The WTA and IMG have announced that Abu Dhabi will host the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, the newest women’s tournament to hit the women’s tour.
Hosted in partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Mubadala, the event will run from 5-12 February at Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre and will be the first sanctioned WTA event in the Emirate.
The tournament will also provide fans with a variety of activities including fan activations and tennis-themed games, as well as player Q&A sessions across the first four days.
Commenting on the event, WTA chairman and CEO, Steve Simon, 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,” he said.
IMG president of global partnerships – IMG Events, IMG Media & On Location, Robbie Henchman, added: “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,” he said.
On bring the WTA to Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Sports Council General Secretary, Aref Hamad Al Awani, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Hologic WTA Tour to Abu Dhabi.”
“The tournament underpins our commitment to bring a variety and equality sporting events to the region and to inspire the young sporting generations.
“The hosting of this tournament is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s abilities as hosts and organisers. We aim to build on that to fulfil even more of our goals for the upcoming event.
“Our commitment encompasses all areas of the tournament, from providing world-class facilities for athletes to play to their best, to creating an exciting atmosphere for spectators to enjoy themselves.
“Hence, you can expect the inaugural edition to be nothing short of amazing,” he said.
The announcement comes after the ATP and WTA launched a unified app.
