The Atlanta Hawks and the Milwaukee Bucks, the 2021 NBA champions, will play two preseason games at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, October 6 and Saturday, October 8 at 8 p.m. GST. These will be the league’s first games in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Arabian Gulf.
NBA District will present music, video, and artwork related to NBA culture, making it a great destination for both game-goers and tourists. Fans will have the chance to interact with NBA personalities from across the globe, see entertainment from real NBA games, participate in interactive basketball games, and buy limited-edition NBA apparel.
We are happy to enhance the NBA experience with NBA District, a must-attend event for both fans and families, said HE Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, director general of tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi. “Everyone can enjoy an immersive, thrilling atmosphere watching the games live at Manarat Al Saadiyat, along with thrilling basketball activities and entertainment acts. As we continue to draw top-tier international sports, share our warm Emirati hospitality, and highlight the destination’s many thrilling, inspirational, and relaxing experiences with the world, hosting NBA District as part of the region’s inaugural NBA games is another extremely memorable milestone for Abu Dhabi.
Activities for NBA District fans include official photo sessions with the renowned Larry O’Brien Trophy and live panel discussions with workshops involving current and past NBA players, as well as other artists, performers, and content creators from across the world. Fans can play a buzzer-beating basketball game on the “NBA Ice Buckets” pop-up court for the chance to win NBA goods.
A ground-breaking multi year partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi will culminate in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games in 2022. As part of the partnership, DCT Abu Dhabi will represent “Visit Abu Dhabi ” as the NBA’s Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and China Official Tourism Destination Partner.