ABU DHABI, 16th November 2021 (WAM) – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) on Tuesday announced a groundbreaking multi-year partnership to host the first NBA games in the Emirates United Arabs.
NBA preseason games in Abu Dhabi beginning in 2022 will mark the first games between two NBA teams in the Arabian Gulf.
The partnership will see DCT Abu Dhabi, as part of “Visit Abu Dhabi”, the tourism promotion initiative of the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to serve as the Official Destination Partner of the NBA in China, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
Abu Dhabi will host pre-season NBA games starting with two games in October 2022. Participating teams and host venue will be announced at a later date.
The partnership will also include a series of interactive fan events featuring appearances from current and former NBA players, the launch of Jr. NBA leagues for boys and girls in UAE schools that promote teamwork and inclusion, a series of NBA Fit clinics promoting health and wellness and an NBA 2K League exhibition event.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Today’s announcement further demonstrates the emirate’s position as a top-tier venue for global sports and for attracting top talent. As Abu Dhabi strives to develop further as a dynamic global destination, the addition of the NBA to our impressive annual portfolio of sporting and entertainment events only strengthens the UAE capital’s position as a center of sporting excellence. a pivotal role in the development of young talents and healthy lifestyles at grassroots level, the heart of the UAE strategy, which places great emphasis on empowering young people and building a sustainable future for the nation and future generations ” .
“As we celebrate the NBA’s 75th anniversary season, partnering with DCT Abu Dhabi to bring the first NBA and NBA 2K League games and events to the UAE marks an important milestone in basketball’s continued global growth,” said the NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum. “Abu Dhabi is a vibrant multicultural hub with a proven track record of hosting world-class sporting events and this partnership will not only bring the live NBA and NBA 2K League experience to fans in the Middle East, but will also create opportunities for kids and adults. girls to learn the fundamentals and core values of the game through a variety of grassroots programs and fan events. ”
Abu Dhabi has consistently demonstrated its skills in hosting world-class sporting events. Pioneering initiatives such as DCT Abu Dhabi’s “Go Safe Certification” highlight the city’s continued commitment to the health and safety of the community and visitors, enabling it to continue to hold the best of live sporting events.
Translated by: Mina Samir Fokeh.
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