Premier Padel and Art Basel Qatar have unveiled a landmark collaboration at the inaugural edition of the fair, reimagining a padel court as a large-scale work of contemporary art.
The bespoke installation was created by French artist Sébastien Boileau, known professionally as Mr. D 1987, and commissioned specifically for Art Basel Qatar. Delivered using a court supplied by Premier Padel’s official partner MejorSet, the project blends sport, art, and urban identity, positioning the padel court as both a cultural canvas and a playable sporting space.
Inspired by Doha’s illuminated skyline, the artwork extends beyond the playing surface to incorporate surrounding glass panels and structures. The design draws on the city’s night-time energy, translating movement, light, and colour into an immersive experience that invites public interaction.
The official inauguration brought together leading figures from sport, culture, and the creative industries. Attendees included H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al-Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of Qatar Sports Investments and Premier Padel, football legend David Beckham, President of the FIP Luigi Carraro, Chairman and Group CEO of MCH Group Andrea Zappia, CEO of Art Basel Noah Horowitz and Chief Artistic Officer of Art Fairs Vincenzo de Bellis, alongside senior representatives from both organisations.
Designed to be experienced as both an artwork and a sporting venue, the installation is open to the public throughout the activation period, with court bookings available via Playtomic. The approach reflects padel’s accessible nature and its strong links to participation, community, and shared experiences.
Commenting on the creative vision, Boileau said:
“The main inspiration was Doha and its beautiful skyline, with its electric energy, impressive lighting and rich colors. I love color, and that became the driving force behind the design. I wanted the experience to be about playing padel on top of an artwork, creating something powerful, energetic and unforgettable.”
Beyond the fair, the project has been designed with a lasting social legacy. Following the activation, the installation will be gifted to The Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, a Qatar-based non-profit organisation operating under Qatar Foundation for Social Work, which provides services for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Al-Khelaïfi said:
“Bringing sport and art together is an amazing way of uniting people and cultures. By transforming a padel court into a work of art, we are inviting people to engage with the sport in a new and inspiring way, reflecting energy and creativity shared by Art Basel, QSI and Premier Padel. We always want to do things differently at QSI; being bold, innovating and attracting new audiences – and this is a great example of that mindset, in partnership with the world-renowned Art Basel.”
The initiative forms part of Premier Padel’s wider commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and social impact, reinforcing the role of sport as a platform for cultural exchange and community engagement within Qatar and beyond.
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