MUBADALA ABU DHABI OPEN TO SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON FEMALE EMIRATI TALENT
A local designer, photographer, artist and chef have been chosen to showcase their abilities as part of the tournament
The second edition of the all-female competition features 10 of the world’s top 20 players
Emma Raducanu, the British Grand Slam-winner, is also competing
Tickets for the event are on sale now
This year’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open features a strong female Emirati influence with four hugely talented individuals selected to play a pivotal role across various elements of the competition, which takes place at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City on February 3-11.
The all-female tennis tournament returns to the UAE for its second edition following a thrilling and successful maiden event, both on and off-court, in 2023.
The player field includes Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina, Greece’s Maria Sakkari and Czech Republic’s Barbora Krejčíková, all ranked in the WTA top 10, while British star Emma Raducanu, who won the US Open in 2021, has been awarded a wildcard and will also be participating.
Photographer Hind AlRaeesi will also play an important role in the event, capturing images of players and key figures at significant milestones throughout the duration of the tournament.
Highly experienced in the sports industry, AlRaeesi was official photographer for the Saudi Arabia team at last year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar, while she has also worked with English Premier League champions, Manchester City. She said: “I was thrilled to take on this project and become part of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, a major sporting event taking place right in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
“Having been passionate about art for many years, the opportunity to showcase my work at such a prestigious tournament is hugely exciting and it’s something I will always treasure.”
Artist Aysha Al Shamsi, meanwhile, worked in collaboration with Mubadala to design the master artwork serving as the main look and feel of the Mubadala Pavilion.
A self-taught artist whose ultimate goal is to make art more accessible and attainable to the masses, Al Shamsi said: “As someone deeply connected to the UAE’s diverse culture, I feel honored to join and add my art to the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.”
“My artwork honors the capital’s history and blends it with Mubadala’s achievements. I hope my art sparks conversations and brings everyone together to celebrate our culture, heritage, and the excitement of sports at this special event.”
The Emirati quartet is completed by chef Meera Eisa Alnaqbi, whose culinary career has flourished since winning the inaugural Gulfood Youth X competition at Dubai World Trade Centre in 2022.
Alnaqbi, who enjoyed a spell working at Croatia’s Nebo Restaurant & Lounge by Chef Deni Srdoč, a Michelin star restaurant, is driven by a passion for food and creating new recipes. She said: “I’m so proud to be involved in such a high-profile event, particularly one which is taking place in the UAE.
“In the last couple of years, I have had some amazing opportunities, and I’m really looking forward to producing some creative dishes for players and spectators at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.”
To purchase tickets for the tournament, visit www.mubadalaabudhabiopen.com/tickets/