Search form

You are here

  • Home
  • NBA Abu Dhabi Games may be slam dunk for basketball in the region


NBA Abu Dhabi Games may be slam dunk for basketball in the region

The Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks will meet at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games on Oct. 6 and 8. (Getty images)
Short Url

https://arab.news/jbq6p

Updated 18 August 2022
Arab News
Follow

NBA Abu Dhabi Games may be slam dunk for basketball in the region

  • Saleh Mohamed Al-Geziry, director general of tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, talks to Arab News about the two games between the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks at the Etihad Arena
Updated 18 August 2022
Arab News

With the NBA Abu Dhabi Games on Oct. 6 and 8 hosting the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Arab News spoke to Saleh Mohamed Al-Geziry, director general of tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, about sports tourism, the partnership with the American league, and how it will lead to promoting basketball in the UAE and the region.

Here’s what he had to say:

On the partnership between the NBA and Abu Dhabi:

Our collaboration with the NBA is an exciting next step in our ambitious sports tourism strategy for the emirate, as we work to offer an unbeatable year-round calendar of fantastic sporting events. It’s hard to overstate basketball’s massive global appeal — the NBA is an incredibly popular league with millions of fans around the world, and viewership numbers that keep climbing year on year.

So, it was a natural choice to bring a sporting league of this magnitude to Abu Dhabi — it’s a fantastic opportunity to further raise our destination’s global profile, as the eyes of the basketball world will be firmly focused on the UAE capital this October.

The NBA partnership is ideal for Abu Dhabi; we already have a track record of numerous successful tie-ups with high profile global IPs and the emirate is a destination that prides itself on offering unique and innovative experiences. Now, with the NBA Abu Dhabi Games this October, we can offer some of the world’s biggest basketball superstars facing off in the region for the very first time.

And of course, fans converging in Abu Dhabi for this first-in-the-region event will have a positive impact on airlines, hotels, attractions, restaurants, and shopping malls while creating a great atmosphere.

On the massive response from basketball fans to the inaugural NBA Abu Dhabi Games:

The response has been phenomenal — the inaugural NBA Abu Dhabi Games is a sold-out event, and the anticipation is palpable among NBA fans across the country and the region. None of this is a great surprise to us, as we knew the interest was there, but it is still so gratifying to see the fan engagement and excitement in the lead-up to this ground-breaking sporting event.

The great news for fans in the city is that the action is not just focused on the arena, this is an unmissable week-long celebration of sport, entertainment and culture featuring two historic NBA games, citywide activations, an interactive fanzone and special appearances by NBA legends.

On the different NBA events to take place over the coming years:

Abu Dhabi and the NBA have entered into a multi-year strategic partnership, so we are exploring which activations and events make the most sense for the coming years.

One exciting offshoot of our collaboration that will definitely be taking place annually is the Junior NBA Abu Dhabi League, launched in February this year. It introduced the NBA and basketball to a whole new generation of 11- to 14-year-olds in Abu Dhabi, who also had the chance to meet and learn from seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry and Olympic gold medalist Clyde Drexler.

On the partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi raising basketball’s profile in the UAE:

The partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi has already begun to contribute directly to the growth of basketball within the region. Take the Junior NBA Abu Dhabi League, for instance, where more than 450 boys and girls from 30 schools across the emirate participated in its first-ever edition this year — and I have no doubt that we will see participation numbers rising in the future.

Looking to the wider region, this partnership also brings a huge range of activations to the GCC for the first time, including a series of NBA FIT clinics promoting health and wellness, an NBA 2K League Exhibition event at the annual Middle East Film & Comic Con, and interactive fan events featuring former and current NBA players. Such events will only grow interest in the sport of basketball and we look forward to seeing that development continue in the years ahead.

On how the NBA could develop local talent in the UAE and the region:

Hosting world-class sporting events ensures elite international players visit and inspire the local population, helping to grow interest and motivate young players to hone their talent and follow their dreams. Through its various high-profile events, Abu Dhabi has helped fuel the popularity of multiple sports throughout the region, including motorsports, golf, football, cricket, tennis, and swimming.

Basketball is firmly on that list. An increasing number of Emirati teams are entering international competitions, and more than 220 players from the Middle East recently joined Basketball Without Borders, a program that develops talent outside of the USA. Commonly known as the NBA Academy, this year’s cohort includes five players from the UAE.

What to expect at NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022:

The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 is a first for the region, and undoubtedly a special and incredibly exciting time for basketball fans in the UAE and beyond. The sport of basketball is high-octane, with games speeding by at a breakneck pace, and those attending the games in October can expect non-stop action and thrills. I’m sure the audience’s energy will be electric as they cheer on their favorites.

What will make that time extra special are the accompanying activities and interactive fan events, which will provide unmissable opportunities to meet some of the world’s greatest basketball stars. Appearances by current top NBA players, as well as legends of the sport, will ensure that the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2022 will be an unforgettable experience for basketball fans.

Of course, we hope that fans venture beyond the on-court action and take the time to explore what the emirate 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, take in some culture at Louvre Abu Dhabi, or enjoy alfresco dining experiences at Yas Bay. No matter what they’re looking for, there really is something for every visitor in Abu Dhabi.

Topics: 69th NBA All-Star Game Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates (UAE) Milwaukee Bucks Atlanta Hawks

Related

Sport
UAE president heaps praise on Emirate’s first woman to win World Games medal
Sport
UAE’s Al-Mansoori wins in Lithuania to take lead in world title race

Sinner thrashes Vukic to roar into Wimbledon third round

Updated 03 July 2025
Reuters
Follow

Sinner thrashes Vukic to roar into Wimbledon third round

Updated 03 July 2025
Reuters

LONDON: World number one Jannik Sinner demolished Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic 6-1 6-1 6-3 in a Center Court masterclass to move ominously into the third round of Wimbledon on Thursday.
The Italian was streets ahead of the 93rd-ranked Vukic who barely laid a glove on the top seed in the opening two sets before saving some face with a bit of third-set resistance.
Sinner, bidding to win the title for the first time, never loosened his grip on a one-sided contest although he did need six match points to finish off Vukic in a prolonged final game, banging down his 12th ace.
The 23-year-old has yet to drop serve and has conceded only 12 games in the six sets he has played so far and will now train his sights on unseeded Spaniard Pedro Martinez.

Topics: Wimbledon 2025 Jannik Sinner

Cilic sends fourth seed Draper crashing out of Wimbledon

Updated 03 July 2025
AFP
Follow

Cilic sends fourth seed Draper crashing out of Wimbledon

Updated 03 July 2025
AFP

LONDON: Jack Draper admitted he needs to overhaul his grass-court game after the British fourth seed suffered a shock Wimbledon exit as former finalist Marin Cilic rolled back the years to reach the third round.
Cilic, the Croatian world number 83, blasted 53 winners in a 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 victory that stunned the partisan British fans on Court One on Thursday.
Draper is the new figurehead of British tennis after taking on a role filled for a generation by the now-retired former Wimbledon winner Andy Murray.
But the 23-year-old has a poor record at his home Grand Slam.
He is yet to make it past the second round in four appearances at the grass-court tournament.
“It’s probably one of my toughest losses. Pretty frustrated and upset. It hurts badly,” Draper said.
“I’ve been disappointed with my game on grass this year. I felt great on clay and hard courts but as soon as I came on grass I felt a big difference.
“It highlighted a lot of weaknesses in my game, especially against a player as good as him on grass. I can take a lot of lessons from it.”
Draper is the latest highly-ranked star to endure a surprise exit from Wimbledon this year, with German men’s third seed Alexander Zverev and four of the top five women’s seeds all eliminated.
Draper made his breakthrough last season with a run to the US Open semifinals, yet he has failed to make the last eight at any of this year’s three Grand Slams.
“It makes me think that Andy Murray’s achievement of winning here twice is just unbelievable,” Draper said.
“Obviously you guys mention the pressure all the time but the main reason is I wasn’t good enough today.
“Even though I’ve had an amazing progression in the last 12 months, this shows the work I need to do. I thought I was further ahead than I am.”
In contrast to Draper’s woes in south-west London, Cilic has an impressive record at Wimbledon, finishing as runner-up in 2017, when he lost in the final against Roger Federer.
The former world number three has not played at the All England Club since 2021 and has slipped down the rankings after battling a knee injury that required surgery.
“My emotions are just incredible. Where I was two years ago, I can’t even describe. It has been a long journey but I never lost any faith,” Cilic said.
“It was a long and testing period, plus a huge challenge for me in this part of my career to come back and play at this level.
“To play in front of this crowd is incredible. I’m just feeling great and hoping I can continue to play well.”
Cilic has reached three Grand Slam finals, winning his sole major title at the 2014 US Open and losing to Federer at Wimbledon in 2017 and the Australian Open in 2018.
Now 36, the big-serving Cilic is firmly in the twilight of his career.
He had lost in the opening round at the Australian and French Opens this year, but his superb display against Draper underlined his enduring quality on grass.
He returned to the top 100 by winning the second-tier Challenger event in Nottingham last month.
Dedicating the win to his children, Cilic added: “They are one of the reasons that I kept such a great passion for this sport.
“Also always running after them keeps me in great shape! I’m so pleased they are here supporting me.”

Topics: Wimbledon 2025 Marin Cilic Jack Draper

Related

Sport
Andreeva youngest woman left in Wimbledon women’s draw after nervy win over Sherif
Sport
Top seed Sabalenka draws qualifier Branstine in Wimbledon first round

England in Deep trouble after India captain Gill’s superb double century

Updated 03 July 2025
AFP
Follow

England in Deep trouble after India captain Gill’s superb double century

  • Gill: “I worked on a few things before the series as well, that I thought might be important for me going into Test cricket”
Updated 03 July 2025
AFP

BIRMINGHAM, UK: India captain Shubman Gill scored a superb maiden, record-breaking Test double-century before stand-in fast bowler Akash Deep took England in consecutive balls at Edgbaston on Thursday.
Gill’s commanding 269 was the cornerstone of India’s first-innings 587 on the second day of the second Test. England were 77-3 at stumps — a huge deficit of 510 runs.
Deep only played because India rested Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked Test bowler who is only due to play in three games in this five-match series to minimize the effects of a back injury.
The 28-year-old Deep conceded 12 runs in his first over, but his second was a double-wicket maiden that left England faltering at 13-2.
He had Ben Duckett, fresh from a superb 149 in England’s five-wicket win in the first Test at Headingley, edging to third slip. Gill capped his already brilliant day by holding a fine catch.
Next ball Ollie Pope fell for a golden duck when he nicked Deep to second slip, with KL Rahul clinging on at the second attempt.
Joe Root survived the hat-trick delivery.
India, made to pay for dropping several catches in the cordon at Headingley, then held another when Mohammed Siraj had Crawley edging to Karun Nair at first slip. England were 25-3.
Root  and Yorkshire team-mate Harry Brook  prevented further collapse with an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 52.
But the day belonged to India and above all Gill, who in just his second Test as skipper broke records previously held by India batting greats Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar.
Gill’s innings surpassed the recently retired Kohli’s 254 against South Africa at Pune in 2019 as the highest score by an India Test captain, and replaced Tendulkar’s 241 against Australia at Sydney as the highest score by an India batsman in a Test outside Asia.
It also topped Gavaskar’s celebrated 221 at the Oval in 1979 as the largest score by an India batsman in a Test in England.
“I worked on a few things before the series as well, that I thought might be important for me going into Test cricket,” Gill, who made 147 at Headingley, told Sky Sports.
“Looking at the results, they are working for me,” added Gill, who was equally delighted by India’s much improved out-cricket.
“Fielding was definitely one of those things we spoke about as a team, and it’s great to see that come off so far,” said Gill.
England assistant coach Jeetan Patel accepted the hosts had endured a gruelling time.
“One hundred and fifty overs in the dirt in any scenario is pretty tough,” Patel told reporters.
“Credit must be given to Shubman with the way he’s batted over two days. It was a masterclass in how to bat on a good wicket,” the former New Zealand off-spinner added.
Earlier, the 25-year-old Gill received excellent support from spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja  and Washington Sundar  in partnerships of 203 and 144 for the sixth and seventh wickets.
Until he got out, Gill batted in near flawless fashion.
He was especially severe on Shoaib Bashir, cover-driving the off-spinner for four and lofting him for six, with the bowler largely unthreatening against frontline batsmen in a return of 3-167 in 45 overs.
A hooked single off fast bowler Josh Tongue, whose two wickets cost 119 runs, took Gill to 200, with the elated skipper bowing to a capacity crowd in celebration.
Gill’s marathon innings of 387 balls, including 30 fours and three sixes, spanned some eight-and-a-half hours. It finally ended with a rare false shot when a tired pull off Tongue found Pope at square leg.
England players shook Gill’s hand as he walked off with India now 574-8.
India, again sent into bat by England captain Ben Stokes, had resumed on 310-5, with Gill 114 not out and Jadeja 41 not out.
But India, batting in ideal sunny conditions on Thursday, wanted even more runs from Gill and Jadeja after collapses of 7-41 and 6-31 at Headingley proved costly — and the increasingly ruthless duo got them.

Topics: Cricket England

Chelsea agree deal to sign English winger Gittens from Dortmund

Updated 03 July 2025
Reuters
Follow

Chelsea agree deal to sign English winger Gittens from Dortmund

  • The agreement was made at Fort Lauderdale, with contractual details still to be settled
  • “Jamie Gittens’s career is an example of the development of top talents at Borussia,” Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken said
Updated 03 July 2025
Reuters

LONDON: Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign English winger Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, the Bundesliga club said on Thursday, with the 20-year-old set to sign a seven-year contract in a move reportedly worth 55 million pounds ($75.02 million).
The clubs are currently in the United States for the Club World Cup, where they have both reached the quarter-final stage, and the agreement was made at Fort Lauderdale, with contractual details still to be settled.


Gittens joined Dortmund as a youth player in 2020 from Manchester City, making his senior debut in 2022, and has made 107 appearances for the German side in all competitions, scoring 17 goals.
“Jamie Gittens’s career is an example of the development of top talents at Borussia,” Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken said in a club statement.
“We discovered Jamie very early, practically signed him for free, continuously developed him in our youth performance center, and also offered him playing time at the very highest level with the first team.
“Jamie has repaid the trust placed in him with commitment, performance, and goals.”
Chelsea are looking to strengthen their left wing after they opted not to make Jadon Sancho’s loan deal from Manchester United permanent.

Topics: Chelsea Borussia Dortmund Jamie Gittens

Related

Sport
Dortmund celebrate red-hot Gittens’ ‘arrival’ as Barca loom
Sport
Chelsea overcome Club World Cup weather delay, set up Palmeiras quarter-final

Verstappen refuses to be drawn on future ahead of British GP

Updated 03 July 2025
AFP
Follow

Verstappen refuses to be drawn on future ahead of British GP

  • “I am happy where I am,” Verstappen said
  • “There are always rumors, but only one who decides and that is me and the team“
Updated 03 July 2025
AFP

SILVERSTONE, UK: Max Verstappen on Thursday refused to be drawn on questions about discussions with Mercedes and exit clauses in his Red Bull contract when he spoke to reporters ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.

Facing a succession of questions about his future, following reports in Italy that he had agreed to join Mercedes next year, the Dutchman was polite, but evasive in his answers, stressing that for him it would be ideal to complete his career with one team — Red Bull.

“I am happy where I am,” he said. “There are always rumors, but only one who decides and that is me and the team. I control my own destiny and I am happy and in control of where I’m at.”

Sky Sport Italia on Wednesday reported that he had agreed to join Mercedes, sparking speculation that he was set to replace arch-rival George Russell, but the Briton earlier stated he was confident of keeping his seat.

He said he expected to confirm his new contract with Mercedes — the team believed to be best prepared for the regulation changes next year — within a few weeks.

“I’ve nothing to add to last week,” said Verstappen. “Of course, other people write stuff and that’s great but it’s not me... Happy with my team? In life, you can always see other things and think, as they say, the grass is greener on the other side.

“But I think it is best to stay calm and up to now we have had success except for some time this season and this can happen and you have to accept it.

“I know what I have and what we can do and that’s fine, but, to be honest, I have nothing to add to last week. I am focussed on the team and to improve.”

Asked if he felt he needed to be in the fastest car to win races and titles, Verstappen said it is “difficult in F1 to be in the fastest car... Who would know that two years ago who will be fastest?

“I don’t focus much on it, I just try to improve my own situation and where we want to be next year. If you chase the fastest car now it may not be the fastest car next year. Sometimes you can luck in and then win four, or five or six titles...”

The 27-year-old shared that being a one-team man was an interesting prospect for him, while stating that he had never been tempted to leave Austrian constructor Red Bull.

“I’m going to say no...” he said on the questioning of ever having felt tempted to take a seat elsewhere in the paddock.

“I don’t want more headlines. It would be ideal to finish my career at Red Bull with one team. That would be something amazing and I am still trying to achieve that.

“We are fighting for podiums now and that’s not too bad!“

Reports suggested Verstappen’s contract contained exit clauses that could be activated if he is not in the top three in the drivers championship at the end of July.

But the four-time world champion bluntly refused to reveal any details about his deal with Red Bull.

“To be honest, I am not speaking about my contract. It’s easier like that,” he said.

Topics: Max Verstappen British Grand Prix Silverstone Red Bull

Related

Sport
Max Verstappen takes 6th straight F1 win at British GP after epic fight for 2nd
Sport
Hamilton roars back to win British GP after Verstappen crash

Latest updates

Darfur civilians ‘face mass atrocities and ethnic violence’
Egypt on alert as giant dam in Ethiopia completed
Over 100 former senior officials warn against planned staff cuts at US State Department
US Supreme Court sides with Trump in South Sudan deportation fight
Explosive drone intercepted near Irbil airport in northern Iraq, security statement says

Search form

Print Edition
Read pdf version Subscribe now
© 2025 SAUDI RESEARCH & PUBLISHING COMPANY, All Rights Reserved And subject to Terms of Use Agreement.