Sports Minister approves merger of UAE tennis and padel federations into one

The UAE Tennis Federation and the UAE Padel Federation have been merged into a single entity.

The merger of the two bodies and the subsequent formation of the UAE Tennis and Padel Federation have been approved by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, the UAE Minister of Sports.

Dr Al Falasi also approved the formation of the federation’s new Board of Directors for the electoral cycle until 2028.

Sheikh Hashar bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum has been appointed Honorary President of the new organisation. Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum will serve as President of the Board of Directors.

Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum said that the new board will build on past achievements and work as one team to achieve further progress and success in tennis and padel.

He added that the merger decision aligns with the vision to develop fast-growing sports, improve governance efficiency, unify organisational frameworks, expand the base of participants, support national teams and talent identification and development programs, and enhance the UAE’s capabilities in hosting and organising major tournaments.

During the board’s first meeting, Ismail Al Hashemi was elected Vice-President, Saeed Al Marri the Secretary-General, with Khalifa Khouri, Mohammed Al Sharhan, Hassan Al Mazrouei, Issa Sharif, Marwan bin Issa, James Ward, Omar Al Marzouqi, and Fatima Bujsaim as board members.

Sheikh Saeed noted that the new board brings together experienced and specialised competencies capable of driving both sports forward in the UAE.