With only four days away, a new official trophy for the 12th edition of the Arabian Gulf’s leading tennis experience has been unveiled — and it is a special tribute to the best of Abu Dhabi.
As the UAE capital readies for the return of the world’s best male and female tennis stars at this week’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, from 19 – 21 December, the instantly iconic new trophy is the work of homegrown talent.
Designed by acclaimed Emirati artist, designer and Mubadala employee Ashwaq Abdulla, the trophy pays homage to the ‘Volcano Fountain’, one of Abu Dhabi’s preeminent landmarks. The fountain was built in the 1980s and became a symbol of co-existence, unity and tolerance, key values upon which a modern Abu Dhabi continues to thrive.
The new trophy evokes the original fountain’s distinguishing characteristics of unique Emirati architecture prevalent in key Abu Dhabi cultural attractions such as the capital’s majestic Qasr Al Hosn, and Al Maqtaa fort in the city’s Bab Al Bahr waterway, as well as Al Jahili fort in the desert oasis city of Al Ain.
Having previously created the WTA Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic trophy for the US tournament, Abdulla is the first Emirati woman to design the Mubadala World Tennis Championship’s top prize. Abdulla revealed the fountain provided the perfect inspiration for a trophy destined for one of the world’s best male players come December 21 in Abu Dhabi.
This is a very special occasion and I wanted the trophy design to reflect the essence of Abu Dhabi and some of the much-loved heritage architecture of our proud country,” said Ashwaq, who works in the marketing division of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship’s title sponsors, pursuing art and design in her spare time.
“The Volcano Fountain and the iconography of our historic forts are synonymous with Abu Dhabi and its vibrant culture. Abu Dhabi’s unique heritage shines through in architecture at so many of our cultural attractions. This design blends traditional elements with modern materials – the trophy is symbolic of Abu Dhabi. I hope it rekindles fond memories of Abu Dhabi every time the winner looks at it.”
Made from coloured crystal, Abdulla’s stunning trophy took two months to make and will be on display at the International Tennis Centre throughout the three-day championship for fans to experience.
The Best on and off court
Aside from the best live tennis as the world’s best players competing in eight matches from Thursday to Saturday, ticket holders can make the most of excellent food and beverage offerings in the Tennis Village, or make a beeline for tennis clinics, autograph and Q&A sessions with the players.
The Championship also has a host of tennis-themed activities and competitions offering great prizes, including the chance to win a year’s free Deliveroo (worth AED 30,000), and daily exercise classes from Abu Dhabi fitness chain The Room. A recent Yasalam Emerging Talent Competition winner will entertain crowds with a live set on Friday, December 20, while the Tennis Village is also home to the Mubadala Interactive Zone featuring games and challenges.
December 19 is Kids’ Day, with children 12 and under entering for FREE! Activities begin at 2pm with a star player Q&A allowing young fans to ask one of the world’s best players anything they want, as well an autographing signing session with world No.1 Rafael Nadal! Children can also compete in a 10-station tennis challenge, where completing all 10 activities enters youngsters into a grand draw for more mega prizes.
To further enhance this year’s spectator experience, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship has partnered with ride-hailing app Careem to offer 20% discount on rides to and from the venue. Fans can use the code MUBADALAWTC and access a dedicated pick-up and drop-off point.
Tickets start from AED 100 for Adults and are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.ae, all Virgin Megastores across the UAE, or by calling 800 86 823 from within the UAE, or +971 4 366 2289 from outside the country. Three Day ticket packages are available with savings of 20%.
Premier Hospitality Packages are also available, where fans can experience premium F&B menus, courtside seating, exclusive Q&A sessions with a star player and much more. More details are available on www.mubadalawtc.com.
Ticket Prices (AED)
| Categories | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| Premier | AED 795.00 | AED 1,395.00 | AED 1,795.00 |
| Category 1 (Adult) | AED 250.00 | AED 450.00 | AED 650.00 |
| Category 1 (Child 2-12) | FREE* | AED 350.00 | AED 450.00 |
| Category 2 (Adult) | AED 100.00 | AED 250.00 | AED 300.00 |
| Category 2 (Child 2-12) | FREE* | AED 150.00 | AED 200.00 |
| 3-Day Package – Premier | AED 3,188.00 | ||
| 3-Day Package – Category 1 (Adult) | AED 1,080.00 | ||
| 3-Day Package – Category 1 (Child 2-12) | AED 640.00 | ||
| 3-Day Package – Category 2 (Adult) | AED 520.00 | ||
| 3-Day Package – Category 2 (Child 2-12) | AED 280.00 | ||
*Children aged 12 and under enter free on Day 1 with a purchase of an Adult Ticket by calling 800 86 823 or International +971 4 366 2289
