and corrosion resistant
- Strong welds and smooth edges
Mesh fencing prevents the ball from leaving the court and protects players and spectators. In UAE outdoor conditions, corrosion resistance is critical.
4. Padel Court Flooring Surface
The playing surface directly affects game quality and player comfort.
Most Preferred Surface
- Artificial turf with sand infill
Flooring Requirements
- Controlled ball bounce
- Non-slip texture
- Shock absorption to reduce joint stress
- UV resistance for outdoor courts
High-quality padel turf ensures consistent performance and long service life, even under intense daily use.
5. Strong Foundation and Base System
A padel court is only as strong as its foundation.
Typical Base Structure
- Compacted soil
- Crushed stone or gravel layer
- Concrete or asphalt slab
A well-prepared base prevents:
- Surface cracks
- Uneven play areas
- Water stagnation
This is especially important for outdoor padel courts in the UAE.
6. Drainage System for Outdoor Courts
Outdoor padel courts must include proper drainage.
Benefits of Good Drainage
- Prevents water accumulation
- Protects turf and base layers
- Allows faster court usage after rain
Even though rainfall in the UAE is limited, sudden showers can damage poorly drained courts.
7. Professional Lighting System
Most padel courts are used in the evening, making lighting essential.
Lighting Standards
- LED floodlights
- Uniform light distribution
- Minimum 200–300 lux for recreational play
- Up to 500 lux for professional courts
Lights should be positioned outside the playing area to avoid glare and shadows.
8. Net System and Posts
The net system must meet official padel standards.
- Weather-resistant net material
- Stable steel or aluminium posts
- Proper tension and height
A poorly installed net affects game quality and player satisfaction.
9. Safety Features and Player Comfort
Safety is a key element in padel court design.
Essential safety features include:
- Rounded edges on metal parts
- Anti-slip turf
- Shock-absorbing surface
- Safe spacing around the court
These features reduce injury risk and improve the overall playing experience.
10. Weather Resistance for UAE Conditions
Padel courts in the UAE must withstand:
- High temperatures
- Strong sunlight
- Dust and sand
- Occasional rain
Using UV-stabilized turf, corrosion-resistant metal, and sealed glass fittings ensures long-term durability.
11. Customization and Branding Options
Commercial padel courts often include:
- Custom turf colours
- Club or sponsor logos
- Glass branding
- Court numbering
Customization enhances visual appeal and brand identity, especially for clubs and resorts.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Even the best materials can fail if installation is poor. Professional padel court installation ensures:
- Correct alignment of glass panels
- Proper tensioning of mesh
- Accurate flooring installation
- Long-term structural stability
This directly impacts maintenance costs and court lifespan.
Conclusion
A padel tennis court is a precision-built sports facility. From standard dimensions and tempered glass walls to artificial turf, lighting, and drainage, every feature plays a crucial role in performance, safety, and durability.
For clubs, developers, and investors in the UAE, focusing on these essential features ensures a high-quality padel court that delivers excellent playing experience and strong return on investment.
Professional providers like Fab Floorings specialize in designing and installing padel tennis courts that meet international standards and UAE environmental conditions.
FAQ – Padel Tennis Court Features
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What are the standard dimensions of a padel tennis court?
A standard padel tennis court measures 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width. The court is designed for doubles play only and follows international padel regulations.
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What type of glass is used in padel tennis courts?
Padel courts use toughened (tempered) safety glass, usually 10–12 mm thick. This glass is impact-resistant and safe for players, allowing the ball to rebound during play.
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Which flooring is best for a padel tennis court?
The most commonly used surface is artificial turf with sand infill. It provides controlled ball bounce, good grip, shock absorption, and durability for both indoor and outdoor courts.
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Is drainage required for outdoor padel courts in UAE?
Yes. Even in the UAE, outdoor padel courts must have a proper drainage system to prevent water accumulation and protect the base and turf during unexpected rainfall.
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How much lighting is required for a padel court?
Recreational padel courts require 200–300 lux, while professional or tournament courts need up to 500 lux. LED floodlights are commonly used for uniform and glare-free lighting.
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What is the height of padel court walls?
The back walls are 4 meters high, while the side walls range between 3 to 4 meters, combining glass and metal mesh fencing as per standards.
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Can padel tennis courts be installed indoors?
Yes. Padel courts can be installed indoors or outdoors. Indoor courts benefit from controlled lighting and weather protection, while outdoor courts require UV-resistant materials.
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Is padel court construction suitable for UAE climate?
Yes. When built using UV-resistant turf, corrosion-proof metal structures, and sealed glass fittings, padel courts perform well in UAE heat and outdoor conditions.
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How long does a padel tennis court last?
With proper materials and professional installation, a padel tennis court can last 10–15 years, with regular maintenance of turf, lighting, and fittings.
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Why is professional installation important for padel courts?
Professional installation ensures correct dimensions, safe glass alignment, proper flooring performance, and long-term durability, which are critical for gameplay and safety.