2026 Dubai Tennis Championships
February 13 – February 28 +04
As the desert sun begins its annual dance over the Arabian Peninsula, the tennis world turns its gaze toward the jewel of the Middle East. The 2026 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is set to return to the Aviation Club Tennis Centre, promising two weeks of high-octane drama, elite athleticism, and the glamour that only Dubai can provide.
Now in its 34th year for the ATP and 26th year for the WTA, this tournament has evolved from a burgeoning regional event into a cornerstone of the professional tours. As a WTA 1000 and an ATP 500 event, it stands as a critical stop for players looking to cement their rankings before the tour moves toward the American “Sunshine Double.”
Tournament Dates & Venue
The 2026 edition continues the tradition of back-to-back weeks, starting with the women’s elite and concluding with the men’s powerhouses.
- Women’s WTA 1000: Qualifying: February 13 & 14 | Main Draw: February 15 – 21, 2026
- Men’s ATP 500: Qualifying: February 21 & 22 | Main Draw: February 23 – 28, 2026
- Venue: The iconic Aviation Club Tennis Centre, Dubai, UAE.
The venue is celebrated for its intimate atmosphere, where fans can feel the “thwack” of the ball from nearly any seat in the house.
Prize Money & Points Distribution
Dubai is famous for its generous purses. For 2026, the stakes have been raised once again. Below is the breakdown for both the singles events.
WTA 1000 Prize Money (Women)
The total prize pool for the women’s week has reached approximately $4,088,211, reflecting an 11.8% increase from the previous year.
| Round | Prize Money (USD) | Ranking Points |
| Winner | $665,000 | 1,000 |
| Finalist | $385,001 | 650 |
| Semifinalist | $197,000 | 390 |
| Quarterfinalist | $98,500 | 215 |
| Round 3 | $49,250 | 120 |
| Round 2 | $26,000 | 65 |
| Round 1 | $18,300 | 10 |
ATP 500 Prize Money (Men)
The men’s total financial commitment stands at approximately $3,311,005. While official final figures are often refined at the draw, the estimated distribution based on the 2026 ATP 500 structure is as follows:
| Round | Prize Money (USD) | Ranking Points |
| Winner | $529,945 | 500 |
| Finalist | $285,095 | 330 |
| Semifinalist | $151,935 | 200 |
| Quarterfinalist | $77,625 | 100 |
| Round 2 (R16) | $41,435 | 50 |
| Round 1 (R32) | $22,095 | 0 |
Provisional Schedule 2026
Matches typically begin in the morning, with the prestigious night sessions under the lights providing some of the most memorable moments of the tournament.
WTA 1000 (Feb 15 – 21)
| Day | Time | Rounds |
| Sun, 15 Feb | 11am & 7pm | 1st Round |
| Mon, 16 Feb | 11am & 7pm | 1st Round |
| Tue, 17 Feb | 11am & 7pm | 2nd Round |
| Wed, 18 Feb | 11am & 7pm | 3rd Round |
| Thu, 19 Feb | 2pm & 7pm | Quarterfinals |
| Fri, 20 Feb | 1pm & 7pm | Semifinals |
| Sat, 21 Feb | 4:30pm & 7pm | Finals |
ATP 500 (Feb 23 – 28)
| Day | Time | Rounds |
| Mon, 23 Feb | 2pm & 7pm | 1st Round |
| Tue, 24 Feb | 2pm & 7pm | 2nd Round |
| Wed, 25 Feb | 2pm & 7pm | 3rd Round |
| Thu, 26 Feb | 2pm & 7pm | Quarterfinals |
| Fri, 27 Feb | 1:30pm & 7pm | Semifinals |
| Sat, 28 Feb | 4:30pm & 7pm | Finals |
Stars to Watch: The Elite Field
The 2026 field is arguably one of the strongest in the tournament’s history, featuring a heavy presence from the world’s Top 20.
The Women’s Field (WTA)
- Aryna Sabalenka (World No. 1): The Belarusian powerhouse enters Dubai having already secured the Brisbane title this year. Her aggressive baseline game is perfectly suited for the quick Dubai courts.
- Iga Świątek (World No. 2): After a stellar 2025 that saw her lift the Wimbledon trophy, Świątek returns to Dubai looking to add one of the few missing WTA 1000 titles to her resume.
- Mirra Andreeva (Defending Champion): All eyes are on the 18-year-old sensation. Her 2025 win made her the youngest WTA 1000 champion in history; can she handle the pressure of being the hunted rather than the hunter?
- Coco Gauff: The 2025 French Open winner and world No. 3 is a crowd favorite, bringing a blend of defensive magic and improved serving to the Emirates.
The Men’s Field (ATP)
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (Defending Champion): The Greek star finally broke his Dubai “jinx” in 2025. He returns with the confidence of a man who knows how to dominate these specific conditions.
- Daniil Medvedev: The “Chessmaster” won here in 2023 and is always a threat on fast hard courts. His tactical brilliance makes him a nightmare for the younger generation.
- Felix Auger-Aliassime: After a runner-up finish last year, the Canadian is hungry for revenge. He enters 2026 in peak physical condition following a multi-title season in 2025.
- Jack Draper: The British No. 1 is the dark horse. Following his Masters 1000 breakthrough in Indian Wells last year, his left-handed serve and heavy groundstrokes could cause an upset.
A Legacy of Champions
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships isn’t just a tournament; it’s a hall of fame in motion. The walls of the Aviation Club are adorned with the names of legends who have graced these courts.
- Women’s Greats: Recent years have seen triumphs from Jasmine Paolini (2024), Barbora Krejčíková (2023), and the historic run of Elina Svitolina (back-to-back 2017-18). These modern stars join legends like Venus and Serena Williams, Justine Henin (4-time champ), and Martina Hingis.
- Men’s Icons: The men’s side is dominated by the shadow of Roger Federer, who holds a record eight titles. Other legendary winners include Novak Djokovic (5 titles), Rafael Nadal, and Andre Agassi. Recent years have seen a shift toward the “new guard,” with champions like Ugo Humbert (2024) and Aslan Karatsev (2021) proving that anyone in the draw can seize the moment.
More Than Just Tennis: The Fan Experience
What sets Dubai apart is the off-court entertainment. The tournament is owned and organized by Dubai Duty Free, ensuring a world-class luxury experience.
- The Irish Village: Located right next to the stadium, it becomes the heartbeat of the tournament, where fans gather for live music and a unique atmosphere.
- Kids’ Days & Clinics: The tournament continues its mission to grow the sport in the UAE, hosting clinics for local schools and aspiring young players.
- Global Reach: With broadcast coverage reaching over 100 countries, the event serves as a global billboard for Dubai as a premier sporting destination.
As we look toward mid-February, the narrative is set. Will the veterans re-assert their dominance, or will 2026 be the year a new teenage prodigy follows in Mirra Andreeva’s footsteps? One thing is certain: under the Dubai lights, the tennis will be nothing short of spectacular.