• The second edition of the all-female competition features 10 of the world’s top 20 players
  • Emma Raducanu, the British Grand Slam-winner, is also competing
  • Tickets for the event are on sale now

Abu Dhabi, UAE: This year’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open features a strong female Emirati influence with four hugely talented individuals selected to play a pivotal role across various elements of the competition, which takes place at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City on February 3-11.

The all-female tennis tournament returns to the UAE for its second edition following a thrilling and successful maiden event, both on and off-court, in 2023.

The player field includes Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, Greece’s Maria Sakkari and Czech Republic’s Barbora Krejčíková, all ranked in the WTA top 10, while British star Emma Raducanu, who won the US Open in 2021, has been awarded a wildcard and will also be participating.

An impressive on-court line-up is reflected off-court with the tournament, in collaboration with Mubadala, shining a spotlight on local female talent such as Azza Al Qubaisi, who has been tasked with designing the trophy which will be lifted by the champion at the culmination of the competition on February 11.

A previous winner at the British Council’s Young Creative Entrepreneur Awards and Emirates Woman of the Year Awards, Al Qubaisi has exhibited her work in global locations such as Morocco, Egypt and Belgium.

She said: "A decade ago, I designed the trophy for the men's champion at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, and it’s a great privilege to now do the same for the winner of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in 2024."

Photographer Hind AlRaeesi will also play an important role in the event, capturing images of players and key figures at significant milestones throughout the duration of the tournament.

Highly experienced in the sports industry, AlRaeesi was official photographer for the Saudi Arabia team at last year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while she has also worked with English Premier League champions, Manchester City. She said: “I was thrilled to take on this project and become part of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, a major sporting event taking place right in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

“Having been passionate about art for many years, the opportunity to showcase my work at such a prestigious tournament is hugely exciting and it’s something I will always treasure.”

Artist Aysha Al Shamsi, meanwhile, worked in collaboration with Mubadala to design the master artwork serving as the main look and feel of the Mubadala Pavilion.

A self-taught artist whose ultimate goal is to make art more accessible and attainable to the masses, Al Shamsi said: "As someone deeply connected to the UAE's diverse culture, I feel honored to join and add my art to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.”

“My artwork honors the capital's history and blends it with Mubadala's achievements. I hope my art sparks conversations and brings everyone together to celebrate our culture, heritage, and the excitement of sports at this special event."

The Emirati quartet is completed by chef Meera Eisa Alnaqbi, whose culinary career has flourished since winning the inaugural Gulfood Youth X competition at Dubai World Trade Centre in 2022.

Alnaqbi, who enjoyed a spell working at Croatia’s Nebo Restaurant & Lounge by Chef Deni Srdoč, a Michelin star restaurant, is driven by a passion for food and creating new recipes. She said: “I’m so proud to be involved in such a high-profile event, particularly one which is taking place in the UAE.

“In the last couple of years, I have had some amazing opportunities, and I’m really looking forward to producing some creative dishes for players and spectators at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.”

To purchase tickets for the tournament, visit www.mubadalaabudhabiopen.com/tickets/         

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For media inquiries, please contact:         
Mark Conlon          
mark.conlon@dune23.me        

About Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open         

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a WTA 500 tournament, produced by IMG in partnership with Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The second edition of the tournament has been confirmed for 2024 and will take place at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, UAE.         

About WTA          

Founded by Billie Jean King in 1973 on the principle of equal opportunity, the WTA is the global leader in women’s professional sports. The WTA is one of the world’s most recognizable and high-profile sports organizations, consisting of more than 1600 players representing approximately 87 nations, all competing to earn WTA rankings points and prestigious tournament titles. The Hologic WTA Tour is annually comprised of around 50 events and four Grand Slams, spanning six continents and nearly 30 countries and regions with a global audience of over 900 million. Further information on the WTA can be found at wtatennis.com.         

About Mubadala Investment Company         

Mubadala Investment Company is a sovereign investor managing a global portfolio, aimed at generating sustainable financial returns for the Government of Abu Dhabi.          

Mubadala’s $284 billion (AED 1045 billion) portfolio spans six continents with interests in multiple sectors and asset classes. We leverage our deep sectoral expertise and long-standing partnerships to drive sustainable growth and profit, while supporting the continued diversification and global integration of the economy of the United Arab Emirates.          

For more information about Mubadala Investment Company, please visit: www.mubadala.com   

About Abu Dhabi Sports Council 

Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) was established in 2006 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The president of United Arab Emirates. ADSC is aligned to the emirate’s leadership vision to develop sport and youth activities. The Council promotes an effective, emirate-wide sports calendar that stimulates the desire to participate in quality sports among all Abu Dhabi residents and helps the talented and motivated reach their sporting potential. 

ADSC believes that global and community sporting events provide many positive opportunities, most notably the encouragement of all segments and groups of society to practice sports activities. 

Vision 

Abu Dhabi: an international capital for sport practicing, competitiveness, & international events. 

Mission 

To establish an environment that contributes towards promoting the importance of sport practicing and sport programs for all segments of the community, and to implement the best and latest international systems that promote competing at local, regional, and international levels. 

A global destination for sport 

Abu Dhabi Sports Council supports the organisation and hosting of many international sporting events in Abu Dhabi. 

About IMG         

IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media. The company manages some of the world’s greatest athletes and fashion icons; owns and operates hundreds of live events annually; and is a leading independent producer and distributor of sports and entertainment media. IMG also specializes in licensing, sports training and league development. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.