BALLERS

BALLERS is a multi-sport complex on Dubai Fountain Street in Downtown, right under the Burj Khalifa, and that view is the thing almost every visitor mentions first. Alongside 6 padel courts the venue has 4- and 5-a-side football pitches, a boutique gym and a fitness studio. The courts appear to be open-air, based on how often players talk about the skyline while they play, but the club doesn't say whether they are shaded, so check before booking a summer afternoon slot. Bookings are made on Playtomic. With more than 400 Google reviews and a 4.7 average, it is one of the most-reviewed padel spots in the city. People describe the courts and pitches as consistently well kept, the lighting as good for evening matches and the staff as friendly and organised. The on-site cafe has a decent range of snacks and drinks, and there is parking on site. Coaching runs through an in-house padel academy, and the Gaby Reca Padel Academy also teaches here; regulars single out coaches Nico and Alex. Peak hours fill up, so book ahead. The club's published rate is AED 270 for 60 minutes and AED 400 for 90 minutes. The page doesn't spell out per-court versus per-player, but it reads as a court rate, and it is one of the pricier options in Dubai. There is no separate weekday, evening or weekend tariff listed. Opening hours are 06:00 to midnight every day.