The “UAE Wild Card Championship" sponsored by Emirates Post Group will be organised for the first time in the UAE across three weekends from 27 January to 12 February 2023 in partnership with UAE Padel Association and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

The championship, for which Emirates Post Group (EPG) is the official sponsor, is expected to feature over 200 advanced padel teams from the UAE and the GCC. Six finalists, one from each tournament of the championship, will earn wild card entries to compete in the Pre-Qualification round of the World Padel Tour’s “Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master” taking place from 18 – 20 February 2023. The six finalists will each be awarded with an additional AED 10,000 in prize money.

Organised by Global MICE Organisation Limited (GMOL Events) in collaboration with Match Spot, the championship will have three category tournaments: UAE Nationals, UAE Residents Open, and GCC Residents Open, with each category hosting a male and female tournament. The tournaments will be held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, with the finals of each to be held in Abu Dhabi. The winning men’s team and women’s team from each tournament category of the "UAE Wild Card Championship" will receive a wild card and an opportunity to compete with some of the world’s top-ranked padel players.

Saeed M. Al Marri, Secretary General of UAE Padel Association, said: “We welcome Emirates Post Group joining national efforts aimed at encouraging UAE nationals and residents, as well as GCC nationals and residents, to take up padel, a sport that is witnessing unparalleled growth on a local, regional, and global level. There is no doubt that this sport will contribute to the adoption of a more active lifestyle amongst citizens and increase the bonds of communication and cooperation within communities. Giving the winners of the "UAE Wild Card Championship" the opportunity to participate in the World Padel Tour - Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master 2023 hosted by Abu Dhabi will provide them with a unique gateway to reach the world and solidifying the UAE’s position as an active contributor to the global sports community.”

Abdulla Mohammed Alashram, Group CEO of Emirates Post Group, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with the UAE Padel Association as a strategic partner and official sponsor of the upcoming "UAE Wild Card Championship" and to be working closely with sports councils of various emirates to present a successful and world-class tournament. Through strategic alliances Emirates Post Group aims to support the growth of the sport in the UAE, empower the country’s new generation of athletes and facilitate their participation in global events, as well as support the country's efforts in expanding the sports tourism sector.”

“Padel has developed into one of the most well-liked sports in the world, and we are pleased to support this community championship, and give UAE and GCC padel players the chance to participate in the World Padel Tour. This event as well as future events will enable us to connect with youth and with the community and promote the UAE’s drive for a healthy and active way of life,” Alashram added.

Participation in the "UAE Wild Card Championship" is open to UAE and GCC nationals and residents, and players will need to hold an official ranking with their respective local padel associations. To participate, players will need to register on the official tournament website https://uaewildcard.com . The Pre-Qualification and Qualification rounds will take place from 18 – 20 February with the Main Draw of the World Padel Tour’s “Modon Abu Dhabi Padel Master” to take place from 21 – 26 February 2023.