When it comes to sports Dubai is a city that has its fair share of options. From football to golf, residents and tourists alike have a myriad of choices when it comes to staying active. However, one sport that has been growing steadily and gaining popularity in the city is badminton.
In Dubai, a city with a diverse sports scene, badminton is emerging as a popular choice. The city’s world-class facilities, where players can indulge in badminton, reflect this growing trend. These venues offer an ideal environment for both casual and serious players to engage and improve in this fast-paced sport.
Once considered a niche sport, badminton has now found a place among the favorite sports of Dubai’s sports enthusiasts. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the growth and popularity of badminton on the courts of Dubai.
Badminton has a long history in Dubai dating back to the 1970s when Southeast Asian expats introduced sports to the city. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s, when the Dubai Badminton Association was formed that badminton gained a more organized and formal presence in the city.
Since then, the sport has grown in popularity, with the formation of numerous amateurs and professional badminton clubs. The DBA’s hosting of the BWF World SuperSeries for six consecutive years was one of the most notable achievements with the best players from around the world competing.
The sport’s growth in Dubai, evidenced by numerous clubs and the hosting of prestigious tournaments, also brings attention to playing conditions unique to the region. Players learn to adapt to extreme heat and humidity, a crucial skill for performing well in local environments, enhancing their resilience and adaptability in challenging climates.
In recent years, we’ve also seen an increasing emphasis on youth development in badminton. Budhan Raja, a former national champion and one of Dubai’s leading badminton coaches, founded Dubai’s first dedicated badminton academy. He notes that “badminton has seen a surge in interest because it’s a sport that’s easy to pick up and play”.
His academy now has a roster of over 200 students ranging from age four to 65! Another popular academy is Shuttle Time Dubai, which provides coaching to young children, helping to develop their skills and love for the game from the very beginning.
Of course, we can’t talk about the popularity of badminton in Dubai without mentioning the numerous high-profile tournaments held in the city. One such event is the Dubai World Superseries Finals, which attracts the world’s top badminton players, as well as thousands of local and international spectators.
And it’s not just the professionals who get to experience the thrill of competition; there are also numerous amateur tournaments held throughout the city, providing the chance for aspiring badminton enthusiasts to showcase their skills.
Another aspect that makes badminton so attractive is its accessibility. Unlike other high-end sports badminton is a sport that can be played almost anywhere. Many of the city’s hotels have badminton facilities, making it easy for visitors to get their daily exercise fix.
Additionally, there are numerous outdoor badminton courts in Dubai’s public parks, making it easy for residents to enjoy a game with friends and family on a warm evening.
Dubai’s badminton scene is thriving, with more and more people picking up the racket and hitting the courts. With institutions like the Dubai Badminton Association and leading coaches like Budhan Raja helping to nurture the sport’s growth, we can look forward to a future where badminton is not only one of the most popular sports in the city but also a thriving industry.
It’s easy to see why badminton has such broad appeal. Whether you are a seasoned professional, an aspiring athlete, or just enjoy playing the game socially, Dubai’s badminton scene is for you. So, why not pick up a racket and experience the thrill of the game for yourself?
