In 2022, Abu Dhabi will host two NBA preseason games, marking the first games played between two NBA teams in the Arabian Gulf.

Bringing more sports in the UAE, the country will get its first NBA games in the UAE as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) sign a multi-year agreement.

In 2022, Abu Dhabi will host two NBA preseason games, marking the first games played between two NBA teams in the Arabian Gulf.

By hosting the first NBA games, Abu Dhabi is making its place as a global sporting hub, which will be played in the capital. Apart from the games, the partnership will also host a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players.

The corporation will also host the launch of Junior NBA Leagues for boys and girls at schools across the UAE, a series of NBA Fit Clinics promoting health and wellness and an NBA 2K League exhibition event.

Talking about the collaboration, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman at DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Today’s announcement further demonstrates the emirate’s position as a top-tier home for global sports and for attracting the very best talent. 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.”

Previously, too, Abu Dhabi has demonstrated its capabilities in hosting world-class sporting events with Harlem Globetrotters showcasing their iconic style at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, in October. The American basketball team also dribbled their way through two exhilarating exhibition games at Expo 2020 Dubai.