The Economic Reality
From $80 rubbers to street tables in Egypt, exploring how economics shapes who gets to play table tennis across the Middle East and beyond.
80 U.S. dollars for a Tenergy 05 rubber. 250 riyals. 60 euros. Double that for two sides of the racket. This is not your average sport. Many sports require only a ball—no rubbers, no rackets, no expensive shoes. Even as a hobby, it's much easier to buy a football (soccer ball) than a racket to play with.
The Financial Barrier
This pushes many parents to have their kids do swimming, football, or basketball rather than table tennis. While 80 dollars might not sound like a huge number, it equals around 3,585 Egyptian pounds.
The average monthly wage in Egypt as of early 2025 is 9,200 pounds, with almost half of the labor force earning less than that. To put it in context, Egypt's population is almost 116.5 million. Spending nearly 80% of your monthly salary on your kid's rubbers doesn't seem like a smart choice, even if it's only once per year.
Regional Playing Patterns
Cultural and Climate Differences
In Egypt, the sport is mostly played by youth, and some of them continue on to compete. The presence of seniors is very limited, a situation quite similar to Saudi Arabia.
However, in Egypt, more people also play casually in their free time with friends, just for fun. In the suburbs, you'll even find tables in the street that can be rented for 15-minute intervals. In the U.S. and China, you'll find tables in malls. But in the Gulf countries, this isn't possible because of the weather.
Who Gets to Compete Professionally?
Demographics
In these countries, professional players are usually locals, with very few expats—either because regulations allow only citizens to play or, in countries like Egypt, because of overpopulation.
Evolving Policies
Saudi Arabia only allowed citizens to play table tennis in youth categories until a few years ago, when Saudi-born expats were included as well.
In the men's category, professional players from other countries, like Aruna and Assar, do compete, but the majority are still Saudi. I expect a similar case in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
Usually, people who play the sport as adults are those who played it in their youth. I find this to be the case all over the world.
The Economics of Access
Regional Wage Comparison
Wealthy Gulf States
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE - Much higher average wages in USD
Economically Challenged Countries
Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq - Greater financial barriers
Depending on the country's economic conditions, there will always be barriers for lower-income families when it comes to table tennis. The average wage in USD is much higher in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE than in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, or Iraq. This shows how economics intersects with table tennis. Through inflation, we can also analyze some of the socioeconomic barriers to the sport.
When Clubs Step In
Personal Story: Varied Support
Some clubs are taking action, though. My first club, Al-Nahda in Saudi Arabia, provided me with shoes and several rubbers during the year, since I always cut mine by mistake. However, Al-Ettifaq did not do this for me.
Both, of course, provided me with their attire free of charge, as all clubs do for players that compete for them. This shows that clubs are taking initiative. This is NOT the case, however, in countries with very high inflation, like Egypt, Lebanon, or Turkey. Clubs there do not provide shoes or rubbers for the players—maybe attire, yes—but they are suffering from inflation just like the players and their families.
Gender and Participation
Regional Differences in Women's Participation
In Egypt, women were always trained and have been competing at the highest levels for years. However, in countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Oman, their international women's presence is almost non-existent. Saudi Arabia is trying to train a new generation now, but most of the focus still remains on men and boys.
This is not the case in Egypt. Still, not all clubs offer opportunities for both boys and girls. Some only focus on one, with the majority focusing only on boys and men because it is more profitable.
The Path Forward
Sport for the Few or Sport for All?
Through socioeconomic factors, we can better understand the conditions of table tennis in any country.
In some countries, the sport is fun and exciting, while in others it is mostly for the middle and upper class. My own experience shows that the sport can be both expensive and restrictive, but also rewarding when clubs and communities step in.
The Central Question
The future of table tennis depends on whether it stays a sport for the few—or grows into a sport for all.