Emma Raducanu will compete at the second edition of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open next month, with the 2021 Grand Slam winner the latest player confirmed to participate in the WTA 500 event, ahead of the main draw being announced on January 9.
Presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the competition takes place at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, from February 3-11, and is set to feature some of the world’s best female tennis players with Raducanu, who enters as a wildcard, joining fan favourite, Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur and World Number 11, Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia as confirmed participants.
The hotly anticipated player field, which is expected to include many of the WTA top 20-ranked players, will be revealed on January 9.
Raducanu rose to prominence in 2021 when she defied the odds to win the US Open at the age of 18 having entered the main draw as a qualifier, eventually defeating Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the final.
The victory ensured she became the first qualifier to win a Grand Slam tournament in the Open Era, while the fact she secured the title without dropping a single set throughout the competition made her achievement even more remarkable.
The 21-year-old said: “I’m looking forward to competing at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in February alongside a very strong field.
“The first edition of the event was a big success and I’m sure this year’s tournament will be equally as exciting. I can’t wait to come back and perform in front of the Abu Dhabi tennis fans again.”
Nigel Gupta, Tournament Director at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, added, “We are thrilled to announce that Emma Raducanu will be competing at this year’s tournament.
“It’s great to see her back on court and competing at the highest level and we are hugely excited at the prospect of watching her play in Abu Dhabi. With the competition now less than one month away, excitement is really starting to build with the main draw entry list being revealed tomorrow (Tuesday).”
Raducanu will be part of a 28-player field competing at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, with 18 direct acceptances through the entry list and six places available through qualification. There are also four wildcard entrants, which include the Kent-born star.
Having recently returned to action following a spell out injured, she competed at the ASB Classic in Auckland last week, reaching the final 16.
Her focus now turns to the Australian Open, where she will continue her comeback. The tournament begins on Sunday, January 14.
Following the conclusion of the first Grand Slam of 2024, Raducanu will then head to the UAE.
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.