Muscat: Oman’s fast-growing padel sector reached a new milestone with the signing of a strategic partnership establishing the World Padel Academy Oman, a project expected to strengthen the country’s position in regional and international padel development.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday during a ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, attended by senior officials including Al Sayyed Mohammed al Busaidy, Director of Crystal Shine Services LLC; Mohsin bin Hani al Bahrani, Director of Crystal Shine Services LLC; Ali Abdulla al Arif, Chief Executive Officer of the World Padel Academy; and David Crocker, Chief Operating Officer of the academy. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with Spadrec Investment in Sport Enterprises LLC.
The academy represents the first international-standard padel training complex of its kind in Oman and is designed to serve both competitive and recreational players while creating structured pathways for Omani athletes to compete globally. Officials said the collaboration reflects a shared vision to elevate Oman’s sports ecosystem by combining global technical expertise with local operational capabilities.
Located near the Ghala Golf area with easy access from the Muscat Expressway, the facility will feature five indoor courts built to International Padel Federation standards, a 350-square-metre high-performance gym, recovery and rehabilitation rooms, a Pilates studio, and a recreational training facility. The complex will also include a cafe and a specialised retail outlet offering professional padel equipment, creating a comprehensive sports destination.
In addition to daily coaching programmes, the academy is expected to host regional and International Padel Federation tournaments, positioning Oman as an emerging venue on the global padel calendar. Youth development will form a core pillar of the initiative, with grassroots training programmes and talent-identification initiatives planned to support the next generation of Omani players.
GOOD POTENTIAL
Speaking to Oman Observer, Al Arif said Oman offers significant potential for the sport, particularly among the younger generation, noting that the academy aims to introduce a complete development ecosystem rather than simply building courts.
He explained that the academy will combine professional coaching methodologies, structured tournaments, and community engagement initiatives while also integrating fitness, recovery, and wellness services to support athletes at all levels. According to Al Arif, the goal is to provide a “one-stop solution” that caters to competitive players, youth trainees, and recreational enthusiasts seeking world-class facilities.
Industry observers note that padel is experiencing rapid expansion across the GCC, supported by rising participation, private-sector investment, and growing demand for modern sports infrastructure. The launch of the academy is expected to accelerate the sport’s domestic growth while strengthening Oman’s ability to host international competitions and attract sports tourism.
Crystal Shine Services will contribute operational expertise in facility management and logistics to ensure efficient long-term operations, while the World Padel Academy will provide technical know-how, coaching systems, and tournament management experience drawn from its regional network of training centres.
With operations expected to roll out in phases following facility completion, the World Padel Academy Oman is widely seen as a landmark development that could transform the local padel landscape, expand participation opportunities for youth, and position Oman as a rising destination for international padel events.
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