ASPIRING TENNIS OFFICIALS CAN NOW SIGN UP FOR THE MUBADALA ABU DHABI OPEN CHAIR UMPIRE PROGRAMME
Unique opportunity presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council to become a certified Chair Umpire
Graduates will receive official certification through the ITF (International Tennis Federation) Training and Officiating Programme
Course takes place across two weekends in January
December 19, 2024 – Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council is launching a groundbreaking Chair Umpire Programme ahead of the 2025 tournament, giving participants an opportunity to develop their officiating skills on the way to becoming a fully qualified Chair Umpire, while also elevating the standard of local officials.
Following the success of the Line Umpire Programme, which was created in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Sports Council the lead-up to the 2024 event, the focus now turns to officiating, with the programme providing the first step towards becoming an official Chair Umpire.
The course will be overseen by Hany El Khafief, Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Chief of Officials, while graduates will receive official certification through the ITF (International Tennis Federation) Training and Officiating Programme.
The Chair Umpire Programme takes place across two weekends in January (11/12 and 18/19), with those candidates who progress becoming a Chair Umpire during the Road to MADO play-offs, a competition for amateurs which will be held as part of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, from February 1-8 at International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City.
El Khafief, who has been involved in tennis officiating for over 35 years, said: “Officiating plays a vital role in the long-term evolution of any sport, and in the UAE, we lack the number of officials to match the growth of tennis.
“Led by vastly experienced officials, the programme will provide participants with the required attributes to succeed in the role, while also reinforcing the fact that there are multiple opportunities available within tennis both on and off-court.
“For the 2025 tournament, we have reduced the number of overseas officials from 45 to 20, and we will fully utilise the Abu Dhabi-based officials for the entire week, which will provide them with invaluable experience.
“With the opportunity to play an important role at the 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, one of the region’s prominent sporting events, we encourage aspiring officials to sign up for what could potentially be a life-changing experience.”
The Chair Umpire Programme will comprise two modules, the first of which is designed to give students in-depth information about the rules of tennis, and what the Chair Umpire’s duties and procedures are during the match, with an overview of the player’s code of conduct and disciplinary action.
The second module will be dedicated solely to off-court officiating, providing an understanding of how to deal with various situations which may arise when working as an off-court official. Commonly experienced situations include scoring disputes, incorrect calls and complaints about ball marks.
The player field for the 2025 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is already taking shape, with three of the WTA’s top 20-ranked stars already confirmed.
Daria Kasatkina, world number. 9, and a beaten finalist at this year’s competition, will return to the capital for another shot at the prestigious title, and she will be joined by world number. 12, Paula Badosa, winner of the Mubadala Citi DC Open earlier this year, along with world number. 17, Beatriz Haddad Maia, who has reached two consecutive semi-finals at the tournament.
Fan favourite and former world number. 2, Ons Jabeur, will also be participating having missed a large chunk of this season through injury, while Belinda Bencic, who became the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open’s inaugural champion in 2023, returns to the capital.
Those fans wishing to attend the tournament can now take advantage of a special “25 to 2025” festive offer, providing discounted tickets and chances to win exclusive memorabilia.
From now until December 31, enjoy a 25 percent discount on Category 1 and 2 tickets for both the quarter-finals and semi-finals (February 6 and 7).
Additionally, the first 25 people purchasing tickets using the code MADO2025 will win signed memorabilia, while 25 Category 1 ticket holders will be chosen at random to receive a hospitality upgrade.
Tickets can be purchased now at www.mubadalaabudhabiopen.com. Children can attend the first five days of the tournament free of charge, while adult ticket prices start from just AED 25.
