For years, padel’s growth story was told through Spain and Argentina. In 2026, a different narrative is taking shape — one written in Riyadh and Doha.
Saudi PIF Enters the Game
Late last year, Surj Sports Investment — the sports arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund — became the lead investor in the Hexagon World Series, a team-based professional circuit governed directly by FIP. It sits alongside Premier Padel (individual pairings) and the CUPRA FIP Tour as the third pillar of the professional calendar.
The significance isn’t just the money. It’s that Qatar is no longer the only player. Premier Padel was founded by Qatar Sports Investments and FIP, and for years the sport’s capital and influence were concentrated in Doha. Saudi’s entry creates a two-centre dynamic for the first time.
FIP President Luigi Carraro put it simply: “It’s not about who funds it. It’s about the signal it sends.” Enrique Buenaventura, founder of the Hexagon Cup, was more direct: “Our mission is to help padel grow globally, unlock new commercial opportunities, and contribute decisively to its Olympic path.”
The 2026 Calendar Tells the Story
Premier Padel’s 2026 season features 26 tournaments across 18 countries, with nearly 75% played indoors. London and Pretoria join as new markets — the first time the professional circuit has touched the UK and South Africa.
The Middle East density is striking. Riyadh opens the season in February. Doha, Dubai, and Kuwait City appear in the second half. The FIP World Cup (2–7 November, Doha) is sandwiched between the Kuwait Major and Dubai P1 — the calendar itself is building a continuous professional corridor through the region.
What It Means for Court Builders
Capital migration in professional sport eventually reaches infrastructure. When a region starts hosting P1, Major, and World Cup-level events consistently, demand for tournament-spec courts becomes concrete: structural certification, glass specifications, lighting conditions, spectator flow. All of it lands on the procurement list.
ART Padel — 12mm CE-certified tempered glass. EN1090-1 certified steel structure. Professional LED lighting. Built for tournament-level standards.
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