See main article: 1981 Donnay Indoor Championships.
This was the first edition of the event.
Sandy Mayer and Frew McMillan won the title, defeating Tracy Delatte and Chris Dunk 4–6, 6–3, 6–3 in the final.
Brian Gottfried / Sherwood Stewart (semifinals) Steve Denton (final) Sandy Mayer / Frew McMillan (champions)
Rod Frawley / 
Andrés Gómez (first round)