ABU DHABI, UAE – 04 February 2026: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2026, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, is proudly celebrating ‘National Girls and Women in Sports Day’ today (4 February), highlighting the growing impact of female athletes and industry leaders both on and off the courts at Zayed Sports City.
As part of today’s programme, the tournament will host a dedicated Sport Industry Forum at 12pm, bringing together key stakeholders from across the sporting landscape. The forum will feature panel discussions with representatives from Mubadala, Mercedes-Benz, and the WTA, alongside athlete-led conversations showcasing inspiring journeys from females in professional sport. Among the featured speakers are Emirati racing driver Hamda Al Qubaisi and Formula 4 powerboat driver Alia Abdulsalam Fairooz, both of whom continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation of female athletes in the region.
On the court, fans can look forward to a blockbuster evening schedule on Stadium Court, reflecting the elite level of women’s sport showcased throughout the WTA 500 event. Olympic gold medallist and defending champion Belinda Bencic will take on British No.2 Sonay Kartal (not before 5pm), before Filipina rising star Alexandra Eala faces Aliaksandra Sasnovich as both players battle to secure their places in the tournament quarter-finals.
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, said: “Celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is incredibly special and perfectly timed. As a WTA 500 tournament, we are privileged to host some of the most inspiring female athletes in the world, providing a platform that showcases excellence, determination, and opportunity. It is also important for us to create a family-friendly environment where young girls can attend, be inspired, and see first-hand the opportunities that sport can offer.”
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open runs through 7 February 2026, blending WTA 500 action with community initiatives, including the Road to MADO youth pathway finals and the tournament’s inaugural wheelchair tennis invitational, presented by the WTA Foundation.