Tell us about your background.
In 2009 I graduated from high school and headed to the US to continue my undergraduate studies at Rochester institute of technology. 2 years later the university opened a branch in Dubai (DSOA) and I moved back to Dubai and graduated from RIT Dubai in 2015. After graduating from RIT I joined the Emirates group as a client relationship manager looking after global enterprises. In 2020 I was headhunted by EITC (du) to become the new ICT manager of the business development department.
Why did you found GoPadel?
Padel Tennis was a new game that was introduced in the UAE after the lockdown. The first time I played the game I found it very interesting –it is a social game played among 4 players and thus a community of padel players was formed. In January 2020, the number of padel venues were limited and it was very hard to find available courts in the UAE. My partner (Saeed Ahli – right in above photo) and I thought of creating a marketplace to ease the booking process. From January 2020 to the end of March we started our market research looking at the strongest application + sports management systems available in the market. We then thought of creating a padel application which is supported by a management system that suits the Middle East requirement. As mentioned, our app supports the middle east requirements by showing available courts dedicated for ladies at a certain venue and at a certain time. We also help in creating tournaments.
We are aiming to create more awareness and grow the game more in this region and form a strong foundation of players that will represent the UAE in the world padel tour and the world cup.
As a young, emerging successful entrepreneur, what is you number ONE piece of advice for entrepreneurs just starting out?
If you have an idea and you believe in that idea, take the step and start implementing. Take the risk. In every opportunity, others are thinking the same so try to be the first and do it with passion. You will face obstacles, stoppers and difficulties, have faith in yourself and keep going. Eventually, you will understand what you’re doing, you will understand where you are heading and then you will succeed.
What is your main goal for the next 3 years?
Our goal is to create a system with a strong foundation in the UAE and then expand globally, one step at a time. With the technologies that are available you are able to find an opportunity anywhere in the world. Our slogan at GoPadel is “from the UAE to the world”.
How can our readers find out more about you?
Find us on instagram: @gopadel.ae
