Ons Jabeur 'really excited' to be back in capital for inaugural Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

Trailblazing Tunisian Ons Jabeur said she is “really excited” to be back in the UAE for the inaugural Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open that takes place next month.

The Women’s Tennis Association and IMG announced on Monday that Abu Dhabi will be the newest destination for the tour, with Jabeur among those confirmed for the tournament being held at Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre from February 5-12.

Jabeur, 28, enjoyed a historic year in 2022 when she became the first African and Arab woman to win a WTA 1000 title after lifting the Madrid Open, climbed to a career-high of No 2 in the world rankings, as well as reaching her first Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the US Open.

“I’m really excited to once again be playing in Abu Dhabi in February,” said Jabuer, who takes on Tamara Zidansek in the first round of the Australian Open on Tuesday. “The atmosphere and support from the fans is always incredible and I hope to continue my winning run in an amazing venue.”

Hosted in partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Mubadala, the WTA 500 event will bring together the world’s top female players, including Jabeur, who made her second Mubadala World Tennis Championship appearance last month in Abu Dhabi.

Title partner Mubadala has been a committed supporter of tennis for over 14 years, sponsoring many professional tennis events globally as well as supporting local initiatives such as the Mubadala Community Cup and Mubadala Tennis in Schools Programs.

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will expand their involvement in women’s tennis, adding a second WTA 500 event to their WTA partnership portfolio.

“We are thrilled to be part of bringing this inaugural WTA 500 tour event to Abu Dhabi, continuing our global support of tennis and attracting world-class events to the Emirate,” Homaid Al Shimmari, deputy group chief executive and chief corporate and human capital officer for Mubadala Investment Company, said during the launch ceremony.

“This partnership complements our efforts to promote an active and healthy lifestyle in the community, and builds on the legacy of Mubadala supporting professional women’s tennis in the region.”

Left to right: Abu Dhabi Sports Council general secretary Aref Al Awani, Vickie Gunnarsson, director, IMG Tennis Events, and deputy group chief executive and chief corporate and human capital officer for Mubadala Investment Company, Homaid Al Shimmari, at the International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi Sports Council general secretary Aref Al Awani said they were delighted to welcome the Hologic WTA Tour to Abu Dhabi.

“The tournament underpins our commitment to bring a variety of quality 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.”

Abu Dhabi’s position in the calendar will create a unique three-week Hologic WTA Tour swing in the region, with Doha and Dubai joining, 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,” said Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and chief executive.

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 over the first four days.

“We are proud to bring the first-ever permanent official Women’s Tour event to Abu Dhabi,” said Robbie Henchman, president of Global Partnerships – IMG Events, IMG Media and On Location.

“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.”

If you go

The flights
Etihad (etihad.com) flies from Abu Dhabi to Luang Prabang via Bangkok, with a return flight from Chiang Rai via Bangkok for about Dh3,000, including taxes. Emirates and Thai Airways cover the same route, also via Bangkok in both directions, from about Dh2,700.
The cruise
The Gypsy by Mekong Kingdoms has two cruising options: a three-night, four-day trip upstream cruise or a two-night, three-day downstream journey, from US$5,940 (Dh21,814), including meals, selected drinks, excursions and transfers.
The hotels
Accommodation is available in Luang Prabang at the Avani, from $290 (Dh1,065) per night, and at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort from $1,080 (Dh3,967) per night, including meals, an activity and transfers.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?

George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.

Hunting park to luxury living

Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

SCORES IN BRIEF

Lahore Qalandars 186 for 4 in 19.4 overs
(Sohail 100,Phil Salt 37 not out, Bilal Irshad 30, Josh Poysden 2-26)
bt Yorkshire Vikings 184 for 5 in 20 overs
(Jonathan Tattersall 36, Harry Brook 37, Gary Ballance 33, Adam Lyth 32, Shaheen Afridi 2-36).

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Moral education needed in a 'rapidly changing world'

Moral education lessons for young people is needed in a rapidly changing world, the head of the programme said.

Alanood Al Kaabi, head of programmes at the Education Affairs Office of the Crown Price Court - Abu Dhabi, said: "The Crown Price Court is fully behind this initiative and have already seen the curriculum succeed in empowering young people and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed in building the future of the nation at all levels.

"Moral education touches on every aspect and subject that children engage in.

"It is not just limited to science or maths but it is involved in all subjects and it is helping children to adapt to integral moral practises.

"The moral education programme has been designed to develop children holistically in a world being rapidly transformed by technology and globalisation."