Rafael Nadal plays at Mubadala World Tennis Championship. MWTC
Rafael Nadal plays at Mubadala World Tennis Championship. MWTC
Rafael Nadal plays at Mubadala World Tennis Championship. MWTC
Rafael Nadal plays at Mubadala World Tennis Championship. MWTC

Eight reasons not to miss the Mubadala World Tennis Championship



The Mubadala World Tennis Championship (MWTC) makes a welcome return this December with eight of the world’s best tennis players taking to the court at the International Tennis, Zayed Sports City, in Abu Dhabi.

The 13th edition of the Arabian Gulf’s leading professional tennis experience promises to be another memorable high-energy weekend with top-class action and entertainment on and off the court from 16 – 18 December.

The Championship features eight of the best players in world tennis, six male and two female players, taking part in a series of elimination matches over the three-day festival.

So, with tickets selling fast for the three-day tennis extravaganza, and in celebration of our eight stars taking part, here’s eight reasons not to miss Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2021.

1. MAKE WAY FOR THE BEST OF MALE TENNIS

The Mubadala World Tennis Championship is back with a star-studded eight-player line-up, living up to its promise to bring the sport’s best players.

Since its inception, the Championship has delivered a world-class field with each edition.

This year’s line-up includes three of the world’s top 10 male players and two of champions of the women’s game. Reigning champion Rafael Nadal will be making his competitive return to tennis in Abu Dhabi, looking to win his sixth MWTC title. The current World No.6 is joined by World No.15 Dominic Thiem looking to impress on his return to the sport when he takes on three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray. World No.8 Casper Ruud, winner of the most titles on the ATP Tour this season is making his Championship debut, along with 2021 Wimbledon semi-finalist Denis Shapovalov. Meanwhile, World No.5 Andrey Rublev joins Nadal in entering the Championship on Day 2 when they face the winners of the Day 1 men’s matches.

The line-up at Mubadala World Tennis Championship. MWTC
The line-up at Mubadala World Tennis Championship. MWTC

2. SEE THE STAR FROM A REAL-LIFE FAIRYTALE AND AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION

The much-anticipated women’s match promises to be a huge highlight. US Open champion Emma Raducanu, who enjoyed a fairytale rise to Grand Slam glory this year, will be making her MWTC debut, where she will take on another debutant, Belinda Bencic, who won the women’s singles gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in the summer. The match, which will close out Day 1 is a repeat of their US Open quarter-final.

3. TENNIS VILLAGE MAKES WINNING RETURN

The energy of the on-court action is always matched off court in the MWTC Tennis Village and this year, the much-loved feature is serving up a range of fan favourite activations and some exciting, new interactions. There will be something for everyone with activities tailored for kids, a winning array of F&B options, tennis clinics, live cooking with chefs from the Rixos, and much more. Stay tuned for further reveals.

A woman in a tennis ball costume at Mubadala World Tennis Championship. MWTC
A woman in a tennis ball costume at Mubadala World Tennis Championship. MWTC

4. QUIZ THE WORLD’S BEST PLAYERS

The return of the popular Tennis Village brings an enhanced fan experience. While the Village will have some of the tried and trusted activities, new for this year is Q&A sessions with the MWTC’s star player line-up. Throughout the three-day festival the players will take to the stage in the Village giving fans the opportunity to get in their questions and deep dive into the minds of elite sports stars.

5. FEEL THE THRILL OF FULL LIVE EVENTS

After navigating the challenges of the past 18 months, and relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions in Abu Dhabi, the 13th Mubadala World Tennis Championship will be held with full capacity. In line with current protocols, measures will be in place within the stadium to ensure the health and safety of fans, players and officials including mandatory wearing of face masks and sanitisation stations around the venue - meaning more fans can experience the thrill of live events in a safe environment.

6. FREESTYLE FUN

One man, one racket, one tennis ball. Get ready for a show. Renowned tennis freestyler Stefan Bojic, who has a huge online following (@stef_bojic) will be showcasing his unique skills around the Tennis Village and on the centre court throughout the three days. His high-energy, engaging, and interactive routine is worth the entry fee alone!

7. MAKE WAY FOR THE REGION’S BEST AMATEUR PLAYERS

The famed Mubadala Community Cup presented by Healthpoint provides a platform for the region’s best amateur players to enjoy some top-level competition and demonstrate their talents. MWTC hosts the MCC Playoff Matches on the outer courts at the International Tennis Centre during the three days. Created to foster and promote healthy lifestyles and help develop the sport, the MCC Playoffs enable amateur players to experience a professional championship environment and give spectators the chance to see the strength of the regional tennis circuit. A lucky few will even get to play with their heroes in the star player clinics!

8. CATCH THE ACTION IN AN UNRIVALLED SETTING

Making way for the best hospitality, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship offers the chance to catch the action in style with premium hospitality packages elevating an already unforgettable experience. The packages include premium court seating, exclusive access to more star player Q&As every day, the best of F&B, a premier parking permit, and an official event programme. A great way to watch live sports or the perfect festive gift for that someone special.

Lastly, what better reason to attend a major live sporting event with global superstars than affordable ticket prices. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.ae and Virgin Megastores across the UAE.

International Tennis, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi. Mubadala World Tennis Championship
International Tennis, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi. Mubadala World Tennis Championship
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?

Some facts about bees:

The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer

The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days

A queen bee lives for 3-5 years

This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony

About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive

Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.

Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen 

Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids

Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments

Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive,  protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts

Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain

Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities

The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes

Is beekeeping dangerous?

As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.

“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”

 

 

Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Director: Venkat Prabhu
Rating: 2/5
The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8

Transmission: nine-speed automatic

Power: 630bhp

Torque: 900Nm

Price: Dh810,000

Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

Padmaavat

Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali

Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh

3.5/5

Who is Tim-Berners Lee?

Sir Tim Berners-Lee was born in London in a household of mathematicians and computer scientists. Both his mother, Mary Lee, and father, Conway, were early computer scientists who worked on the Ferranti 1 - the world's first commercially-available, general purpose digital computer. Sir Tim studied Physics at the University of Oxford and held a series of roles developing code and building software before moving to Switzerland to work for Cern, the European Particle Physics laboratory. He developed the worldwide web code as a side project in 1989 as a global information-sharing system. After releasing the first web code in 1991, Cern made it open and free for all to use. Sir Tim now campaigns for initiatives to make sure the web remains open and accessible to all.

David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

PROVISIONAL FIXTURE LIST

Premier League

Wednesday, June 17 (Kick-offs uae times) Aston Villa v Sheffield United 9pm; Manchester City v Arsenal 11pm 

Friday, June 19 Norwich v Southampton 9pm; Tottenham v Manchester United 11pm  

Saturday, June 20 Watford v Leicester 3.30pm; Brighton v Arsenal 6pm; West Ham v Wolves 8.30pm; Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 10.45pm 

Sunday, June 21 Newcastle v Sheffield United 2pm; Aston Villa v Chelsea 7.30pm; Everton v Liverpool 10pm 

Monday, June 22 Manchester City v Burnley 11pm (Sky)

Tuesday, June 23 Southampton v Arsenal 9pm; Tottenham v West Ham 11.15pm 

Wednesday, June 24 Manchester United v Sheffield United 9pm; Newcastle v Aston Villa 9pm; Norwich v Everton 9pm; Liverpool v Crystal Palace 11.15pm

Thursday, June 25 Burnley v Watford 9pm; Leicester v Brighton 9pm; Chelsea v Manchester City 11.15pm; Wolves v Bournemouth 11.15pm

Sunday June 28 Aston Villa vs Wolves 3pm; Watford vs Southampton 7.30pm 

Monday June 29 Crystal Palace vs Burnley 11pm

Tuesday June 30 Brighton vs Manchester United 9pm; Sheffield United vs Tottenham 11.15pm 

Wednesday July 1 Bournemouth vs Newcastle 9pm; Everton vs Leicester 9pm; West Ham vs Chelsea 11.15pm

Thursday July 2 Arsenal vs Norwich 9pm; Manchester City vs Liverpool 11.15pm

 

About RuPay

A homegrown card payment scheme launched by the National Payments Corporation of India and backed by the Reserve Bank of India, the country’s central bank

RuPay process payments between banks and merchants for purchases made with credit or debit cards

It has grown rapidly in India and competes with global payment network firms like MasterCard and Visa.

In India, it can be used at ATMs, for online payments and variations of the card can be used to pay for bus, metro charges, road toll payments

The name blends two words rupee and payment

Some advantages of the network include lower processing fees and transaction costs

Updated: December 09, 2021, 8:38 AM