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Writer's pictureAbu Dhabi Review

Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Kicks Off 2025 Season with Expanded Community Initiative


Young tennis players winning trophies
Previous young Winners of the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

As tennis fever builds ahead of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open's 2025 comeback, the "Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open" initiative is making waves in the UAE’s sports community. Launching its post-summer schedule on September 6, this home-grown program is fast becoming a game-changer for local tennis talent, offering a clear path from local courts to the prestigious WTA500 event.


Now in its second season, the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is more than just a series of tournaments; it’s a movement aimed at boosting the UAE’s tennis scene. Designed to challenge and develop aspiring players, the program promises to turn dreams into reality for young athletes eager to make their mark.


This year, the stakes are higher than ever. With support from Mubadala, winners from various categories are set to receive life-changing rewards. Think of an all-expenses-paid trip to Spain’s elite Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy for U14 and U16 champions, or a month of private lessons at a top local tennis academy for U12 stars. And for those in the adult categories? Tennis gear, vouchers, prize money, and exclusive tickets to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open are up for grabs.


Nigel Gupta, the man at the helm as Tournament Director, couldn’t be more excited about what’s in store. “The Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is really at the heart of what we’re trying to achieve in the UAE’s tennis community,” Gupta shared. “We’re not just offering competitions; we’re giving players a structured way to develop their skills, compete at a higher level, and even train at world-renowned facilities like the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy. It’s all about creating opportunities.”


What’s especially appealing about this series is its accessibility. The tournaments are scattered across the UAE, from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and Fujairah, ensuring that tennis enthusiasts from all corners of the country can take part. The only requirement? Participants need to be members of the UAE Tennis Federation and actively competing in the national circuit.


For Naser Al Marzouqi, General Secretary at the UAE Tennis Federation, the collaboration with Mubadala is a natural fit. “This partnership is a big deal for us,” he noted. “The Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is enhancing our tournament lineup in a big way, giving players more chances to shine. We’re confident this initiative will play a key role in shaping the next generation of UAE tennis champions.”


The numbers speak for themselves. Last year, over 1,300 participants joined the program, a testament to the growing tennis culture in the UAE. One of those participants, Isabelle James, who clinched the U14 title in 2024, described the experience as “a dream come true.” She added, “Training at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy was incredible. The level of coaching, the competition – it’s all helped me elevate my game, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.”


For more details on how to get involved or simply to soak up the excitement, head over to www.mubadalaabudhabiopen.com or register through the UAE Tennis Federation at www.uaetennis.ae.

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