ESS Padel Corniche

ESS Padel Corniche sits within the grounds of the Radisson Blu Hotel on West Corniche Road, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi. Founded in 2020 by professional padel player Marta Apraiz and businesswoman Safaa Bahman, the club was one of the first dedicated padel venues to open in the capital during the pandemic era.

Empower Sport Services runs three locations across Abu Dhabi, and the Corniche flagship remains the largest. The venue is part of the ESS Padel brand alongside sister clubs ESS Padel Indoor at Le Meridien Al Zahiyah and ESS Padel Saadiyat at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi.

Players arriving by car reach the club easily from the Corniche Road, with the Radisson Blu entrance clearly signposted off W Corniche Road in the W43 district. The club has built a strong reputation for welcoming players of every standard since opening.

ESS Padel Corniche served as an official training ground for professionals competing at the Abu Dhabi Padel Master in February 2023, confirming the facility meets tour-level specifications. The company also donates ten per cent of its profits to programmes supporting women and children through education and sport.

The padel courts

ESS Padel Corniche has six outdoor doubles padel courts, labelled RB 1 through RB 6. All six are built to World Padel Tour specifications and fitted with MONDO Supercourt XN synthetic turf, the same surface used at several WPT events.

The panoramic glass walls frame views of the Etihad Towers skyline across the water. Courts are floodlit for evening play and open from early morning through to midnight on most days.

The outdoor setting means players benefit from natural airflow, though the Abu Dhabi climate makes early morning and late evening sessions the most comfortable during summer months. Six courts allow the club to host multi-court tournaments without disrupting casual bookings.

Booking padel and access

All court bookings are handled through the Playtomic app. Live rates and available time slots appear at the booking step on Playtomic. The club operates a 24-hour cancellation policy, and any cancellation inside that window is charged at the full court rate.

Opening hours run Monday to Thursday from 06:00 to midnight, Friday from 16:00 to midnight, and Saturday to Sunday from 06:00 to 23:00. The Friday late start reflects the UAE weekend prayer schedule. Racket hire is available on site for players who do not bring their own equipment.

The venue provides free parking within the Radisson Blu hotel grounds. Changing rooms with showers are on site, and players can connect to the venue WiFi. A cafeteria and snack bar serve drinks and light meals between sessions.

The on-site store stocks padel rackets, balls, and accessories. For enquiries, the club can be reached by phone at +971 55 893 4609 or by email at hello@empowersportservices.com.

Padel programme and social

The ESS Padel Academy runs a structured four-level coaching programme. Level 1 introduces beginners to grip, court positioning, and basic stroke types. Level 2 focuses on intermediate back-of-court play including glass techniques.

Level 3 covers advanced shots from volleys and drop shots through to smashes and bandejas. Level 4 concentrates on tactical play and match strategy for competitive players. Head coach Marta Apraiz, a professional padel player with over fifteen years of experience, leads the coaching team.

A dedicated junior academy develops coordination and psychomotor skills in younger players alongside values of teamwork, responsibility, and discipline. See the coaching tab for full tier details and pricing.

The club runs regular padel leagues, social evenings, and tournaments throughout the year. Corporate events and private group bookings are available for businesses looking to use padel as a team-building activity. Social match play sessions bring together players from different ability levels.

Best for

ESS Padel Corniche suits players who want a premium outdoor padel experience in central Abu Dhabi. The WPT-spec courts and MONDO surface appeal to competitive players and those training seriously.

The structured academy pathway from beginner through to tactical play makes it a strong choice for newcomers and improvers alike. Families and social groups benefit from the cafeteria, hotel-grade surroundings, and relaxed atmosphere at the Radisson Blu.

Players who prefer indoor or air-conditioned courts should consider the sister venue ESS Padel Indoor at Le Meridien instead. Peak summer sessions outdoors in Abu Dhabi can be intense, so early risers and evening players get the best conditions here.

The ESS Padel Academy offers a structured four-level coaching programme led by head coach Marta Apraiz, a professional padel player with over 15 years of experience. A dedicated junior academy is also available.