Sports & Championship

Tatler Asia has announced the launch of the Tatler Padel Series 2026, Asia’s first premium padel tournament, with Dubai selected as the only Middle East destination in the multi-city competition.

Supported by Standard Chartered as the Presenting Sponsor and Club Med as the Official Lifestyle Partner, the six-month tournament will travel across seven cities in Asia and the Middle East, culminating in a regional final in November 2026.

The series is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants across eight events, providing a platform that combines competitive sport, networking, wellness, and lifestyle experiences.

Dubai’s inclusion highlights the emirate’s growing influence in the global sports and wellness landscape, particularly as padel continues to gain popularity across the UAE.

Wasim Ben Khadra, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing and Head of Communications for the UAE, Middle East, and Pakistan at Standard Chartered, said the partnership reflects the bank’s strategy of connecting with affluent clients through experiences that combine wealth, lifestyle, and wellbeing.

“The UAE is the only market in the Middle East to be included in the Tatler Padel Series, underscoring both the market’s strategic importance for our network and its influence within the global wealth landscape,” he said.

Club Med, the world’s largest sports club and a leading all-inclusive hospitality brand, said the partnership aligns with the growing appeal of active lifestyle experiences among travellers.

Valerie Loy, Vice President of Marketing for East, South Asia and Pacific at Club Med, noted that padel has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports globally and has become an important part of the company’s resort offerings.

“Padel has quickly become the sport du jour and is one of the most exciting sports shaping today’s lifestyle landscape. Our partnership with the Tatler Padel Series 2026 is a natural extension of our commitment to active, social, and wellness-focused experiences,” she said.

The tournament will feature multiple competition categories catering to players of varying skill levels, including Bronze, Silver, and Gold divisions, as well as a Celebrity Pro-Am event pairing professional athletes with well-known personalities.

Participants will compete in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles formats, with winners and runners-up qualifying for the Regional Final.

Beyond competition, the series will include networking opportunities, curated food and beverage experiences, wellness and recovery zones, and social events designed to connect entrepreneurs, executives, and sports enthusiasts.

Michele Lamunière, Chairman and CEO of Tatler Group, said the initiative reflects changing lifestyle preferences among today’s leaders.

“The Tatler Padel Series reflects the evolving passions of today’s leaders, where sport, wellness, and connection intersect. Through this platform, we aim to create meaningful experiences that celebrate both competition and community,” she said.

The 2026 tournament schedule will begin in Bali, Indonesia, in July before moving to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Dubai. The Dubai leg of the competition is scheduled for October 2026, with venue details to be announced at a later date.

The launch of the Tatler Padel Series further reinforces the UAE’s position as a regional hub for international sporting events and highlights the rapid growth of padel as one of the country's most popular recreational and competitive sports.

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