No.4 seed Petra Kvitova, who took a wildcard into the event, was also in attendance.

She joined Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, on the red carpet. DDF has been an ambassador for women’s tennis in the Middle East since 2004.

Doubles players Nichole Melichar and Darja Jurak donned some Emirati dresses for the party…

…and they made a new friend, too!

Defending champion Simona Halep also befriended the falcon.

Ivanovic finds time to snap a quick selfie…

…as Kvitova enjoys the best of Emirati hospitality.