The matches will take place in October.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) will be coming to Abu Dhabi it has been announced.
The news revealed today (16 November) sees the major basketball league in the USA, bouncing into the capital after the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi agreed a multiyear partnership to host matches in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi will host the first NBA games in the region, following @dctabudhabi’s multi-year partnership with @NBA, further strengthening the emirate’s position as a centre for global sporting events. pic.twitter.com/GXIebYETZy
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) November 16, 2021
Beginning in October 2022, the NBA will host two preseason matches in the nations’ capital and will be the first time sides from USA have played in the Arabian Gulf.
The agreement will also see a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former players, the launch of Jr. NBA Leagues for schoolchildren across the UAE, a series of NBA Fit Clinics and a NBA 2K League exhibition event.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at DCT Abu Dhabi, said the deal is a further demonstration of Abu Dhabi’s ability to attract top-level sports events.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “As Abu Dhabi is committed to further developing as a dynamic global destination, adding the NBA to our impressive year-round portfolio of sports and entertainment events, only reinforces the UAE capital’s standing as a centre of sporting excellence.
“We look forward to the NBA playing an integral role in developing young talent and healthy lifestyles at grassroots level – the heart of the UAE’s strategy, which places great emphasis on empowering youth and building a sustainable future for the nation and future generations.”
Participating teams and the host venue will be announced at a later date but fans can express their interest by registering online at NBA.
It’s an exciting time for basketball fans after the city hosted The FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi Masters and the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters.
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