ABU DHABI: The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and IMG Monday announced Abu Dhabi will be the newest destination for the world’s professional women’s tennis tour.
The ‘Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open’ will be held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, from 5–12 February. It is the first ongoing WTA sanctioned tour event to locate in the Emirate.
Hosted in partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Mubadala, the WTA 500 event will bring together the world’s top female players at Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre, including World No. 2, Ons Jabeur.
Steve Simon, WTA chairman and CEO, said: “Abu Dhabi’s position in the calendar will create a unique three-week Hologic WTA Tour swing in the region, promising best-in-class player fields competing for valuable WTA points. This tournament will build on the commitment Mubadala has made in introducing professional women’s tennis to Abu Dhabi in recent years.”
Aside from more than 60 singles and doubles matches across eight days, the tournament will feature a variety of entertaining activities for families and sports enthusiasts alike, including fan activations and tennis-themed games, as well as player Q&A sessions across the first four days.
Robbie Henchman, president of Global Partnerships – IMG Events, IMG Media & On Location, commented: “We are proud to bring the first-ever permanent official Women’s Tour event to Abu Dhabi. Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Sports Council are the perfect partners to help us deliver a world-class, action-packed event, with thrilling action on and off the court for fans, families, and friends to enjoy.”
Title partner Mubadala has been a committed supporter of tennis for over 14 years, sponsoring numerous professional tennis events globally as well as supporting local initiatives such as the Mubadala Community Cup and Mubadala Tennis in Schools Programs. This event will expand their involvement in women’s tennis, adding a second WTA 500 event to their WTA partnership portfolio.
The event will continue the WTA’s 50-year anniversary celebrations, with tickets starting at AED 50 for adults (including premium tickets on Monday and Tuesday), whilst full tournament packages are available at a 15% saving, including hospitality tickets that promise an unparalleled event experience. Additionally, tickets for children under 12 accompanied by premium and regular ticketholders will be free during the first four days.
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is being produced by IMG, the company behind the Miami Open and Madrid Open.
