With only four days away, Abu Dhabi's Mubadala has unveiled the new official trophy for the 12th edition of the Arabian Gulf’s leading tennis experience, World Tennis Championship, in Zayed Sports City.
Designed by acclaimed artist and Mubadala employee, Ashwaq Abdulla, the trophy pays tribute to the UAE capital’s ‘Volcano Fountain,’ one of Abu Dhabi’s preeminent landmarks.
The fountain was built in the 1980s and became a symbol of co-existence, unity and tolerance, key values upon which a modern Abu Dhabi continues to thrive.
The new trophy evokes the original fountain’s distinguishing characteristics of unique Emirati architecture prevalent in key Abu Dhabi cultural attractions such as the capital’s majestic Qasr Al Hosn, and Al Maqtaa fort in the city’s Bab Al Bahr waterway, as well as Al Jahili fort in the desert oasis city of Al Ain.
Made from coloured crystal, Abdulla’s stunning trophy took two months to make and will be on display at the International Tennis Centre throughout the three-day championship for fans to experience.
As the UAE capital readies for the return of the world’s best male and female tennis stars at this week’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, from December 19 – 21, the instantly iconic new trophy is the work of homegrown talent, said the statement from Mubadala.
Having previously created the WTA Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic trophy for the US tournament, Abdulla is the first Emirati woman to design the Mubadala World Tennis Championship’s top prize, it added.
She revealed the fountain provided the perfect inspiration for a trophy destined for one of the world’s best male players come December 21 in Abu Dhabi.
"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," remarked Ashwaq, who works in the marketing division of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship’s title sponsors, pursuing art and design in her spare time.
“The Volcano Fountain and the iconography of our historic forts are synonymous with Abu Dhabi and its vibrant culture. Abu Dhabi’s unique heritage shines through in architecture at so many of our cultural attractions. 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,” she added.
Ticket prices start from Dh100 onwards for adults with special 20% discounts on three-day ticket packages, while for kids, the offer is - They go free on Thursday with the chance to compete for great prizes.
Premier hospitality packages are also available for fans to experience premium F&B menus, courtside seating and exclusive Q&A sessions with a star player.-TradeArabia News Service
Mubadala unveils World Tennis Championship trophy
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