Abu Dhabi's first international tennis tournament

Flash, in partnership with Capitala, today announced the launch of the Capitala World Tennis Championship, the first international tennis tournament to be held in the capital.

The three-day event will host six of the world's best male players in a series of sensational matches.

The event, to be held at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City, on 1-3 January 2009, will see Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Nikolay Davydenko, Andy Roddick and James Blake competing for glory.

Alongside the competing stars, the three day tournament will feature a multitude of attractions including a unique spectator village, with interactive, fun and family-friendly areas to engage and entertain visitors. In addition, there will be a VIP area for sponsors and partners to host their guests at what is set to be one of the most popular events ever staged in Abu Dhabi.

As Abu Dhabi's first major tennis tournament, the Capitala World Tennis Championship is expected to leave an indelible mark on the UAE by attracting a record number of guests from across the nation and GCC. The event aims to raise awareness of the benefits of tennis and the importance of an active healthy lifestyle, whilst also leaving a legacy for the community beyond the tournament.

Speaking at the announcement, John Lickrish from Flash commented: 'The Abu Dhabi World Tennis Championship is without doubt one of our most exciting initiatives to date. To have so many genuinely world class tennis players here to compete in the capital is hugely exciting for everyone and we hope that after the tournament, the performances they gave, as well as the amazing facilities at Zayed Sports City are sure to encourage local people to get more involved in this fantastic sport.'

In the weeks leading up to the event, the Capitala World Tennis Championship will be holding a series of tennis themed activities in and around the capital, engaging all ages and nationalities in one of the world's finest sports. This will include the 'Community Cup', a community tennis tournament in and around Abu Dhabi and neighbouring emirate, Dubai, where winners will compete to have the exclusive chance to meet their favourite players.

Roger Federer commented: 'I am really looking forward to playing in Abu Dhabi. The player field is very strong and the location is beautiful. It is always exciting to play in new facilities and I am sure Abu Dhabi will be up there with the best of them. We all hope that this event will return year after year and set the standard for tennis lovers in the region.'

Wong Heang Fine, Acting CEO at Capitala, commented:

'We are delighted and proud to be the title sponsor of The Capitala World Tennis Championship. Capitala is focused on creating value for the communities in which it operates. Arzanah, our maiden project, is a prime example of this focus and commitment, offering an active urban lifestyle for its residents and visitors. This inaugural championship gives Capitala the perfect opportunity to support a major sports event that the whole community can enjoy. The excitement of being a spectator in the centre court watching the world's top tennis players will hopefully encourage more people, particularly school children and young adults, to participate actively in this game as well as other sports.'

Zayed Sports City is home to four major sporting facilities that have been designed to host a wide range of sporting, leisure and entertainment events. The ATP standard Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex will seat up to 5,000 spectators for the Capitala World Tennis Championship. Another major international event in 2009 will be the Fifa World Club Cup at Zayed Stadium.