Mubadala Unveils Abu Dhabi-inspired World Tennis Championship Trophy

With four days to go until the start of the Mubadala World Tennis Championships, organisers have unveiled a new official trophy inspired by Abu Dhabi.

The trophy - designed by Emirati artist, designer and Mubadala employee Ashwaq Abdulla – pays homage to the ‘Volcano Fountain’, one of Abu Dhabi’s most recognisable landmarks from decades past.

Built in the 1980s, the fountain was widely recognised as a symbol of peaceful co-existence, unity and tolerance. It was demolished in 2004.

According to the UAE’s state-run WAM news agency, the new trophy also evokes the original fountain’s characteristic Emirati architecture that remains visible in attractions including the Qasr Al Hosn and Al Maqtaa and Al Jahili forts.

Abdulla, who previously created the WTA Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic trophy for the US tournament, is now the first Emirati woman to design the Mubadala World Tennis Championship’s top prize.

“This is a very special occasion and I wanted the trophy design to reflect the essence of Abu Dhabi and some of the much-loved heritage architecture of our proud country,” she said.

“The Volcano Fountain and the iconography of our historic forts are synonymous with Abu Dhabi and its vibrant culture,” Abdulla added. “This design blends traditional elements with modern materials – the trophy is symbolic of Abu Dhabi. I hope it rekindles fond memories of Abu Dhabi every time the winner looks at it.”

The trophy, which took two months to complete, will be on display at the International Tennis Centre throughout the three-day championship.