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

Tennis fans in Dubai will soon get the chance to watch world-class matches for free as organisers of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships open complimentary access to the brand-new Court 1. The free access comes as part of a major two-phase redevelopment of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, marking the venue’s biggest transformation in three decades. Starting with the 2026 Championships on February 15, fans can register through Ticketmaster for free entry to the new temporary 2,000-seat Court 1, located next to the main stadium in Al Garhoud. The court is expected to 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, giving more people the chance to experience top-level tennis up close. Organisers say the move is designed to make the tournament more accessible while enhancing the overall fan experience.

Stadium transformation in two phases

The redevelopment will roll out in two stages. Initial upgrades will be visible during the 2026 tournament, while the full transformation will be completed ahead of the 2027 Championships. The redesign is being led by stadium design consultancy BDP Pattern, with Turner & Townsend serving as project managers. In the second phase, Centre Court capacity will increase by approximately 50 percent, adding around 2,500 seats. There will also be upgrades to concourses, seating and hospitality areas. A redesigned Northern and Southern Fan Village is also planned. The new spaces will feature activation zones, shaded seating areas and expanded food and beverage options, creating a more lively and comfortable environment for spectators. Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free and Chair of the Tournament Organising Committee, described the redevelopment as a milestone. “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,” Cidambi said. “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. Salah Tahlak, Tournament Director and Deputy Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said the redevelopment marks a new chapter. “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.”

What to expect in 2026

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 is set to feature 18 of the world’s Top 20 players, including reigning Dubai champion Mirra Andreeva, World No1 Aryna Sabalenka and six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Świątek. Tickets for the 2026 Championships are now on sale, starting from Dh65. Fans who want to secure free seats at Court 1 are encouraged to register early, as availability is expected to be limited. CAM/Expat Media
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