ABU DHABI, UAE – 06 February 2026: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has once again demonstrated its commitment to community engagement and youth development, welcoming thousands of children and families to Zayed Sports City through a comprehensive schools and outreach program that has left a lasting impression across the UAE.
Throughout this year’s tournament, schools and community groups from across Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE were invited to experience world-class tennis in an inclusive, family-friendly environment designed to inspire the next generation. The initiative focused not only on access to elite sport, but on meaningful interaction, creativity and participation both on and off the court.
In the lead-up to the tournament, organisers delivered 25 morning assemblies, spending more than 100 hours engaging directly with students and reaching over 90 participating entities, including public, private and charter schools. Inclusion remained a cornerstone of the program, with every school visit featuring dedicated arrangements to ensure students of determination (POD) could fully participate and enjoy the experience.
During tournament week, visiting schools and community groups were given the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the WTA Tour stars, creating unforgettable moments for young fans. Group photos and student engagement sessions were held with WTA players Tereza Mihalíková, Hailey Baptiste and Aliaksandra Sasnovich, alongside inspirational wheelchair tennis stars such as World No.1 Yui Kamiji, Jiske Griffioen and Angélica Bernal, reinforcing powerful messages around diversity, resilience and opportunity in sport.
Creativity also took centre stage through initiatives such as the Seed of Thought and the Nationwide Art Competition, which celebrated student expression and imagination. Selected artworks were proudly displayed throughout the tournament village, while tote bags designed by students of determination served as a visible and powerful celebration of inclusion and creativity.
Bringing the program together, the Little Stars Tennis Parade, taking place today (Friday) at 5:30pm, will unite all participating schools in a vibrant celebration marking the successful conclusion of the Schools Programme. Meanwhile, the tournament’s Ball Kids Program has been a standout feature, with participants demonstrating exceptional discipline and professionalism throughout the event.
Beyond the stadium, the tournament’s pre-event roadshow and community outreach program played a key role in building excitement and awareness. Activations were delivered at major locations including: Khalidiya Mall, Al Wahda Mall, Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Bateen Beach, Zayed University, Umm Al Emarat Park and the Al Zeina Community, as well as at international tournaments and Mubadala-led events. These activations successfully engaged families, students and sports fans, generating strong momentum ahead of the tournament, which helped some of the days have sell-out crowds.
The impact was further amplified through the Playmakers Program, which empowered young people across the UAE to act as ambassadors within their communities. By sharing stories, encouraging participation and promoting the values of the tournament, Playmakers helped extend the reach of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open far beyond the courts.
Through its schools, community and engagement initiatives, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues to reinforce its role as more than a world-class tennis tournament – positioning itself as a platform for inspiration, inclusion and opportunity for young people across the UAE.
Today (Friday), you’ll get the chance to enjoy the semi-finals of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, with Filipina star Alexandra Eala and Janice Tjen in action on Stadium Court in doubles. Then in the singles, Hailey Baptiste faces Ekaterina Alexandrova, before Sara Bejlek takes on Clara Tauson to see who can book a spot in Saturday’s final. Tomorrow, the concluding day of the tournament, will also be the final of Mubadala Wheelchair Tennis Invitational presented by the WTA Foundation between World No.1 Yui Kamiji and Jiske Griffioen.