ABU DHABI, Sept. 16, 2022 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) today announced that “NBA District,” an immersive, interactive fan event in conjunction with The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022, will be held at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi from Wednesday, Oct. 5 – Sunday, Oct 9.
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 will feature the Atlanta Hawks and the 2021 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks playing two preseason games at Etihad Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. GST, marking the league’s first games in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Arabian Gulf.
Ideal for both those attending the games and visiting the region, NBA District will showcase the music, media and art associated with NBA culture. Fans will be able to engage with NBA personalities from around the world, watch authentic NBA game entertainment, enjoy hands-on basketball activities, and purchase limited-edition NBA merchandise.
Programming will include:
- Performances by the Milwaukee Bucks Dunk Team and mascot, “Bango” and by the Atlanta Hawks Dance Team and mascot, “Harry the Hawk”
- Live art performances by UAE-based artist Mr. Dripping and NBA Lab Creative Director, Billi Kid
- Panels and workshops featuring current and former NBA players, global content creators, artists and entertainers
- Hands-on basketball activities, including Jr. NBA clinics for boys and girls and the “NBA Ice Buckets” buzzer beater competition for a chance to win tickets to the games
- Photo opportunities with NBA personalities and authentic NBA memorabilia, including The Larry O’Brien Trophy
- NBA-themed exhibitions and games
- International and traditional Emirati food and beverages
- Limited-edition NBA apparel and merchandise
Daily programming will include:
| General Admission | Special Programming |
| Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. GST | NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 entertainment preview, including performances by the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks in-game entertainment teams as well as player and legend panels |
| Thursday, Oct. 6 from 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. GST | NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 viewing party (7 p.m. – 12 a.m. GST) |
| Friday, Oct. 7 from 3 – 7 p.m. GST | “NBA Night in Abu Dhabi hosted by Shaq,” featuring popular UAE-based DJ Bliss, the Milwaukee Bucks DJ and a headlining performance by global hip-hop star Fabolous (8 p.m. – 1 a.m. GST) |
| Saturday, Oct. 8 from 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. GST | NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 viewing party (7 p.m. – 12 a.m. GST) |
| Sunday, Oct. 9 from 12 – 10 p.m. GST | NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 all-day wrap up activities |
“We are thrilled to maximise the NBA experience with NBA District, an unmissable event for fans and families alike,” said Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, HE Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry. “At Manarat Al Saadiyat, everyone can enjoy an immersive, exciting atmosphere watching the games live, as well as exhilarating basketball activities and entertainment acts. Hosting NBA District as part of the region’s first NBA games is another highly memorable moment for Abu Dhabi, as we continue to attract top-tier global sports, share our warm Emirati hospitality and showcase the destination’s many exciting, inspiring and relaxing experiences with the world.”
“Whether you are new to the NBA or a passionate fan, NBA District will offer a first-of-its kind NBA experience in the heart of the city,” said NBA Head of Fan Engagement and Direct-to-Consumer for Europe and the Middle East, George Aivazoglou. “Featuring interactive basketball activities, authentic NBA game entertainment, appearances by NBA legends and more, NBA District will be a celebration of all things NBA and the perfect backdrop to our first games in Abu Dhabi.”
A one-day ticket for NBA District costs AED 55, while a ticket for all five days is AED 215. Fans can purchase tickets to NBA District and The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 by visiting NBAEvents.com/AbuDhabi and follow @NBAArabic on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates, news and content in Arabic. Fans can also download the NBA Events App for details about appearances and special events at NBA District. Additional events, activities and appearances will be announced prior to the event.
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 will air live in the UAE and across the Middle East and North Africa on beIN SPORTS, The Sports Channel and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service, reaching reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories around the world on television, digital media and social media. The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 and surrounding events will be supported by a roster of marketing partners, including Gatorade, NBA 2K23, Nike, SAP, Tissot and Visit Abu Dhabi.
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 are part of a ground-breaking multiyear collaboration between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi that earlier this year saw the launch of the first Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, a youth basketball league for 450 boys and girls ages 11-14 from schools across Abu Dhabi. The collaboration also includes a variety of interactive fan events featuring appearances by current and former NBA players, a series of NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness, and an NBA 2K League exhibition event. Additional programming and events around The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 will be announced prior to the games.
The collaboration also sees DCT Abu Dhabi, under “Visit Abu Dhabi,” the tourism promotion initiative of the UAE’s capital city, serve as an Official Tourism Destination Partner of the NBA in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and China.
