Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open to host first wheelchair tennis tournament in 2026
text_fields
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will return to the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City from January 31 to February 7, 2026, with organisers expanding the tournament’s sporting and community programs.
The 2026 edition will introduce a wheelchair tennis invitational tournament for the first time. The event will feature singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches, scheduled for the afternoons of February 5, 6 and 7. In addition to competition, wheelchair tennis players will lead coaching clinics for coaches and people of determination as part of wider participation efforts.
The WTA 500 tournament will again bring leading names in women’s tennis to Abu Dhabi. The field includes 2022 Wimbledon champion and world number five Elena Rybakina, defending champion Belinda Bencic and Spain’s Paula Badosa. Grand Slam winners Barbora Krejcikova and Marketa Vondrousova are also set to compete, along with rising talents Victoria Mboko of Canada and Filipino player Alexandra Eala.
Organisers confirmed that entry on the opening day, Saturday January 31, will be free for all visitors. The opening day will also feature the official draw ceremony on the Village Stage, with a leading WTA player present as first-round match-ups are announced. Children will also receive free entry from Monday February 2 through Wednesday February 4.
Off-court activities will be centred around an expanded Tennis Village, which will host daily entertainment and interactive attractions. These include the Ball in Your Court activation, Baseline Arts workshops, and a Community Art Wall inspired by Emirati artist Mariam Al Obeidli. Family-focused games such as Giant Jenga, Plinko, arcade games and traditional board games will be available throughout the week.
Younger visitors will have access to a dedicated Kids’ Play Area, while sports activities will include the Serve n’ Strike Wall, Tennis Swing Station, skill-based games, basketball clinics and other challenges. Visitors can collect stamps through the Mubadala Village passport, with prizes awarded for completing all activities.
The tournament will also continue its Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open program, which supports grassroots tennis development across the UAE. Young players compete in sanctioned tournaments in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah, earning ranking points and qualification for playoff rounds. Finalists earn the opportunity to play matches during the main tournament week.
As part of the program, selected junior players will receive fully funded training opportunities at the Ferrero Academy in Spain, home to Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Organisers said the 2026 edition will maintain its focus on elite competition while expanding access, community engagement and family-oriented activities throughout the week.