The National Basketball Association (NBA) alongside the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced the return of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games in 2024. The games, sponsored by ADQ, will feature a matchup between the 17-time NBA champion Boston Celtics and the reigning NBA champion Denver Nuggets. These preseason games are set for Friday, October 4, and Sunday, October 6, in Abu Dhabi.

The Celtics’ lineup boasts talent such as five-time NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum, three-time NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown, 2021 NBA champion Jrue Holiday, and 2018 NBA All-Star Kristaps Porziņģis. Holiday, previously playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, participated in the first NBA Abu Dhabi Games in 2022. The Nuggets are highlighted by two-time Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and six-time NBA All-Star Nikola Jokić, along with Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.

This event will be broadcast live in the UAE, across the Middle East, and globally, reaching fans in over 200 countries and territories through television, digital media, and social media platforms. While ticket sales and venue details will be announced later, fans are encouraged to express their interest online for updates and information on special ticket packages that include premium access, VIP experiences, and local accommodations.

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 is part of a broader partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, which aims to engage fans through NBA Global Games, interactive events, health clinics, and more, all while promoting Abu Dhabi as a prime tourist destination.

NBA coverage has been available in the UAE since the 1987-88 season, with the league maintaining a strong presence on social media and offering a wide range of merchandise to fans in the region through both online and physical stores.

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai has issued a directive for private schools, announcing that school timings during the holy month of Ramadan should not exceed five hours of instruction time. Shamma Al Mansouri, Director of Permits at KHDA, emphasized that schools must conclude classes by 12pm on Fridays.

Al Mansouri expressed best wishes for the education community during the blessed month, highlighting the importance of compassion, patience, and perseverance. The commencement of Ramadan in the country is anticipated to be on 12 March, with slight variations possible due to local moon sightings.

Most schools are expected to collaborate with parents to finalize timings, submitting them to KHDA for approval. Some institutions have proposed a schedule running from 7.45am to 12.45pm Monday through Thursday, maintaining regular timings on Fridays.

The KHDA’s directive aims to ensure an optimal educational environment for students during Ramadan, prioritizing their well-being. It aligns with efforts to instill spiritual values associated with the holy month among enrolled students.

Headteachers have pledged to minimize assessments during Ramadan, focusing on low-stakes evaluations to allow students more time for family and prayer. Additionally, the overlap of almost ten days of spring break with Ramadan for many international curricula institutions is anticipated to further facilitate students in managing their spiritual and cultural commitments.

Sangita Chima, Principal of Amity School Dubai, expressed appreciation for the alignment of the academic calendar with Ramadan, providing students with time for reflection and relaxation. She highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering religious and cultural understanding through diverse spiritual learning opportunities during the sacred month.

Al Nabooda Automobiles L.L.C, the official distributor for Volkswagen in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, has announced the official handover of the all-new Volkswagen Amarok to the Dubai Police fleet. With its ground-up redesign, powerful performance and off-road prowess, the Volkswagen Amarok will empower officers to effectively facilitate the safe journeys of motorists across Dubai.

Al Nabooda Automobiles has been a long-term partner of Dubai Police providing the fleet the most advanced vehicles in terms of performance, reliability, and utility. This partnership continues with the handover of the all-new Volkswagen Amarok aligning with the government’s commitment to enhancing collaboration between Government entities and the private sector.

H.E. Lieutenant General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, said: “We are delighted to cooperate with Al Nabooda Automobiles, a longstanding national company deeply committed to initiatives that positively enhance Dubai’s image and its position as a top destination for living, working, tourism, and investment. We are confident that these cars will contribute to enhancing both the traffic and security sectors, thereby supporting police operations and achieving the strategic goals of maintaining road safety and community security.”

His Excellency emphasized the General Command of Dubai Police’s commitment to equipping the tourist security patrol fleet with the latest luxury models. These vehicles will not only enhance the security presence of the tourist police but also serve as a bridge between the police, tourists, visitors, and the members of the public.

With impressive on and off-road capabilities, the Amarok can handle the toughest of jobs, making it a dependable workhorse for Dubai Police Officers, boasting a remarkable towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg. The Amarok’s maximum payload has increased recently to 1.19 tonnes, making it even more capable in mission critical situations.

K Rajaram, CEO, Al Nabooda Automobiles, said, “We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with the Dubai Police adding a new dimension to the fleet this year. On and off-road the Amarok has exceptional levels of performance that will assist officers in their daily duties, while also offering the power and versatility to adapt to unexpected scenarios that call upon its towing and load capabilities. The safe travel of motorists on the roads of Dubai is a priority Al Nabooda and Dubai Police share and we believe the Amarok can play a vital role.”

Ahead of the crucial World Skateboarding Tour Park event which kicks off in Dubai this week, a group of the elite competitors have taken to The View, the highest vantage point of the iconic Palm Jumeirah, for a unique jam session titled “Skate The View by Nakheel”, before facing off as foes.

In a bold fusion of skateboarding and the Dubai skyline the athletes, including Ale Mazzarra (19, Italy), Yndiara Asp (26, Brazil), Alex Sorgente (26, USA), Sakura Yosozumi (21, Japan), Vincent Matheron (25, France), CJ Collins (20, USA), and Danny Leon (29, Spain), warmed up for the qualifying event on a ramp perched atop the 245-metre-high Palm Tower to Skate The View.

The installation brought the athletes together for one last run out before the World Skateboarding Tour Park event at Dubai Harbour, running from Monday, 26 February 2024 until Sunday, 3 March. Close to 200 participants will compete for crucial qualifying points on the road to Paris.

The World Skateboarding Tour Street competition take place at the same location from 3-10 March.

For the athletes who had the chance to Skate The View by Nakheel, the ramp was a welcome surprise and brought some light relief from the focus of competition as they performed tricks against the stunning backdrop of a Dubai sunset, before counting down to the start of the qualifiers.

Towering at 245 meters above sea level, The View at The Palm offers an unparalleled perspective of Dubai’s breathtaking skyline and the Arabian Gulf. This iconic vantage point not only provides a mesmerizing backdrop for events like the World Skateboarding Tour but also serves as a testament to Nakheel’s commitment to creating innovative spaces that blend entertainment, culture, and architectural marvels.

The 360-observation deck has hosted award-winning projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible, underscoring The View’s status as a destination for record-breaking performances that set Dubai apart as a world-famous destination.