Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Tournament Organising Committee delivers a world-class event
L-R: Gulzar Ahmed - Asst. Manager, Loss Prevention & Corporate Security; Joy Dasan- Manager, Logistics; Thankachan Varghese – Senior Manager, Retail Support; Munnavar Saqqaf - Senior Manager, Systems & IT; Dave Cattanach – GM, Irish Village Complex; Sharon Beecham – SVP, Purchasing; Sinead El Sibai – SVP, Marketing; Salah Tahlak – Joint Chief Operating Officer & DDFTC Tournament Director; Ramesh Cidambi – Chief Operating Officer & Chairman of DDFTC Organising Committee; Zayed Al Shebli – SVP, Loss Prevention & Corporate Security; Bernard Creed – SVP, Finance; Mona Al Ali – SVP, Human Resources; Andy Cuthbert – GM, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel; Jasmin Micoyco – Manager, Projects & Events; Beth Olaso – Manager, IT Operations; Cheryl Berden – Assistant Manager, Facilities & Projects. (Not in picture – Michael Schmidt – SVP- Retail)
It is that time of the year when the biggest names in international tennis are set to descend on Dubai. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, one of the most hotly anticipated events on the UAE and the wider region’s sporting calendar, is back for its 32nd iteration at The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. As ever, the event will feature a star-studded line-up of some of the best men’s and women’s players on the planet, as well as a host of entertainment activities and general fun in the sun.
The Organising Committee for the Championships leaves no stone unturned to ensure the event is a huge success every year, and this year we are confident of achieving the same as always. The solid reputation the Championships have earned as a premier event is a direct result of the hard work, teamwork, and planning the Committee has put in to deliver a world-class event over the years. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has become a hallmark of excellence, attracting top tennis players to the emirate, and offering quality experiences for fans and spectators. In addition, it helps Dubai maintain its standing as a world-class sporting, events, and tourism destination.
The fact that the WTA Tour tournament has now been granted permanent WTA 1000 status after rotating with Doha in recent years is proof of the event’s global standing. Having 17 of the world’s top 20 players competing here next month – and of the missing three, two are injured and one is pregnant—underlines how popular this event is. The women’s tournament will run between February 18 and 24, before the 32nd staging of the ATP 500 tournament—which also draws top-ranked players and former grand slam winners—from February 26 to March 2.
While the Championships, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, span only two weeks, the groundwork begins months in advance. The Organising Committee shoulders diverse responsibilities, striving to meet the high standards set by the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, to become the home for the Championships since it was officially inaugurated in 1996.
“Every year, we try to improve the set-up, ensuring an elevated championship experience,” said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free. “The Organising Committee, who work tirelessly and focus on every minute aspect of the event, deserve our appreciation. Their dedication ensures the Dubai Duty Free Championships become an unforgettable experience for players, officials, and spectators alike.”
Ramesh Cidambi, COO of Dubai Duty Free and Chairman of the Organising Committee, added: “As the committee orchestrates everything from seating arrangements to player accommodation, a meticulously planned and executed system takes shape many months in advance. I want to express my appreciation to the committee and every staff member of Dubai Duty Free who takes on championship responsibilities while simultaneously delivering on their normal day job to ensure the absolute comfort of the players, as well as fans.
“The contribution of Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, which is the official tournament hotel, is significant and thanks to Andy and the team there. Thanks also to Dave and the team at The Irish Village, who do a great job in looking after their regular customers over the tennis fortnight as well as the thousands of tennis fans.”
The Committee also extends gratitude to stakeholders, including the Dubai Police Events Security Committee, the UAE Tennis Federation, Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Economy and Tourism, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Salah Tahlak, Joint COO of Dubai Duty Free and Tournament Director, concluded: “The success of the event is the joint and collaborative work of our expansive network of stakeholders and our sponsors, many of whom have been with us for many years. The role of our committee members, who work in tandem to produce a great event. Is very important and I am looking forward to another electrifying tournament.”
This feature was initially published in the 2024 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Official Program.
