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2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
January 31 – February 7 +04
The United Arab Emirates is set to once again host the world’s best women tennis players as the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council returns for its highly anticipated fourth edition. Confirmed for eight days of action, the WTA 500 tournament will light up the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City from Saturday, 31 January to Saturday, 7 February 2026.
Following a record-breaking 2025 event that firmly cemented its status as one of the most prestigious stops on the Hologic WTA Tour, the 2026 edition promises to be an even bigger spectacle. The tournament has rapidly become a highlight of the global sporting calendar, not only for the valuable WTA ranking points on offer but for the high calibre of players it consistently attracts, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning reputation as a global destination for elite international sport.
Tournament Overview: Building on a Legacy of Success
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has seen remarkable growth since becoming a permanent fixture on the WTA calendar. The previous edition in 2025 welcomed an elite field and drew thousands of fans across its eight action-packed days. The 2026 tournament will continue this trend, featuring a main draw of 28 singles players and 16 top doubles teams, all competing on the outdoor hard courts of the International Tennis Centre.
The event is a unique convergence of world-class sport and entertainment, hosted in partnership with Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Sports Council. This continued commitment to excellence ensures that the tournament remains a premier event, taking fans on an unforgettable journey from the opening qualifying rounds to the thrilling final showdown on 7 February.
Champions’ Corner: A Stunning Comeback Crowns the 2025 Field
The 2025 edition delivered a true storybook ending in the singles competition. Olympic gold medalist and inaugural champion, Belinda Bencic, made a stunning comeback from the birth of her first child to claim her second Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open title. In a gripping final, Bencic defeated the rising American star Ashlyn Krueger in a three-set battle (4–6, 6–1, 6–1), highlighting the incredible depth and competitive spirit of the WTA field.
In the doubles event, the powerful pairing of Jeļena Ostapenko and Ellen Perez captured the crown, defeating Kristina Mladenovic and Zhang Shuai with a decisive 6–2, 6–1 victory. These past champions—Bencic, Ostapenko, and Perez—represent the standard of excellence fans can expect as they look to defend their titles against a hungry 2026 field.
Stars to Watch and Seedings
The 2026 entry list is headlined by world No. 10 Belinda Bencic, who remains undefeated in Abu Dhabi and looks to make it a hat-trick of titles.
Fans should also keep a close eye on rising stars like Alexandra Eala, who continues to inspire as a trailblazer for Southeast Asian tennis.
Official Seedings (Singles)
| Seed | Player | Rank |
| 1 | Belinda Bencic | 10 |
| 2 | Ekaterina Alexandrova | 11 |
| 3 | Clara Tauson | 14 |
| 4 | Emma Navarro | 15 |
| 5 | Liudmila Samsonova | 18 |
| 6 | Leylah Fernandez | 23 |
| 7 | Jelena Ostapenko | 24 |
| 8 | Paula Badosa | 26 |
Prize Money and Points Distribution
The 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open features a significant total prize pool of $1,206,446 USD. This represents a steady increase, reflecting the tournament’s growing prestige. Beyond the financial rewards, the 500 ranking points available to the champion are critical for players looking to climb the ladder early in the season.
| Round | Singles Prize Money (USD) | Singles Points | Doubles Prize Money (USD, per team) |
| Winner | $185,500 | 500 | $61,540 |
| Finalist | $114,500 | 325 | $37,400 |
| Semi-finalists | $66,003 | 195 | $21,720 |
| Quarter-finalists | $35,000 | 108 | $11,150 |
| Round of 16 | $18,045 | 60 | $6,800 (R1) |
| Round of 32 (R1) | $13,005 | 1 | N/A |
Provisional Schedule (2026 Daily Breakdown)
The tournament structure ensures that every day offers high-stakes matches, culminating in the finals on the first Saturday of February.
| Day | Date (2026) | Tournament Stage | Note |
| Saturday | Jan 31 | Qualifying Rounds (Day 1) | Family Day: Free entry for all fans. |
| Sunday | Feb 1 | Qualifying Rounds (Final Day) | Free entry for all fans. |
| Monday | Feb 2 | Main Draw – Round of 32 | Kids Under 12 go free. |
| Tuesday | Feb 3 | Round of 32 / Round of 16 | Kids Under 12 go free. |
| Wednesday | Feb 4 | Round of 16 | Kids Under 12 go free. |
| Thursday | Feb 5 | Quarter-finals | Wheelchair Tennis Invitational starts. |
| Friday | Feb 6 | Semi-finals | Singles & Doubles action. |
| Saturday | Feb 7 | Finals | Tournament Climax. |
The Ultimate Fan Experience and Community Impact
Beyond the world-class competition, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open ensures a comprehensive and immersive experience for attendees of all ages in its vibrant Fan Village. Fans can look forward to special appearances from their favourite players, live entertainment throughout the week, exciting contests offering exclusive prizes, and a wide selection of gourmet food and beverage options.
New for 2026, the tournament will host a Wheelchair Tennis Invitational for the first time, featuring singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions from February 5–7. This initiative highlights the event’s commitment to inclusivity and the growth of tennis for all “People of Determination.”
The tournament’s significance extends beyond the court, serving as a powerful platform for community engagement. The event’s commitment to its legacy is clear, with the continuation of the Schools Programme set to engage thousands of students across the capital, actively encouraging youth participation in tennis and inspiring the next generation of players.
Brief History: A Rapid Rise
Since its inception, the Abu Dhabi Open has quickly established itself as the premier opening event of the Middle East swing.
- 2021: Aryna Sabalenka claimed the inaugural title, setting the tone for the high level of talent the city attracts.
- 2023: Belinda Bencic won the second edition, marking the return of the event as a permanent WTA 500 fixture.
- 2024: Elena Rybakina dominated the field to lift the trophy.
- 2025: Bencic returned to the throne in a fairytale comeback.
With four years of history, the tournament has evolved from a new addition to a “must-play” event for the world’s top ten players, bridging the gap between the Australian Open and the WTA 1000 events in Doha and Dubai.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are currently available via Platinumlist. Fans are encouraged to book early to take advantage of the various packages:
- Kids Go Free: Children under 12 can attend the first five days (through Wednesday, Feb 4) free of charge.
- Free Opening Weekend: Access to the qualifying rounds on Saturday and Sunday is complimentary, allowing fans to see elite talent fight for a spot in the main draw at no cost.
- Premium Options: Upgraded Courtside Hospitality tickets provide premium seating, exclusive lounge access, and gourmet dining for those seeking a luxurious experience.