Introduction
Table tennis — also known as ping-pong — is one of the most inclusive and exciting racket sports in the world. Fast, strategic, and easy to pick up, it attracts players from casual enthusiasts to elite athletes. In the UAE, table tennis is steadily growing thanks to a mix of well-equipped clubs, dedicated coaches, and community tournaments.
In this post, we’ll cover:
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The main rules and regulations of table tennis;
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Different types and formats of the game;
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Leading clubs in the UAE and their level;
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And finally, a look at the Hiba Tour, a unique monthly open table tennis tournament in Dubai with a 1,000 AED prize that welcomes everyone.
Table Tennis Rules & Regulations
Basic Laws of the Game
Table tennis is governed globally by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). Here are the essentials every player should know:
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A game is played to 11 points, and you must win by two.
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Service changes every two points (or every point once the score reaches 10–10).
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Matches are usually best of 5 or best of 7 games.
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The ball must be tossed at least 16 cm upward when serving and struck behind the end line.
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If the serve touches the net and still lands correctly, it is a “let” and re-served.
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In official tournaments, ball size, weight, racket coverings, table and net height must conform to ITTF standards.
Match & Competition Systems
Tournaments can follow different systems:
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Knockout (Single Elimination): Lose once and you’re out.
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Round-Robin Groups + Knockout: Everyone plays a few group matches before the top players move on.
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Team Events: Multiple players per side, often mixing singles and doubles matches.
Types of Table Tennis Play
Table tennis is not just singles versus singles. Common formats include:
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Singles: One player on each side — the classic format.
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Doubles: Two players per side, alternating shots.
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Mixed Doubles: Male and female pairings.
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Team Matches: Clubs or nations compete in a series of singles and doubles.
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Handicap or Rating-Based Events: Local clubs sometimes adjust scores to level the playing field.
Each format brings its own tactics — doubles demands coordination, team matches demand depth, and handicap events challenge strategy.
Table Tennis Clubs in the UAE
The UAE hosts a growing network of table tennis clubs and academies where players of all levels can train and compete:
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Dubai Table Tennis Academy (DTTA): Founded in 2011, one of the UAE’s top academies, training beginners to advanced players.
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Al Wasl Table Tennis Academy: Part of Al Wasl Sports Club; offers coaching and facilities for all ages.
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NASS Table Tennis (Al Mamzar, Dubai): A well-equipped hall with multiple tables and good flooring.
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Deep Sports Dubai: Organizes coaching programs, leagues, and events.
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Abu Dhabi Table Tennis Center: Active on social media, offering community play and tournaments.
While there isn’t a formal world ranking for clubs, several UAE clubs have produced national players who compete internationally under ITTF-sanctioned events.
The Hiba Tour: A Monthly Open Ping-Pong Event
One of the most exciting additions to the UAE’s ping-pong scene is the Hiba Tour.
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Open Entry: No ranking or level required — anyone can join.
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Monthly Schedule: Held once every month.
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International Participation: Even national team players sometimes take part.
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Prize Money: 1,000 AED awarded to the winner.
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Inclusive Spirit: Perfect for newcomers who want to experience competitive play without barriers.
How the Hiba Tour Works
The Hiba Tour typically uses a group-stage plus knockout format. Everyone gets multiple matches, then top finishers advance to elimination rounds. Matches follow ITTF rules (11-point games, best of 5). Referees ensure fair play and a friendly environment.
Why the Hiba Tour is Special
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It builds community among UAE table tennis fans.
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It offers regular competition — players don’t have to wait for annual events.
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It’s a great platform for talent spotting, since international players join in.
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It provides a modest but motivating prize for the champion.
If you’re a club player, a national team athlete looking for more practice, or simply a fan wanting to test your skills, the Hiba Tour is open to you.
Conclusion
Table tennis in the UAE is thriving thanks to a mix of strict adherence to international rules, diverse play formats, dedicated clubs, and inclusive tournaments like the Hiba Tour. Whether you’re a casual player or aiming for competitive glory, you’ll find a welcoming community and plenty of opportunities to improve your game.
The next Hiba Tour event is just around the corner — grab your paddle, practice your serves, and join the excitement. Who knows? You could be the next winner of that 1,000 AED prize.
