Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open set for third edition in early 2025

Elena Rybakina was the winner of the 2024 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, the second edition of the tournament. (Supplied)
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Updated 10 September 2024
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Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open set for third edition in early 2025

  • 28 singles players and 16 doubles pairs will come together for 8 days of tennis action in the UAE capital

ABU DHABI: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is set to return for the third time in 2025 after its successful second edition earlier this year.

The Women’s Tennis Association and International Management Group have announced that the tournament will take center stage at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, from Feb. 1-8.

Secretary-General of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Aref Hamad Al Awani, said: “We continue to steadily build on the success of this prestigious championship, following the excellence demonstrated in the past two editions.

“The championship highlights our commitment to hosting world-class events in Abu Dhabi, the global sports capital, backed by the confidence of official sports federations and organizations, as well as the exceptional infrastructure that positions Abu Dhabi as a premier global destination, attracting top sports stars from around the world.”

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has quickly established itself as one of the highest-profile tournaments in women’s tennis, with strong line-ups competing for valuable ranking points.

With 28 singles players and 16 top doubles teams, the third edition aims to build on the success of this year’s event, where former Grand Slam champion and World No. 4 Elena Rybakina clinched the singles title and Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Sofia Kenin triumphed in the doubles.

Homaid Al-Shimmari, deputy group CEO and chief corporate and human capital officer for Mubadala Investment Company, said: “The third edition of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open promises to be the best yet, offering an unparalleled experience that celebrates world-class tennis. Our commitment to this event highlights our dedication to supporting women’s professional tennis, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global presence, and fostering engagement through world-class sporting experiences.”

Women’s Tennis Association CEO Portia Archer added: “We’re excited to welcome the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open back for the 2025 season after an impressive second edition featuring eight of the world’s top 20 players. The tournament’s exceptional organization and passionate fan base make it a favorite among WTA players.”


Australia’s Green becomes IPL’s most expensive overseas player

Updated 16 December 2025
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Australia’s Green becomes IPL’s most expensive overseas player

  • Kolkata Knight Riders sign Cameron Green for $2.77 million at player auction for 2026 season
  • Aussie cricketer is set to play in the third Ashes test against England starting on Wednesday

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas player in the Indian Premier League (IPL), after Kolkata Knight Riders signed him for 252 million Indian rupees ($2.77 million) at the player auction for the 2026 season in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Green, who was initially registered as a batsman due to an error, was the subject of intense bidding between Kolkata and Chennai Super Kings before being purchased by the three-times champions.

The 26-year-old is the third most expensive player in IPL history, after India’s Rishabh Pant (270 million Indian rupees) and Shreyas Iyer (267.5 million). “We are very happy. This is something that we were really focused on... I think he adds a lot to our team,” Kolkata CEO Venky Mysore said.

Australian Mitchell Starc, the previous most expensive foreign player in the competition, attracted a bid of 247.5 million Indian rupees in 2024 from Kolkata, who have made three of the five most expensive buys in IPL history.

Green, who missed the IPL this year as he was recovering from back surgery, is set to play in the third Ashes test against England starting on Wednesday.

Kolkata also spent big on Sri Lankan seamer Matheesha Pathirana and Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman.

Five-time champions Chennai splurged 142 million Indian rupees each on wicketkeeper-batter Kartik Sharma, who has hit 16 sixes in this season’s Ranji Trophy, and all-rounder Prashant Veer, making them the most expensive uncapped signings in IPL history.

Delhi Capitals bought England batter Ben Duckett and South Africa’s David Miller for 20 million Indian rupees each.

The 19th edition of the IPL begins on March 26, after India co-hosts the Twenty20 World Cup starting in February.