Wheelchair tennis debut and elite WTA field set for Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2026
Free opening day and kids’ access underline family-first tournament approach
ABU DHABI – The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is set to return to the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City from 31 January to 7 February 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the most accessible and family-friendly events on the global tennis calendar.
The WTA 500 tournament once again brings elite women’s tennis to the UAE capital, while continuing to expand its off-court offerings for fans of all ages.
Beyond the high-level competition, the 2026 edition places a strong emphasis on inclusion, community engagement and interactive entertainment. From the introduction of wheelchair tennis and the Road to MADO grassroots programme to the ever-growing Tennis Village and a free-to-attend opening day, the tournament offers a week-long experience that extends well beyond match play.
Free opening
The opening day of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, taking place on Saturday 31 January, will once again be free to attend for all spectators. The Family Day initiative allows fans of all ages to access the venue without charge, offering a rare opportunity to experience a WTA 500 tournament up close while encouraging younger audiences to engage with the sport.
The first day will also feature the official Draw Ceremony, held live on the Village Stage. A leading WTA player will be in attendance as first-round match-ups are revealed, giving fans an early look at the tournament’s competitive landscape. The free-access format is designed to attract new audiences while reinforcing the event’s welcoming atmosphere.
In addition to the opening day, children will be able to attend matches free of charge from Monday 2 February through Wednesday 4 February, further strengthening the event’s focus on families and younger fans during the early rounds of competition.
Tennis Village
The Tennis Village returns in 2026 with its most extensive programme to date, offering a wide range of interactive activities, creative workshops and sports-based challenges. Designed as a central hub for fans, the Village caters to all age groups, blending entertainment with opportunities to learn more about tennis and physical wellbeing.
Key activations include Ball in Your Court experiences, Baseline Arts workshops, and a Community Art Wall inspired by acclaimed Emirati artist Mariam Al Obeidli. These elements add a cultural dimension to the event, encouraging participation beyond traditional sporting engagement.
Family favourites such as Giant Jenga, 4 in a Row, traditional board games, Plinko and the Grand Slam Arcade will also be available throughout the week. Younger visitors can enjoy a dedicated Kids’ Play Area, while sports enthusiasts can test their abilities at the Serve n’ Strike Wall, Tennis Swing Station, Skill Games and Basketball Clinics.
Visitors can collect stamps through the Mubadala Village passport initiative, with prizes awarded to those who complete the full range of activities. The expanded Village reflects the tournament’s aim of creating an immersive, festival-style environment that complements the on-court action.
Wheelchair tennis
A major milestone for the tournament in 2026 is the introduction of a wheelchair tennis invitational, which will run alongside the main competition for the first time. The event will feature singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches, scheduled for the afternoons of Thursday 5 February, Friday 6 February and Saturday 7 February.
The inclusion of wheelchair tennis represents a significant step in broadening the tournament’s inclusivity and visibility for adaptive sport. In addition to competitive matches, participating athletes will lead coaching clinics for coaches and people of determination, offering hands-on opportunities to engage with the sport and encourage wider participation at community level.
This addition aligns with the tournament’s wider commitment to accessibility and its goal of creating pathways for athletes of all abilities to engage with tennis, both recreationally and competitively.
Star-studded field
The 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open features a strong blend of established champions and emerging talent, reinforcing its status as one of the most competitive early-season events on the WTA Tour.
Headlining the field is Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and current World No. 5, who returns to Abu Dhabi alongside defending champion Belinda Bencic. Spanish star Paula Badosa also features prominently, while rising Canadian talent Victoria Mboko and Filipino standout Alexandra Eala bring fresh energy to the draw.
Grand Slam pedigree is further strengthened by the presence of Barbora Krejcikova and Marketa Vondrousova, both major winners, alongside former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko and 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin. The line-up also includes Emma Navarro, Clara Tauson, Leylah Fernandez, Qinwen Zheng and Dayana Yastremska.
Depth across the field is underlined by players such as Ekaterina Alexandrova, Liudmila Samsonova, Elise Mertens, Beatriz Haddad Maia, McCartney Kessler and Maya Joint, ensuring high-quality match-ups from the opening rounds through to the final.
Road to MADO
The tournament continues its investment in youth development through the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open programme, a Mubadala-supported grassroots initiative designed to nurture the next generation of tennis talent across the UAE.
Young players compete in multiple age groups through sanctioned events held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah. Results contribute to both UAE Tennis Federation rankings and the Road to MADO leaderboard, with top performers advancing to playoff stages.
Finalists earn the opportunity to compete on the tournament courts during the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, giving aspiring players the experience of performing alongside professionals. As part of the programme’s long-term development pathway, standout juniors also have the chance to secure all-expenses-paid training experiences at the Ferrero Academy, home of Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Fan experience
With thousands of spectators expected throughout the week, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues to prioritise a safe, welcoming and engaging environment. Alongside live music, food and beverage trucks, and interactive fan activations across the Tennis Village, a dedicated medical and wellbeing tent will operate throughout the tournament.
Healthpoint, part of the M42 group, will provide comprehensive medical services for both players and fans, while also hosting an on-site activation focused on injury prevention, performance and everyday wellbeing. Visitors can access daily health tips during the event, reinforcing the tournament’s focus on active and informed lifestyles.
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director at MARI, said the event’s appeal extends well beyond tennis alone. “The beauty of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is that it offers so much more than a world-class tennis tournament. Fans can watch top-level tennis, enjoy wheelchair tennis for the first time this year, explore the interactive Mubadala Tennis Village, and see talented young players progress through the Road to MADO. It is designed for the whole community.”
Organised by MARI in partnership with Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has rapidly established itself as a standout event on the WTA Tour, combining elite sport with youth development, community engagement and fan-focused innovation.
Further announcements related to the 2026 tournament are expected in the coming weeks ahead of the event’s return from 31 January to 7 February. Tickets are available via Platinumlist.
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a WTA 500 tournament produced by MARI, previously IMG, in partnership with Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The fourth edition will take place at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi.