Quick answer
The 15th SMK Tennis Tournament runs from 6 to 20 November 2026 in Abu Dhabi. It is a women's event with an opening gala on 6 November and finals plus a closing gala on 20 November. Players from Saudi Arabia and Qatar join Emirati competitors for the first time.
Key takeaways
- Dates: 6 to 20 November 2026, with matches over 15 evenings in Abu Dhabi.
- First time: female players from Saudi Arabia and Qatar join Emirati players in ladies' singles and doubles.
- Opening gala on 6 November; championship finals and closing gala on 20 November.
- A wellness experience with KAYAN Wellness Festival and Linkviva takes place on 14 November.
- ADNIC is the headline sponsor of the anniversary edition.
In this article
The SMK Tennis Tournament is turning 15, and the anniversary edition gives Abu Dhabi two weeks of women's tennis. It takes place from 6 to 20 November 2026, and the organisers describe it as a celebration of Emirati women in sport, of confidence and leadership, and of families and generations coming together through tennis.
Match kit and clay: the look of the 15th SMK Tennis Tournament.
What is the SMK Tennis Tournament?
The SMK Tennis Tournament is an annual women's sporting and community event in Abu Dhabi. It was founded by HH Sheikha Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, who also hosts the 2026 edition. Alongside it runs the SMK Tennis Academy, and together they support women's participation in tennis, personal development and community engagement.
The 2026 edition is held under the patronage of HH Sheikha Mariam bint Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Dates and format
The tournament runs for 15 days, from 6 to 20 November 2026, with the competition played across 15 evenings. The organisers have planned the matches alongside a programme of wellness and fitness experiences, conversations, workshops and exclusive activations.
- 6 November: opening gala, which launches the anniversary celebrations.
- 14 November: an exclusive wellness experience presented with KAYAN Wellness Festival and Linkviva, both joining the tournament for the first time.
- 20 November: championship finals and closing gala.
Tennis balls in hand at the net, against a dramatic red sky backdrop.
A first for the region
This year marks a first for the tournament: female players from the Gulf join Emirati competitors in ladies' singles and doubles. Participants from Saudi Arabia and Qatar are taking part, which widens the event's regional links and its aim of creating more opportunities for women through sport.
Racket in hand: Emirati women have been at the centre of the tournament since the beginning.
Fifteen years of impact
For 15 years the tournament and the academy have helped women build sporting ability, resilience, self-belief and lasting community connections. The organisers link this milestone to the UAE's long-standing commitment to the advancement of women, and say it honours the players, families and partners behind the event, as well as the next generation it hopes to inspire.
The court set for the anniversary celebrations.
Partners behind the 15th edition
ADNIC is the headline sponsor. Corporate and strategic partners include ADX, Mubadala Women, SAAS Properties, ADCB, PureHealth, Aldar, NCT&H, Next Health, Sindan and Mahawa.
Luxury and lifestyle partners include Piaget, Cheval Blanc Seychelles, Carter & White, Villeroy & Boch, GoodMoon, Abu Dhabi Retail and Waterdrop, each contributing bespoke experiences to the celebration.
An aerial view of the waterside court with the Abu Dhabi skyline at sunset.
Venue, tickets and how to get in touch
The organisers' announcement says the tournament takes place in Abu Dhabi from 6 to 20 November 2026. It does not name a venue, and it does not say how to attend or buy tickets. EmiratesAmazing.com has not confirmed ticketing or entry arrangements, so please check with the organisers before you plan a visit.
- Email: smktennies@gmail.com
- Instagram: @smk_tennis
- Announcement: the Abu Dhabi Media Office published the tournament news on 5 November 2026.
SMK Tennis does not appear to run a separate public website, so the Instagram page and the email above are the places to ask about the programme.
The bottom line
The 15th SMK Tennis Tournament is a milestone for women's sport in the UAE: two weeks of evening tennis in Abu Dhabi, a wider regional field for the first time, and a wellness and lifestyle programme around the matches. Mark 6 November for the opening gala and 20 November for the finals.
Frequently asked questions
When is the SMK Tennis Tournament 2026?
The 15th SMK Tennis Tournament runs from 6 to 20 November 2026 in Abu Dhabi, with the opening gala on 6 November and the championship finals and closing gala on 20 November.
Who can play in the SMK Tennis Tournament?
It is a women's tournament. In 2026, for the first time, female players from the Gulf join Emirati competitors in ladies' singles and doubles, with participants from Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Who founded the SMK Tennis Tournament?
The tournament was founded by HH Sheikha Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, who also hosts the 2026 edition. The SMK Tennis Academy runs alongside it.
Is there anything besides tennis at the 2026 tournament?
Yes. The evenings include wellness and fitness experiences, conversations, workshops and exclusive activations, plus a wellness experience on 14 November with KAYAN Wellness Festival and Linkviva.
How can I get tickets or more information?
The organisers' announcement gives no ticket, venue or entry details. You can contact them by email at smktennies@gmail.com or through their Instagram page, @smk_tennis.
Who sponsors the SMK Tennis Tournament 2026?
ADNIC is the headline sponsor, joined by partners including ADX, Mubadala Women, SAAS Properties, ADCB, PureHealth, Aldar and others, and luxury partners such as Piaget and Cheval Blanc Seychelles.
Where is the SMK Tennis Tournament 2026 held?
The tournament takes place in Abu Dhabi. The organisers have not named the exact venue in their announcement, so ask them directly by email or on Instagram for the location.
