Across the globe, spies love to gather in inconspicuous dens to meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online visits PDL for Padel, tucked away beside a ministry complex on Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Park, a perfect venue for government officials to try out the UAE's newest national sport, and to chew the ear of the higher-ups.
Where do Abu Dhabi's government functionaries go to ingratiate themselves with their superiors? How do its ambitious expats win appointments to new state-run investment units? For those with sufficient hand-eye coordination, the answer is PDL for Padel, a low-key padel tennis club close to the government buildings in the city's Al Muntazah area.
Open until 10pm, this floodlit complex is where the frazzled investment executives of the nearby International Holding Co (IHC) traipse after a day's work,
