Many of the world's best tennis players will be in the UAE for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open this week as part of the WTA Tour's Middle East swing. Here is everything you need to know about the tournament.
What is it?
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a professional tennis tournament on the WTA Tour. It is a WTA 500 event, meaning the winner will earn 500 ranking points. This year's event is the third after it became a permanent fixture on the WTA Tour calendar in 2023.
When is it?
The 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will begin on Saturday, February 1, with the qualifiers and runs until the final on Saturday, February 8.
Where is it?
The tournament will take place at the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City.
Who is playing?
The 2025 line-up is stacked with top players and household names. The tournament is headlined by Tunisian superstar Ons Jabeur, who will be joined in Abu Dhabi by world No 5 and defending champion Elena Rybakina, 10th-ranked Paula Badosa and British star Emma Raducanu, who has accepted a wildcard.
Confirmed for the tournament are: Ekaterina Alexandrova (Russia), Amanda Anisimova (US), Paula Badosa (Spain), Belinda Bencic (Switzerland), Leylah Fernandez (Canada), Magdalena Frech (Poland), Caroline Garcia (France), Ons Jabeur (Tunisia), Daria Kasatkina (Russia), Ashlyn Krueger (US), Magda Linette (Poland), Linda Noskova (Czechia), Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia), Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Russia), Yulia Putintseva (Kazakhstan), Emma Raducanu (GB), Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan), Liudmila Samsonova (Russia), Wakana Sonobe (Japan), Marketa Vondrousova (Czechia), Dayana Yastremska (Ukraine).
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Elena Rybakina holds the trophy after winning the final of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open tournament at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, February 11, 2024. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National -
Elena Rybakina with her trophy. -
Daria Kasatkina and Elena Rybakina after the final of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open. -
Elena Rybakina, right, hugs Daria Kasatkina after her victory. -
Elena Rybakina in action against Daria Kasatkina. -
Daria Kasatkina hits a forehand. -
Elena Rybakina returns against Daria Kasatkina. -
Elena Rybakina after winning a point. -
Daria Kasatkina plays a backhand return in the final. -
Daria Kasatkina after clinching a point. -
Daria Kasatkina in action against Elena Rybakina.
What is the schedule?
Saturday, February 1: Qualifiers
Sunday, February 2: Qualifiers
Monday, February 3: Round of 32
Tuesday, February 4: Round of 16
Wednesday, February 5: Round of 16
Thursday, February 6: Quarter-finals
Friday, February 7: Semi-finals
Saturday, February 8: Final
Bigger and better fan village
At 15,000 square metres, the Mubadala Tennis Village is double the size of previous years, with a whole host of activities available.
Made up of five separate districts, spectators can take part in a number of tennis-themed games. In fact, the more activities completed the better as the Tennis Village Passport gives attendees a chance to be rewarded for their efforts. Passports will be given to guests on arrival, and stamped on completion of each stall, with prizes including tickets and branded merchandise awarded to those with 13 stamps.
Sport and music
The Mubadala Tennis Village will play host to musical acts throughout the tournament, starting on Saturday, February 1, when Carl Lafrenais and the FTM Band take to the stage, followed by Gemma & JK on Sunday, February 2. With entry to the event free on opening weekend, fans can head down to enjoy both brilliant tennis and fantastic live music.
Other musical acts to keep an eye out for over the course of the event include Irish singer/songwriter Joe Girvin, Darren Lynch, who will be performing classic hits, and Kerrie Duo, while Dan Moores and Chelsey will be providing the soundtrack to the final day’s play.
Are tickets available?
Tickets for the tournament are available in three categories: Regular (Category 2), Premium (Category 1), and Courtside. Ticket prices based on each round and tier:
Saturday and Sunday, qualifying: Regular (free), Premium (free), Courtside (free)
Monday-Wednesday, first & second round: Regular (Dh25 for adults, free for children), Premium (Dh50 for adults, free for children), Courtside (Dh95 for adults and children)
Thursday, quarter-finals: Regular (Dh50 for adults, Dh35 for children), Premium (Dh175 for adults, Dh75 for children), Courtside (Dh795 for adults and children)
Friday, semi-finals: Regular (Dh65 for adults, Dh35 for children), Premium (Dh185 for adults, Dh85 for children), Courtside (Dh895 for adults and children)
Saturday, final: Regular (Dh75 for adults, Dh35 for children), Premium: Sold out, Courtside: Sold Out
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: https://www.mubadalaabudhabiopen.com/tickets.
Is the tournament on TV?
For those unable to attend the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, the tournament will be broadcast live on Abu Dhabi TV.
