Denied a visa to take part in the event last year, Shahar Peer made a winning debut in Dubai by upsetting Yanina Wickmayer 3-6, 6-2, 7-5.
"To win today, for me, was so important. I'm really happy I did it. That's why I was screaming so much at the end after I won the match. It was a very, very tough first round match and I am so happy that I won," said Peer.
"I felt very proud to be representing Israel in a country that does not recognize it.
"The attitude to me here is very warm and I feel quite safe."
According to Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz, Peer's hotel has sealed off her floor for security reasons, and her movement is restricted to the hotel and the tournament site.