Fujairah is set to become a focal point on the international tennis calendar after the UAE Tennis and Padel Federation confirmed plans to stage three major international tournaments in the emirate, in cooperation with Fujairah Tennis Club, marking a significant expansion of competitive sport offerings outside the country’s largest cities.The events, scheduled across the current season, will carry international ranking points and attract professional players from multiple regions, according to officials familiar with the planning. Organisers said the combined prize money will run into several hundred thousand dollars, positioning the tournaments as among the most substantial tennis events ever hosted in Fujairah and underlining the emirate’s ambition to establish itself as a recognised destination for elite competition.
The tournaments will be sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation, ensuring compliance with global standards on officiating, player welfare and court specifications. Officials indicated that the calendar will include both men’s and women’s competitions, offering pathways for emerging players while also drawing experienced professionals seeking ranking points and competitive exposure in the Gulf region.
The UAE Tennis and Padel Federation described the move as part of a broader strategy to decentralise high-level sport and broaden access beyond traditional host cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Federation representatives said Fujairah’s growing infrastructure, combined with local institutional support, made it a strong candidate to host events of this scale.
Fujairah Tennis Club, which will serve as the primary venue, has undergone phased upgrades in recent years, including court resurfacing, lighting improvements and expanded training facilities. Club officials said preparations are under way to meet the technical requirements set by international governing bodies, with an emphasis on player services, spectator access and broadcast readiness.
Sports administrators in the UAE have increasingly focused on leveraging international tournaments to stimulate local participation and talent development. Hosting ranking events allows domestic players to compete at home against international opposition, reducing travel costs and providing exposure that can be difficult to secure elsewhere. Federation officials said wildcard entries would be considered to ensure opportunities for UAE-based athletes.
The decision to bring three tournaments to Fujairah also reflects a wider trend in the Middle East, where governments and sports bodies are investing heavily in global sporting events as part of economic diversification strategies. Tennis has emerged as a particular focus, with the region already hosting several high-profile ATP and WTA tournaments alongside a growing circuit of ITF events.
Local authorities in Fujairah have highlighted the expected economic impact, pointing to increased hotel occupancy, hospitality spending and international visibility for the emirate. While the tournaments are not expected to match the scale of the largest tour-level events, officials said they would deliver steady inflows of athletes, support staff and spectators over several weeks.
Event organisers said the timing of the tournaments had been selected to align with the international calendar, allowing players to incorporate Fujairah into broader regional schedules. This approach is designed to make participation more attractive and ensure competitive draws, particularly from Europe, Asia and Africa.
The initiative builds on the UAE’s established reputation as a host of international sport, spanning football, golf, motorsport and combat sports. Tennis administrators said the addition of Fujairah to the circuit strengthens the country’s overall offering and provides flexibility in scheduling future events.
Officials also emphasised the role of community engagement, noting plans for junior clinics, coaching workshops and school outreach programmes to coincide with the tournaments. These initiatives are intended to create a legacy beyond the professional matches and encourage sustained participation in the sport at grassroots level.
Security, logistics and medical services will be coordinated with local authorities, following protocols used for other international sporting events in the emirate. Organisers said contingency planning had been incorporated into the event framework to address weather conditions and player health requirements.
The confirmation of three international tournaments in Fujairah comes amid steady growth in tennis participation across the UAE, supported by private academies and public facilities. Federation data indicates rising junior enrolment and increased interest in competitive pathways, trends that officials believe will be reinforced by the visibility of high-level events in new locations.
Topics
Live News