Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships unveils two-phase expansion with new and bigger courts
Capacity boost and redesigned visitor areas planned over two years
DUBAI – The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is set for its most extensive venue transformation in three decades, with organisers announcing a major two-phase redevelopment of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and the surrounding Aviation Club Tennis Complex in Al Garhoud.
The upgrade will begin in time for the 2026 tournament and continue through to full completion ahead of the 2027 edition. Officials say the project will significantly expand seating, improve fan facilities and modernise the overall tournament environment.
The expansion is described as the most significant infrastructure upgrade in the event’s 30-year history. It is aimed at strengthening the tournament’s global standing and enhancing both player performance conditions and spectator experience at one of the region’s best-known tennis venues in Dubai.
Two-phase plan
According to organisers, the redevelopment will be delivered in two stages. The first phase will debut during the 2026 Championships with the introduction of a temporary 2,000-seat Court 1 constructed adjacent to the main stadium. Early enhancements to public and fan areas will also be rolled out during this stage, offering visitors an initial look at the broader transformation.
The second phase, scheduled for completion ahead of the 2027 tournament, will include a permanent reworked Tournament Village and a major expansion of Centre Court. Plans show Centre Court capacity increasing by around 50 per cent through the addition of approximately 2,500 seats, alongside upgrades to concourses, seating layouts and hospitality zones.
The redesign is being led by stadium design consultancy BDP Pattern, with Turner & Townsend appointed as project managers. Tournament officials state that the concept aligns the venue with Dubai’s positioning as a leading international sports host city.
New facilities
A key feature for 2026 will be the new temporary Court 1, which will operate as a show court hosting high-profile matches from both the women’s and men’s draws. Organisers confirmed that fans will be able to register for free access to Court 1 through Ticketmaster, expanding viewing opportunities during early-round matches.
Supporters will also be able to watch selected high-profile matches on other side courts at the main complex free of charge with prior registration. The move is designed to increase access and spread spectator traffic more evenly across the venue.
Fan-zone improvements will begin on the southern side of the site in 2026. Broader redevelopment of both the Northern and Southern Fan Village areas is planned for the second phase, including new activation spaces, additional shaded seating and expanded food and beverage outlets.
Tournament schedule
The 2026 edition will feature two weeks of elite competition across the women’s and men’s tours. The women’s WTA 1000 event will run from February 15 to 21, followed by the men’s ATP 500 tournament from February 22 to 28. Organisers confirmed this will be the 26th edition of the WTA event in Dubai and the 34th edition of the ATP tournament.
Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and Chair of the Tournament Organising Committee, said the redevelopment represents a milestone moment for the championships and reflects a long-term commitment to raising tournament standards across all areas of delivery.
He noted that the venue has played a central role in Dubai’s sporting landscape for more than three decades and that the new court, expanded seating and upgraded fan zones will reshape how spectators and partners experience the event across the coming editions.
Star line-up
Organisers confirmed that the 2026 women’s tournament will feature 18 of the world’s Top 20 players. The announced line-up included reigning Dubai champion Mirra Andreeva, World No1 Aryna Sabalenka and six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek, alongside other leading names on the tour.
The men’s week is also expected to attract top-ranked players and established fan favourites competing in the ATP 500 competition, continuing the tournament’s record of drawing elite fields across both tours.
Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said the venue upgrades are designed to strengthen both competitive and entertainment aspects of the championships, with improved accessibility, atmosphere and service standards across the site.
Tickets available
Tickets for the 2026 Championships are now on sale, with prices starting from Dh65. Fans can purchase through Ticketmaster and the official tournament website. Registration is also required for free access to selected show courts, including the new temporary Court 1.
The tournament is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with the expanded venue set to come online in stages across the next two editions.