Where to join a professional tennis club in UAE?

Dreaming of serving aces or perfecting your backhand under the warm UAE sun, connecting with fellow enthusiasts, and honing your skills on top-notch courts? The United Arab Emirates offers an impressive array of tennis clubs and academies, catering to every level of player, from absolute beginners swinging a racket for the first time to seasoned pros looking for competitive play and high-performance training.

Dubai: A Hub for Tennis Enthusiasts

Dubai, renowned for its world-class sports facilities, is home to a multitude of tennis clubs, many of which are associated with prestigious academies or luxury resorts.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, while famous for hosting the annual ATP and WTA tours, also houses the CF Tennis Academy (cftennisacademy.com). This academy is one of the most prominent in the UAE, offering comprehensive adult tennis programs, junior academies, private lessons, semi-private lessons, and even fun “Cardio Tennis” sessions. They have multiple locations across Dubai, making it convenient for residents in various areas. Joining a club night here can be a fantastic way to meet other players and engage in social, yet competitive, matches. The academy’s long-standing reputation for quality coaching makes it a top choice for aspiring tennis players.

Al Habtoor Tennis Academy (alhabtoorsportshub.com) at the Al Habtoor City complex is another premier destination for tennis in Dubai. This academy boasts both indoor and outdoor courts, offering flexibility regardless of the weather. They provide private lessons, group clinics for adults and juniors, and even court rentals for those who simply want to enjoy a game with friends. The facilities are top-tier, often attracting high-level players and tournaments. Be aware that indoor court rentals at such premium venues can be significantly higher than outdoor options, often around AED 550 for an hour.

For those residing in areas like Motor City, Rackets Academy Tennis Coaching Courts (racketsacademy.ae) offers a wide range of tennis programs, tournaments, and elite training. They also have padel courts, catering to the growing popularity of this sport. Their comprehensive approach ensures that players of all ages and skill levels can find a suitable program to improve their game.

Many of Dubai’s luxury hotels and resorts also feature excellent tennis facilities that often operate as semi-private clubs or offer memberships to non-guests. Examples include the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Atlantis, The Palm, and the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai. While membership fees can be higher at these exclusive venues, they often come with additional benefits like access to swimming pools, gyms, and discounts on dining, creating a comprehensive lifestyle offering. It’s worth inquiring about their “tennis-only” membership options if available.

Abu Dhabi: Growing Tennis Landscape

Abu Dhabi’s tennis scene is steadily growing, with state-of-the-art facilities emerging across the capital, often integrated within larger sports complexes or country clubs.

Zayed Sports City (zsc.ae/tennis) is undoubtedly the largest and most comprehensive sports complex in Abu Dhabi, featuring an impressive array of tennis courts, including indoor and outdoor options. Their tennis academy offers programs for all ages and abilities, from beginner lessons to advanced coaching and competitive leagues. Zayed Sports City is a major hub for tennis events and community play, making it easy to find playing partners. Court rental fees here can vary, with typical hourly rates for outdoor courts around AED 125-175 for two to four players, depending on the time of day.

The Abu Dhabi Country Club (adcountryclub.com) offers extensive sports facilities, including tennis courts, as part of its membership packages. Memberships at such clubs often include access to a wide range of amenities like swimming pools, gymnasiums, and group fitness classes, making it a holistic wellness destination. For example, a single male annual membership can be approximately AED 10,500, while a family membership might be around AED 15,750, inclusive of 5% VAT. Daily entrance fees are also available for non-members, allowing a casual game.

The InterContinental Abu Dhabi and The Club Abu Dhabi also feature well-maintained tennis courts and offer various membership tiers that include tennis access. These venues often provide a more exclusive and private setting for playing and training. For instance, an annual single membership at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi with “All Facilities” access could be approximately AED 8,900. It’s always advisable to contact them directly for the most current membership information and availability.

Northern Emirates: Hidden Gems for Tennis

While Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead, the Northern Emirates also offer excellent options for joining a tennis club, often providing a more community-focused or relaxed environment.

In Sharjah, the Prosportsuae Tennis Academy (prosportsuae.com/tennis) provides both group and private tennis lessons across various locations in Sharjah, Dubai, and Ajman. They cater to individuals of all ages and skill levels, with experienced coaches delivering professional lessons. You can find them at locations like the Hotel Holiday International – Al Majaz and the American University of Sharjah, offering flexible timings from early morning to late evening. Super Sports Tennis Academy (supersportsuae.com/tennis-academy) also operates in Sharjah, offering comprehensive adult tennis programs, including private and semi-private coaching, competitive league playing teams, and social sessions for all levels. Their single sessions generally cost around AED 345 for 60 minutes.

Ajman also has a growing number of tennis facilities. The Ajman Tennis Academy is well-regarded for its professional coaching and facilities. Hotels like the Ramada by Wyndham Beach Hotel Ajman and The Ajman Palace also offer top-notch tennis courts and coaching services as part of their sports facilities, ideal for both tourists and local residents. The Ajman University Sports Complex provides tennis lessons with professional trainers at its state-of-the-art complex. The CF Tennis Academy also has a presence at the Ajman Hotel, providing lessons and court access in a glorious beachfront setting.

In Ras Al Khaimah, RAK Tennis (raktennis.com) operates at various venues, including Mina al Arab, offering tennis courses and private lessons for all ages and abilities. They also provide court booking options. Additionally, resorts like the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa and the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah feature excellent tennis courts that are often accessible to non-guests through day passes or membership packages, providing a luxurious setting for your game.

Fujairah, while more known for diving, also offers tennis facilities, particularly at its resorts. The InterContinental Fujairah Resort (fujairah.intercontinental.com) boasts a tennis court among its recreational amenities, perfect for guests and potentially accessible for locals looking for a scenic place to play.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Tennis Club

When you’re ready to pick a tennis club in the UAE, consider these factors to ensure it’s the right fit for your needs:

• Location and Accessibility: Choose a club that’s conveniently located for you, whether near your home or workplace, to ensure consistency in your practice.
• Court Availability and Type: Inquire about the number of courts, whether they are indoor or outdoor, and how easy it is to book court time, especially during peak hours. Some clubs might have specific booking systems or restrictions.
• Coaching Programs: If you’re looking for lessons, research the academy’s reputation, the qualifications of their coaches, and the variety of programs offered for your skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced).
• Membership Fees vs. Pay-Per-Use: Understand the cost structure. Some clubs offer annual or monthly memberships that include court access and various benefits, while others might operate on a pay-per-use basis for court rentals or individual lessons. Membership fees can range from approximately AED 400 for a monthly gym-inclusive membership with some tennis access, to AED 15,000 or more for an annual family membership at a luxury country club.
• Community and Social Play: If you’re keen on meeting other players, ask about social tennis nights, ladder leagues, or internal tournaments. A vibrant community can significantly enhance your tennis experience.
• Additional Facilities: Consider whether the club offers amenities like a pro shop, changing rooms, showers, or a café, which can add to your overall comfort and convenience.

The www.few.ae team believes that with such a rich selection of tennis clubs and academies across the UAE, you’re sure to find the perfect place to improve your game, meet new people, and enjoy the fantastic sport of tennis.