The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is significantly expanding its community footprint ahead of its fourth edition, unveiling a wide-ranging programme that will engage schools, students, youth ambassadors and families across the UAE in the lead-up to the WTA 500 tournament at Zayed Sports City from 31 January to 7 February 2026.
The expanded initiative will reach up to 20,000 school students nationwide, reinforcing the tournament’s ambition to position Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s most inclusive tennis destinations, where elite international competition meets grassroots participation.
At the heart of the rollout is an enhanced Schools Programme spanning nurseries, public, charter and private schools across the emirate. The programme integrates early skills development, creativity and live tournament exposure, with students taking part in a Nationwide Art Competition using reused, tennis-inspired materials, a Design a Bag campaign showcased in the Fan Village, and the Little Stars Parade, which sees children dressed as tennis stars parade through the Fan Village during tournament week.
Sustainability is also woven throughout the initiative, with add-on campaigns including a tennis ball embedded with a plantable seed and a fan activation allowing attendees to write messages to players, promoting environmental awareness and impact.
Through training sessions, games and tournament-themed merchandise, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will give 20,000 students direct insight into the sport. School assemblies will also feature the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Trophy Tour, bringing the tournament centrepiece directly into classrooms to build excitement ahead of the event.
In addition to opportunities to participate as Ball Kids, hundreds of school children will receive complimentary tickets to experience live WTA action at the International Tennis Centre.
Beyond schools, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Roadshow returns following its strong reception in 2025. Featuring a portable mini court, official trophy showcase, interactive games and themed experiences, the Roadshow brings tennis into public spaces across Abu Dhabi. After appearances at November’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix and the Mubadala Fair earlier this month, the Roadshow will continue touring communities in the build-up to the main draw. A travelling Statement Tennis Ball installation will also invite residents to capture and share photos for a chance to win tournament tickets.
New momentum will be driven by the launch of the Playmakers Program, inviting sports enthusiasts aged 17–29 to serve as official youth ambassadors for the tournament and the WTA Tour. Selected Playmakers will create tournament content, share fan experiences and help amplify excitement ahead of February, with top participants gaining access to meet-and-greets, coin toss ceremonies, hospitality passes and player party invitations alongside WTA contenders. Applications are now open to young tennis and sports fans across the UAE.
The 2026 edition follows a landmark tournament in 2025, which welcomed thousands of fans and many of the world’s leading female players, cementing the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open’s reputation as one of the standout WTA 500 stops of the season.
Early headline confirmations for 2026 include defending champion and two-time winner Belinda Bencic, who returns in pursuit of a third title at Zayed Sports City, alongside Filipina breakthrough star Alexandra Eala, continuing her rapid rise through the WTA rankings.
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director, MARI, said: “Our ambition goes beyond staging a world-class tournament. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is about bringing tennis into schools, neighbourhoods and youth communities – ensuring the sport is experienced at every level, from mini court rallies to centre-court finals. This expanded programme reflects our belief that the future of tennis in the UAE starts locally, and that access leads to aspiration.”
Organised by MARI in partnership with Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues to position itself as a celebration of elite performance, youth activation and family-led tennis discovery. With community participation embedded throughout the build-up, the 2026 edition promises not only championship moments, but a city-wide invitation to play.
