2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
January 31, 2026 – February 7, 2026 +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
- Champions’ Corner: A Stunning Comeback Crowns the 2025 Field
- Looking Ahead to 2026
- The Numbers: Prize Money and Points Distribution (2026 Figures Awaited)
- Tournament Schedule (2026 Daily Breakdown)
- The Ultimate Fan Experience and Community Impact
- Voices from the Heart of the Tournament
- Tickets Now On Sale
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, featuring eight of the world’s top 20 players, 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.
Looking Ahead to 2026
While the official player list for 2026 is still months away, expectations are sky-high, building on the success of the 2025 draw. With the tournament firmly established as the first stop on the WTA’s Middle East swing, it attracts players preparing for the upcoming WTA 1000 events in Doha and Dubai. The draw size remains a compact and competitive one, offering players crucial matches and valuable ranking points early in the season. Fans can anticipate another week filled with dramatic upsets, breakout performances from rising stars, and compelling rivalries between the tour’s heavyweights, all vying for the coveted WTA 500 title.
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. Furthermore, Emirati women will continue to be represented in key tournament roles, highlighting the event’s dedication to growing local talent and advancing women in sport, fulfilling a key pillar of the tournament’s mission.
The Numbers: Prize Money and Points Distribution (2026 Figures Awaited)
Since the official prize money for the 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has not yet been announced, we inform our readers of the total prize money and breakdown from the previous 2025 edition. We will provide an update as soon as the 2026 figures are confirmed by the WTA.
The total prize money commitment for the 2025 tournament was $1,064,510 USD. The champion in the singles draw earned $164,000, along with 500 ranking points, making the tournament a high-stakes, high-reward stop on the tour.
| Round | Singles Prize Money (USD) | Singles Points (WTA 500) | Doubles Prize Money (USD, per team) | Doubles Points (WTA 500) |
| Champion | $164,000 | 500 | $54,300 | 500 |
| Runner-up | $101,000 | 325 | $33,000 | 325 |
| Semi-finalists | $59,000 | 195 | $19,160 | 195 |
| Quarter-finalists | $28,695 | 108 | $9,840 | 108 |
| Round of 16 | $15,700 | 60 | $6,000 (R1) | 1 |
| Round of 32 (R1) | $11,300 | 1 | N/A | N/A |
| Qualifier 2 | $7,625 | 25 | N/A | N/A |
| Qualifier 1 | $3,900 | 1 | N/A | N/A |
Note: The 2026 prize money and ranking points will be updated upon official announcement. The above figures reflect the 2025 edition.
Tournament Schedule (2026 Daily Breakdown)
The 2026 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will run for eight days, starting on Saturday, 31 January, and concluding with the finals on Saturday, 7 February. The following schedule is based on the structure of the previous edition and is subject to change.
| Day | Date (2026) | Tournament Stage | Note |
| Saturday | January 31 | Qualifying Rounds (Day 1) | Open seating and free entry for all fans. |
| Sunday | February 1 | Qualifying Rounds (Final Day) | Free entry for all fans. |
| Monday | February 2 | Main Draw – Round of 32 (First Round) | |
| Tuesday | February 3 | Main Draw – Round of 32 / Round of 16 | |
| Wednesday | February 4 | Main Draw – Round of 16 | |
| Thursday | February 5 | Quarter-finals | |
| Friday | February 6 | Semi-finals (Singles & Doubles) | |
| Saturday | February 7 | Finals (Singles & Doubles) | Tournament climax. |
Note: The 2026 schedule is provisional based on the format of the previous tournament and may be adjusted. All times and specific match schedules will be confirmed closer to the event.
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 to indulge in.
The event also offers fantastic value for families and early supporters:
- Kids Go Free: Children under 12 can attend the first five days of the tournament free of charge.
- Free Opening Day: The opening Saturday, 31 January, offers open seating and free entry for all to watch the qualifying rounds.
- Premium Options: For those seeking a truly luxurious experience, upgraded Courtside Hospitality tickets provide premium seating, exclusive lounge access, gourmet dining, and parking passes.
Win a Trip to the Mubadala DC Open!
An incredible incentive awaits early ticket buyers. Each ticket purchased before the end of November will automatically enter fans into a prize draw to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to the Mubadala DC Open 2026. This package includes return flights, accommodation, and VIP access, offering a phenomenal reward for early supporters.
Voices from the Heart of the Tournament
The commitment from the organizing partners reaffirms the tournament’s importance to the region and the WTA Tour.
Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer for Mubadala Investment Company, spoke about the legacy: “For more than 15 years, Mubadala has been proud to champion tennis and bring world-class sporting experiences to the UAE. As a global investor, we are committed to creating long-term value not only in the industries we invest in, but also in the communities we serve. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has quickly become one of the most significant sporting events in the UAE, inspiring future talent, and uniting the community.”
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, emphasized the capital’s role: “This championship has become a highlight of Abu Dhabi’s global sporting calendar, reinforcing the capital’s reputation as an international hub for elite sport. Each year, we continue to build on this success and we are excited to welcome players, fans and families back to Zayed Sports City for another spectacular edition.”
Portia Archer, WTA CEO, highlighted the tour’s affection for the event: “We are thrilled to see the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open return for its fourth edition in 2026. This tournament has quickly earned a place as a favourite stop on the WTA Tour thanks to its excellent organization, enthusiastic crowds and the warm hospitality of Abu Dhabi. The Fan Village at the 2025 tournament was best in class on the tour and we look forward to another fantastic week in the UAE.”
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is more than just a tennis event; it is a celebration of athleticism, a catalyst for community growth, and a source of inspiration for future generations.
Tickets Now On Sale
Multi-day passes and various packages are available now, ensuring excellent value for fans. Secure your place at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, to witness the world’s best compete for the 2026 title.
Tickets can be purchased now at: Platinumlist.