Fujairah raises bar with three international tennis events and $200,000 prize purse

The UAE Tennis and Padel Federation, in cooperation with Fujairah Tennis Club, announced the organization of three major international tennis tournaments with total prize money of $200,000.The events are sponsored and supported by the Government of Fujairah and held in collaboration with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), and Aramco.The announcement was made during a press conference held at the club’s headquarters on Sunday attended by Abdul Ghafour Behroozian, Chairman of the Board of Fujairah Tennis & Country Club; Omar Sharif Al Marzooqi, Board Member of the UAE Tennis and Padel Federation; Club Director Hania Reggi; ITF Supervisor Lucy Adamovska; and ATP Supervisor Jiri AdamovskyThe women’s tournament will take place from January 26–31, with prize money of $100,000, featuring a select group of the world’s top-ranked female players.The second tournament will be held on March 2, and the third on March 9, each with prize money of $50,000.Abdulghafour Behroozian described hosting internationally ranked tournaments as one of the outcomes of the qualitative transformation achieved by Fujairah Tennis & Country Club.He emphasized that the sustainability of cooperation with the UAE Tennis and Padel Federation will lead to further qualitative successes. He noted that every tournament held in Fujairah represents a distinctive developmental, community, and competitive project that supports Emirati players—both citizens and residents—by encouraging tennis participation and providing opportunities to support national teams.He also pointed out that there is a strategic plan aimed at achieving further gains, praising the confidence placed by both the UAE Tennis and Padel Federation and the International Tennis Federation, which has resulted in an even greater qualitative leap.Behroozian underscored the long-term vision and historic significance of the event, saying:“We are fully committed to creating a lasting impact for Fujairah and for future generations. “This marks the emirate’s first W100 tournament, featuring players ranked inside the world’s top 100.”For his part, Omar Sharif Al Marzooqi stated that Fujairah Tennis & Country Club’s success in attracting and hosting new international tournaments reflects its strong reputation at both the local and international levels.Marzooqi added: “We have ambitious plans for the future. With Tennis & Country Club Fujairah as a valued partner, we are exploring additional international tournaments and deeper collaboration moving forward. These events will elevate the emirate's global profile through worldwide live streaming on ELC.”He noted that the federation’s Board of Directors, chaired by Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, is keen to support the success of tournaments organized across the UAE at all levels.He added that Tennis & Country Club Fujairah represents a strong motivation to continue the success of the Emirati tennis family by spreading tennis culture in the UAE, developing the sport, and keeping pace with global standards across most emirates. He expressed hopes to double these efforts in a way that empowers both local and residents, considering this an important incentive to continue practicing the sport.Reggi affirmed that the club is fully prepared to welcome the world-class players participating in the tournaments, ensuring that all technical and organizational requirements are met in close collaboration with the UAE Tennis and Padel Federation. She extended a warm welcome to the tournament guests on behalf of the club and its sponsors.“We have devoted extensive effort to perfecting every aspect of the club’s infrastructure and operations, meeting the highest standards required by our affiliated organizations. Our foremost priority is the players and their experience, and we are committed to delivering excellence without compromise,” she added.Adamovska said: “I am very happy to be part of this important tournament. The tournament will witness the participation of outstanding players from the world’s top 100 rankings, coming from Australia, Japan, and Spain, with no participants ranked below the top 200.”She expressed strong confidence in the tournament line-up.“Registrations are very strong, and I am confident in the quality of players. Several top athletes who have never competed in Fujairah before will be taking part in this tournament.”Highlighting a historic milestone for men’s tennis in the emirate, Jiri said:  “Fujairah Tennis and Country Club will host ATP Challenger events for the first time, marking a historic debut for men’s professional tennis in the emirate. This could be the start of a journey toward hosting high-profile men’s tournaments. With the introduction of new technology and increased club exposure, the impact of these events will be even greater.“We place great confidence in the Tennis Club, led by Mr. Abdulghafour, to ensure the success of this tournament. I believe that the club’s facilities and courts are comparable to those found in international tournaments,” he added.