Fujairah: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the Emirate is poised to make history in regional tennis as the Fujairah Tennis and Country Club gears up to host its inaugural Fujairah Open I, an ATP Challenger 50 event, slated from 2nd March to 15th March 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, this two-week professional tournament marks a pivotal step for tennis development in the emirate, offering international competition and world-ranking opportunities on the UAE's East Coast. The ATP Challenger 50 tournament is a vital pathway for players seeking to advance in global rankings and transition to the ATP Tour. By hosting this tournament, Fujairah aligns itself with a prestigious list of international cities that provide competitive platforms for both emerging and seasoned professionals.
The tournament will feature a 32-player main draw, a 24-player qualifying draw, and a 16-pair doubles draw. Matches are scheduled to commence daily at 11:00 AM, with singles finals on the 8th and 15th of March, and doubles finals on the 7th and 14th of March. Oversight will be provided by Jiri Adamovsky, ATP Supervisor, ensuring compliance with ATP standards and regulations. The comprehensive officiating team includes six chair umpires and three review officials, supported by eight to ten match assistants for on-court operations, logistical coordination, and player support. Technical precision will be maintained by three Bolt6 operators and two Crionet specialists, managing live scoring and review systems.
Operational efficiency is a focal point of the tournament, with the players' desk functioning on a rotational basis to provide continuous assistance. Reception teams will handle services such as stringing, laundry, guidance, and general coordination. A dedicated desk for practice balls and courts will be established in the lobby to facilitate training schedules.
The VIP room will serve as the players' lounge, while the officials' office will be positioned upstairs to ensure player comfort. Five housekeeping staff members will maintain the courts and surrounding areas. Hotel accommodations for players will be centrally managed, with many competitors expected to stay in Fujairah for both weeks to utilize practice facilities.
A team of 27 ball kids will be assembled, emphasizing youth involvement and community engagement. The ball kids program will be professionally managed to ensure smooth on-court coordination throughout the tournament.
Hosting the Fujairah Open I, an ATP Challenger 50 event, reflects Fujairah's growing ambition in international tennis. The tournament provides valuable ATP ranking points and positions the Fujairah Tennis and Country Club as an emerging hub for professional competition in the Middle East. With world-class organization, dedicated staff, and robust operational planning, the inaugural ATP Challenger 50 in Fujairah is set to deliver two weeks of elite tennis, establishing a new benchmark for future sporting events in the Emirate.