Gwen Tan's Journey from Retail to Tennis Community Leader in UAE

Apr 29, 2026

89 min

Apr 29, 2026 05:32

How Gwen Tan built Tennis 360 into a UAE community hub: 'I started playing at 41'

## From Retail to Tennis

Gwen Tan, originally from Singapore, moved to the UAE in 2005 with a background in luxury retail. Tennis was not part of her life until she picked up a racquet at the age of 41. What began as a personal challenge evolved into a passion that led her to establish Tennis 360, a prominent tennis community in Dubai.

## Building Tennis 360

Tan's entry into the tennis world was unplanned. Initially, she assisted a group of coaches with logistics, but soon realized the potential to create a structured tennis environment. Her vision was to provide a space where players of all levels could connect, learn, and grow together. This approach has resulted in a thriving community with regular leagues and social events.

## Empowering Women in Tennis

One of Tan's significant achievements is the UAETF Inter-Club Ladies Doubles League. Starting with just 24 women, it has expanded to over 150 participants and is now officially recognized by the UAE Tennis Federation. The league not only focuses on competition but also fosters camaraderie among players.

## Overcoming Challenges

Tan's journey was not without obstacles. She emphasizes resilience and the importance of staying focused on immediate challenges. Her philosophy is that discipline and consistency are crucial for success, especially in entrepreneurship.

## A Community Beyond Tennis

Tennis 360 is not just about improving tennis skills; it aims to develop better athletes and individuals. Tan believes in teaching fundamental movement skills to children, ensuring they gain life skills beyond the sport.

## The Power of Consistency

Reflecting on her journey, Tan credits her success to consistency and perseverance. Despite starting later in life and without a sports background, her dedication has built a community that thrives on mutual support and shared passion for tennis.

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