An artist's impression of the upgraded Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium is set for its biggest transformation in three decades, with organisers announcing a two-phase redevelopment that will reshape the venue ahead of the 2027 Championships. The upgrade will enhance both the player and fan experience at the Al Garhoud venue, home of the annual Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Initial improvements will be introduced during the 2026 tournament, while the full redevelopment will be completed in time for the 2027 edition. The redesign is being led by stadium design consultancy BDP Pattern, with Turner & Townsend serving as project managers. Organisers said the expansion reflects Dubai’s standing as a global host city for major sporting events. The 2026 Championships, which begin on February 15, will introduce a temporary 2,000-seat Court 1 next to the main stadium. Fans will also see early upgrades to public areas as part of the first phase. In the second phase, Centre Court capacity will increase by approximately 50 percent, adding around 2,500 seats. Improvements will also include upgrades to concourses, seating and hospitality areas. A redesigned Northern and Southern Fan Village with activation areas, shaded seating and expanded food and beverage offerings is scheduled for completion ahead of the 2027 tournament. “These redevelopment works, which are scheduled over two years, represent a defining moment for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and underline our commitment to delivering a world-class experience for players, fans, and partners alike,” said Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and Chair of the Tournament Organising Committee. “For more than three decades, this venue has been central to Dubai’s sporting identity, and these upgrades and expansions ensure we continue to raise the bar in line with the city’s global ambitions. The new Court 1 and expanded fan zones will be in place for the 2026 tournament, with the Centre Court expansion and upgrade available for the 2027 tournament. These changes will transform how our community engages with the event,” he added. One highlight for 2026 is that fans can register for free through Ticketmaster to access the new Court 1. The court will host high-profile matches from both the WTA 1000 and ATP 500 draws, particularly during the early rounds. Spectators can also register to watch matches on other side courts at no cost. Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, described the redevelopment as a new chapter for the tournament. “This is an exciting new chapter for the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, and we are proud to elevate every aspect of the tournament experience,” Tahlak said. “Our priority has always been to create an atmosphere where players feel at home and fans enjoy world-class entertainment both on and off the court. The upgraded facilities reflect our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. These changes will enrich the energy and accessibility of the Championships, ensuring that everyone who walks through our gates in 2026 feels the unique spirit and hospitality that Dubai is known for.” The 26th edition of the women’s WTA 1000 event will run from February 15 to 21, followed by the 34th edition of the men’s ATP 500 tournament from February 22 to 28. This year’s women’s tournament will feature 18 of the world’s Top 20 players, including reigning Dubai champion Mirra Andreeva. Filipina tennis star Alex Eala will also be competing. MFD/Expat Media
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