Women's tennis stars head to Dubai
Further evidence of Dubai's increasing reputation as a prime destination for international sports events has been provided by a tennis tournament set to take place in the emirate next month.
Six players ranked in the women's top 100 will head to the city to participate in the 17th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge at Dubai’s Habtoor Grand Beach Resort and Spa, Gulf News reports.
The six players are Belgian Alison van Uytvanck, Anna-Lena Friedsam and Carina Witthoeft of Germany, Tereza Smitkova of the Czech Republic, China's Zheng Saisai and reigning champion Jana Cepelova of Slovakia, who has been seeded first.
Hani Al Khafief, International Tennis Fund Supervisor, stated: 'The draw is much stronger than last year for sure. We have a few former champions and a lot of strong players coming to Dubai.
'This year we have a range of upgraded facilities for the players and fans, so I would extend a warm invitation to all tennis spectators to come and enjoy some top-level women’s tennis free of cost.'
Also participating will be former world number seven Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic, who has requested one of the four wild cards on offer.
The tournament will take place from November 10th to 15th, with a prize of $75,000 (£47,000) for the winner.
In other sporting news, Dubai recently hosted both Twenty20 and Test cricket clashes between Australia and Pakistan, with the former drawing a particularly large crowd.
Meanwhile, December 30th will see arguably the two most successful clubs in European football lock horns in the emirate.
Real Madrid will face off against AC Milan at the Sevens Stadium in a game that is sure to attract a big crowd, particularly with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo on show.
Dubai's own football team - Al Ahli Club- has a history of attracting star players, with Italian World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro and former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea winger Ricardo Quaresma having previously appeared for the side.
Former Brazilian international Grafite and ex Inter Milan midfielder Luis Jiminez are currently at the club.