If you thought the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open was only about big serves, big names, and bigger crowds — think again. Behind the glitz of centre court is a feel-good tennis story that’s quietly (okay, confidently) shaping the future of the sport in the UAE. Enter: Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, the grassroots initiative proving that today’s ball kids and junior champs could very well be tomorrow’s headline acts.
Date: 31 January to 7 February 2026
From local courts to centre court dreams
The Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is basically tennis’ version of a glow-up montage. Young players from across the UAE compete in multiple age categories, rack up points, level up their rankings, and — wait for it — earn the chance to play finals during the actual tournament week at the International Tennis Centre. Yes, the same courts where the world’s elite are battling it out. No pressure… just lifelong memories.
Designed to inspire participation and long-term development, the programme is fully sanctioned by the UAE Tennis Federation and supported by Mubadala as a key pillar of the tournament’s community legacy. Translation? This isn’t a one-off photo-op — it’s a proper pathway.
All ages welcome (yes, even the over-35s)
This isn’t just a juniors-only affair. The competition ladder spans U12, U14, U16, adult divisions, and even over-35 categories. Tournaments are hosted across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah, with players earning points toward official national rankings and a dedicated Road to MADO leaderboard. Top performers advance through playoffs before stepping onto centre court during tournament week — cue goosebumps.
Prizes that make you double-take
Sure, ranking points are great. But the incentives here are next-level. Standout youth champions can win all-expenses-paid training experiences at the legendary Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy — the same academy that helped shape Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz. Not bad for a week that started with a local qualifier, right?
As Mubadala’s Deputy Chief Communications Officer Umayma Abubakar puts it, the programme reflects a long-term commitment to youth development, community participation, and connecting grassroots sport with the global stage. In short: invest early, dream big.
Meet the rising stars
And oh yes — the talent is already shining.
- Rafa Aldemita, a 13-year-old Dubai-based player from the Philippines, topped the Under-14 Boys category after an impressive series run. His takeaway? Playing finals at a major tournament is the kind of motivation that makes you dream much bigger.
- Timur Gordeev, 15, Russian-born and raised in Dubai, defended his Under-16 Boys title for the second year running in 2025. Consistency, confidence, and serious competitive edge? Check, check, check.
- Then there’s Isabelle James, the Bulgarian-born, Dubai-based talent who’s quietly building a dynasty. The 14-year-old claimed the Under-14s title in both 2024 and 2025 and is now chasing a hat-trick. Bonus highlight? Training at the Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy and meeting top WTA players — casually unforgettable.
All eyes on 2026
The momentum is perfectly timed, with the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open returning from 31 January to 7 February 2026 for its fourth edition as a WTA 500 event. The early player list already includes defending champion Belinda Bencic, Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko, and Filipina breakthrough talent Alexandra Eala — with more names expected to drop soon.
Organised by Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open partners MARI and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the tournament continues to blend elite tennis with meaningful community impact.
So while the spotlight may shine brightest on centre court, don’t blink — the next big tennis story might already be warming up just down the road. And thanks to Road to MADO, they’re getting their shot, one forehand at a time.
