The eagerly awaited annual gathering celebrating the remarkable talents of Emirati sportswomen, held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and hosted by Her Highness Sheikha Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, is set to return for its 14th edition from 7 – 21 November 2025.
This year’s event is possible with thanks to much-loved local organisations, presented by SMK Tennis and FURA Gems, in collaboration with ADCB Private, Abu Dhabi Retail, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, ADX, FAB, Mubadala Investment Company, and hydration partner Ma Hawa. Luxury brand partners for this year’s edition include Penhaligon’s, Lacoste, and David Morris. The 2025 tournament also marks a special new collaboration with the WTA Foundation, who will host a gala dinner and a series of empowerment initiatives during the event. For the first time, the event will be held at the private marina of Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi. Newly established as the tournament’s permanent home, the waterfront venue is a tranquil space befitting the spirit and sophistication of the event. Over 15 days, 30 Emirati players will compete in a series of matches, showcasing their immense skill, determination, and sportsmanship. The event attracts hundreds of guests annually, uniting athletes, sponsors, and tennis enthusiasts in a celebration of sport and community. Talented players who will grace the court include previous winners and crowd favourites Shaika Al Zaabi, Mahra Al Mulla, Hadeel Al Qadi, Maha Bin Hendi and Ayesha Al Fahim. Alongside world-class tennis action, the tournament will offer guests a curated programme of fitness sessions, sports and lifestyle talks and activations, fragrance workshops, exclusive dinners, and networking opportunities.
A Legacy of Empowering Emirati Women in Sport Dedicated to nurturing sporting enthusiasm and talent, the SMK Tennis Tournament has championed the growth of Emirati women in sport for more than a decade. With the steadfast support of its sponsors and partners, the tournament continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of Emirati sportswomen. The SMK Tennis Tournament is inspired by the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, may God bless her. Her Highness’s lifelong dedication to empowering Emirati women continues to guide and inspire the nation. Her vision has paved the way for women to lead and excel across all fields, fostering progress, equality, and opportunity. Building on this legacy, the SMK Tennis Tournament celebrates the strength, talent, and determination of Emirati women, honouring the values of leadership and empowerment that Her Highness has championed for decades. Sheikha Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan said: “I am proud of our shared mission to advance the game of tennis in the United Arab Emirates. Our focus is on empowering female Emirati players through progressive training programmes tailored to their development and success. The Academy was created to provide an environment where players can train with confidence, refine their skills and grow both on and off the court. Each year, we celebrate this journey of progress with our annual tournament, a special occasion that unites players of all levels, from aspiring beginners to accomplished athletes, in a shared passion for the sport and the spirit of competition.” Gaurav Guota, Chairman of FURA Gems, said: “We are proud to be the Headline Sponsor of the SMK Tennis Tournament — an event that beautifully reflects the values of empowerment, discipline, and excellence. For this occasion, we are delighted to offer guests an immersive experience that reveals the extraordinary journey of gemstones, from their raw origins deep in the earth to their transformation into radiant masterpieces. At FURA Gems, this journey mirrors our own philosophy of empowerment — a process shaped by patience, dedication, and care. As a global leader in responsibly mined coloured gemstones, we are inspired by the SMK Tournament’s vision and its celebration of women’s strength, talent, and resilience. Across our mines and communities worldwide, we have seen how opportunity can transform lives. These same values — opportunity, hard work, and determination — guide everything we do at FURA Gems and perfectly embody the spirit of this remarkable event.” Noora Al Foulathi, Head of Abu Dhabi Retail said: “As an Emirati woman, I take immense pride in witnessing how platforms like the SMK Tennis Academy are shaping a new generation of confident, driven female athletes in our city. This collaboration is about far more than sport, it’s a celebration of determination, self-belief, and the unifying power of community. Through Abu Dhabi Retail’s partnership with the Academy, and our exclusive Penhaligon’s activation unveiling a fragrance crafted especially for Abu Dhabi, we’re capturing the spirit of the city, one that celebrates women, creativity, and excellence in every form. It’s a reflection of our shared vision to nurture talent, inspire progress, and honour the dynamic role women continue to play in shaping the cultural heartbeat of the capital.” Julia Koeppen, Global General Manager of Penhaligon’s: “We are delighted to announce an exclusive collaboration with acclaimed jeweller Dries Criel to create a limited-edition bottle of Empressa, the iconic scent, to be revealed at Abu Dhabi’s SMK Tennis Tournament. Reimagined in an exclusive 200ml format with a traditional stopper, Empressa finds new splendour in a bottle adorned with 18-carat gold detailing and mother-of-pearl, finished with Dries Criel’s meticulous hand. The bottle is designed to reflect the fragrance’s inspiration – precious fabrics, jewels and the silks once destined for women of power – as well as honour Abu Dhabi’s significant pearl trade heritage. As one of the largest exporters of pearl, Penhaligon’s and Dries Criel have honoured Abu Dhabi’s heritage with a design that places mother-of-pearl at the forefront of this exclusive edition. With only one bottle on display this edition is an exquisite rarity.”
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