Abu Dhabi, UAE – December 2025: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open today unveils an expanded community engagement program, bringing schools, students, youth ambassadors and local audiences closer to the tournament ahead of its fourth edition at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, from 31 January to 7 February 2026.
The expansion reinforces the event’s commitment to positioning Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s most inclusive tennis destinations where global competition meets grassroots access.
This year’s amplified Schools Program reaches nurseries, public, charter, and private schools across the emirate, integrating player-inspired creativity, early skills development, and live tournament exposure.
Students will participate in the Nationwide Art Competition using reused, tennis-inspired materials, the Design a Bag campaign displayed in the Fan Village, and the Little Stars Parade through the Fan Village, dressed as tennis stars. Sustainability-focused add-on campaigns, including an initiative where a plantable seed is embedded inside a tennis ball and an activation allowing fans to write messages to players, promoting environmental awareness and impact.
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will reach out to 20,000 school students giving them direct insight into the sport with training sessions, games and enjoyable merchandise. The school assemblies will include the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Trophy Tour to level up the excitement.
In addition to opportunities to become Ball Kids, hundreds of school children will also receive complimentary tickets to experience the action up close at the tournament.
Building on its strong popularity in 2025, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Roadshow extends tennis into public spaces with a portable mini court, official trophy showcase, Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open-themed experiences and interactive games.
Following appearances at November’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix and the Mubadala Fair earlier this month, the Roadshow will continue across Abu Dhabi’s communities, providing opportunities for families and first-time players to discover tennis before the main draw begins. A touring Statement Tennis Ball installation further invites residents to capture and post photos for the chance to win tournament tickets.
New energy will be generated through the Playmakers Program, inviting sports enthusiasts aged 17–29 to serve as official youth ambassadors, creating tournament content, sharing fan experiences and amplifying excitement in the run-up to February. Top Playmakers will gain access to exclusive meet-and-greets, coin toss ceremonies, hospitality passes, and player party invitations alongside WTA contenders. Young tennis and sports enthusiasts across the UAE are encouraged to apply and begin their journey as official Playmakers by registering here.
The 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open arrives following a landmark 2025 edition that welcomed thousands of fans and many of the world’s best female players, cementing its status as one of the standout WTA 500 stops of the season.
Early headline confirmations include defending champion and two-time winner Belinda Bencic, who returns in pursuit of a third title at Zayed Sports City, joined by Filipina breakthrough star Alexandra Eala, who continues her rapid ascent through the WTA rankings.
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director, MARI, said: “Our ambition goes beyond a world-class tournament. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is about bringing tennis into schools, neighbourhoods and youth communities – ensuring the sport is experienced at every level, from mini court rallies to centre-court finals. This expanded programme reflects our belief that the future of tennis in the UAE starts locally, and that access leads to aspiration.”
Organised by MARI in partnership with Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues to position itself as a celebration of elite performance, youth activation and family-led tennis discovery. With community participation now embedded throughout the build-up, the 2026 edition promises not only championship moments, but a city-wide invitation to play.
Tickets are available now at Platinumlist