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With the NBA Abu Dhabi Games hosting the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island on October 6 and 8, Arab News spoke with Saleh Mohamed Al, Director of Tourism, Abu Culture and Tourism. -Geziry Zabi, on sports tourism, the partnership with the American League and how it will promote basketball in the UAE and the region.
Here’s what he had to say:
On the NBA’s partnership with Abu Dhabi:
Our partnership with the NBA is an exciting next step in our ambitious Emirates sports tourism strategy as we strive to deliver an unparalleled year-round calendar of exciting sporting events. The huge global appeal of basketball cannot be overstated – the NBA is a hugely popular league with millions of fans around the world and its ratings are rising year after year.
So it was a natural choice to bring a sports league of this size to Abu Dhabi – a great opportunity to further enhance the global profile of our destination, as this October the eyes of the basketball world will be firmly on the The capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The NBA partnership is ideal for Abu Dhabi; we already have a proven track record of working with well-known global IPs, and the UAE is a destination that prides itself on offering unique and innovative experiences. Now, with this October’s NBA Abu Dhabi Games, we can pit some of the world’s biggest basketball stars against the region for the first time.
Of course, the gathering of fans in Abu Dhabi for a first-of-its-kind event in the region will have a positive impact on airlines, hotels, attractions, restaurants and shopping malls, all while creating a great atmosphere.
On the huge response from basketball fans to the inaugural NBA Abu Dhabi Games:
The response has been phenomenal – the inaugural NBA Abu Dhabi Games was a sold-out event and the anticipation of NBA fans across the country and the region was palpable. None of this is a big surprise for us as we know people are interested, but it’s still so comforting to see the engagement and excitement of fans on the eve of this groundbreaking sporting event.
The good news for fans of the city is that the event isn’t just focused on the arena, it’s a can’t-miss week-long celebration of sport, entertainment and culture that includes two historic NBA games Games, citywide events, interactive fan areas and special appearances of NBA legends.
About the different NBA events that will take place in the coming years:
Abu Dhabi and the NBA have had a multi-year strategic partnership, so we’re exploring which events and activities make the most sense for the years ahead.
An exciting branch of our partnership is definitely the annual youth NBA Abu Dhabi League, which was launched in February this year. It introduced the NBA and basketball to a new generation of 11- to 14-year-olds in Abu Dhabi who also had the opportunity to meet seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry and Olympic gold medalist Clyde Drexler and meet them study.
On NBA’s partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi to boost basketball’s profile in the UAE:
The partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi has begun to directly contribute to the development of basketball in the region. Take the Junior NBA Abu Dhabi League, for example, which this year saw over 450 boys and girls from 30 schools in the emirate take part in its inaugural event – ​​and I have no doubt our participation will rise in the future.
Looking at the wider region, the partnership also brings a wide range of events to GCC for the first time, including a series of health-promoting NBA FIT clinics, the annual NBA 2K League exhibit at Middle East Film and Comic-Con, and Interactive fan events featuring former and current NBA players. Events like these have only increased interest in the game of basketball, and we look forward to seeing this development continue in the years to come.
On how the NBA is developing local talent in the UAE and the region:
Hosting world-class sporting events ensures that elite international players visit and inspires the local population, helping to foster interest and inspiring young players to hone their talents and follow their dreams. Through a variety of high-profile events, Abu Dhabi has helped drive the popularity of several sports in the region, including motorsport, golf, football, cricket, tennis and swimming.
Basketball is firmly on this list. More and more UAE teams are competing internationally, with more than 220 players from the Middle East recently joining the Basketball Without Borders program, which aims to develop talent from outside the United States. Often referred to as the NBA Academy, this year’s cohort includes five players from the UAE.
What to expect from the 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi Games:
The 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi Games, a first for the region, will undoubtedly be a special and incredibly exciting time for basketball fans in the UAE and beyond. Basketball is a high-intensity sport, with games played at breakneck pace, and those who play in October can expect uninterrupted action and excitement. I’m sure the audience’s energy will be electric as they cheer for their favorites.
What makes this time extra special are the accompanying events and interactive fan events that will provide an unmissable opportunity to meet some of the greatest basketball stars in the world. The presence of top current NBA players as well as legends of the sport will ensure that the 2022 NBA Abu Dhabi Games will be an unforgettable experience for basketball fans.
Of course, we want fans to dare to look beyond the action on the pitch and take the time to explore all the Emirates has to offer. Visitors can ride the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, soak up the sun on our stunning beaches, soak up some culture at Louvre Abu Dhabi or enjoy an al fresco dining experience at Yas Bay. No matter what they are looking for, there is something for every visitor to Abu Dhabi.
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