Doha Dazzles as Tennis Elite and Football Royalty Gather for Gala Night

DOHA, QATAR

 — The stars of the tennis world traded their rackets for evening wear on Sunday night, February 15, as the annual Qatar ExxonMobil Open Gala Dinner transformed Doha into a hub of international glamour. On the eve of the tournament’s main draw, the event hosted a rare intersection of sporting titans, featuring world-renowned tennis champions and English football legend Rio Ferdinand. 

The "King of Raï" Takes Center Stage 

The evening’s atmosphere was electrified by a high-energy performance from Algerian icon Cheb Khaled. Known globally for hits like "Aisha" and "C'est La Vie," Khaled brought his signature blend of traditional Algerian Raï and modern pop to the gala, a fitting tribute to the region's cultural heritage as Doha welcomes the world’s best athletes. 

Rio Ferdinand Among the Stars

While the focus remained on the upcoming ATP 500 action, all eyes were on retired Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand. Ferdinand was seen mingling with the elite field, including top seeds Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. A frequent visitor to Qatar's major sporting spectacles, Ferdinand's presence underscored the tournament's status as a premier stop on the global sporting calendar. 

Elite Field Prepares for Battle

The gala served as a final moment of relaxation for a "stacked" field of competitors before the tournament officially runs from February 16–21, 2026. Notable attendees included: 

• Carlos Alcaraz: The tournament's top seed.
• Jannik Sinner: The Italian superstar making a high-profile appearance in Doha.
• Andrey Rublev: The defending champion looking to retain his title. 

HE Nasser bin Ghanim Al Khelaifi, President of the Qatar Tennis Federation, welcomed the guests, noting that the event's upgrade to an ATP 500 status reflects Qatar's "continued success and global standing" in the sports world.