Noora Shawqi crafts exclusive jewellery piece for Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open champions as a tribute to women in tennis 

Winners of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open received a limited-edition, transformable brooch-pendant designed by Emirati jeweller Noora Shawqi. Inspired by tennis and UAE heritage, the piece symbolises resilience and national pride. 

Dubai: Emirati jewellery designer Noora Shawqi has created a limited-edition piece for the winners of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, designed as a tribute to both the power and grace of women in tennis and the cultural heritage of the UAE. The piece, a racket-shaped brooch that transforms into a pendant, features a palm tree-inspired handle, reflecting national pride and resilience. 

The exclusive design was awarded to the champions of the singles and doubles competitions at the conclusion of the event. The third edition of the all-female WTA 500 tournament has drawn significant spectator interest throughout the week, with leading players competing for the title. In the singles final, Belinda Bencic faced Ashlyn Krueger. This match marks Bencic’s first WTA Tour-level final since returning to the circuit after becoming a mother, while Krueger contested her first WTA 500 final. 

Shawqi’s design integrates traditional Emirati elements with a contemporary sports theme. The racket motif is a direct reference to tennis, while the palm tree-inspired handle symbolises endurance and strength, qualities often associated with both the sport and the nation. By making the piece transformable from a brooch to a pendant, the designer has ensured versatility in how the winners can wear it, making it both a functional accessory and a commemorative keepsake. 

The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has been gaining prominence as an important stop on the WTA 500 calendar, attracting high-profile players and increasing viewership. The inclusion of an exclusive jewellery piece for the winners highlights the event’s prestige and further strengthens the connection between the sport and the region’s rich artistic and design heritage. 

Shawqi, known for incorporating Emirati cultural influences into her work, has previously designed pieces that celebrate local craftsmanship while appealing to a global audience. This latest design aligns with her approach, merging heritage with modern aesthetics. The winners of the tournament will receive not just a trophy but a piece of jewellery that represents both their achievement on the court and a tangible connection to the UAE. 

The third edition of the WTA 500 event drew to a close in front of a sold-out crowd at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, the culmination of eight days of world-class tennis and off-court entertainment. 

Belinda Bencic became Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open champion for the second time after coming from behind to defeat Ashlyn Krueger in today’s final, capping a remarkable comeback story, while Jelena Ostapenko/Ellen Perez clinched the doubles title following a dominant win over Shuai Zhang/Kristina Mladenovic. 

As the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues to grow in stature, the introduction of a bespoke jewellery piece as part of the winner’s recognition adds a new dimension to the event, celebrating both athletic excellence and cultural craftsmanship. 

Retail Jeweller ME News