WTA teams up with IMG for Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has teamed up with global sports, events and talent management firm IMG for the inaugural Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, which will take place in February 2023.

The tournament will be held at the Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre in Abu Dhabi from February 5 to 12, 2023. The tournament will be hosted jointly with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Mubadala. The WTA 500 tournament aims to bring the best players in the women’s circuit to Abu Dhabi. The tournament is set to become the first WTA sanctioned event located in the Emirate. 

The tournament will have more than 60 singles and doubles matches along with a host of activities for those visiting including fan activations, tennis-themed games and Q&A sessions with the players. 

Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO, 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.“

Ons Jabeur, World No. 2, commented:

“I’m really excited to once again be playing in Abu Dhabi in February. The atmosphere and support from the fans is always incredible and I hope to continue my winning run in an amazing venue.“

Robbie Henchman, President of Global Partnerships – IMG Events, IMG Media & On Location, 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.“

Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer for Mubadala Investment Company, stated:

“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. 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.“

Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, 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.“

Mubadala Investment Company will serve as the Title Partner and has been involved in promoting and supporting the sport for more than 14 years. Over the years, it has supported a host of local programmes and initiatives, such as the Mubadala Community Cup and the Mubadala Tennis in School Programs.