ACTIVE Masdar City

ACTIVE Masdar City is the sports complex in Masdar City, the low-carbon district off the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway on the Khalifa City side, and padel sits alongside its outdoor tennis courts. Play here is not free and not walk-in: one reviewer points out that you need a booking with the ACTIVE sports club before stepping on court. The exact number of padel courts isn't published; reviews talk about the courts in the plural, so expect at least two, and they are open-air rather than in an air-conditioned hall. Reviews of the padel side are mixed, which matches the modest 3.5 Google score (69 reviews, shared with the rest of the complex). Recent visitors complain that the artificial turf is uneven and not properly fixed, with dead spots in the glass, that the surroundings look neglected with dead grass, and that the open court design leaves you exposed to sun and wind. One player compares it unfavourably with Yas Beach Padel at a similar price. On the positive side, others like the location and the small reception with leather chairs, toilets and a vending machine, though there is no café and no showers. The complex is open from 07:00 to 22:00 Monday to Friday and from 06:00 to 22:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Padel court rates aren't published; a review mentions tennis prices of AED 125 early bird and AED 175 after 4 pm, so ask for the current padel rate when you call to book. Early morning and evening slots are the realistic choice in summer.