Following its debut games in the Arabian Gulf last year, the NBA returns to Abu Dhabi for a week-long series of events in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
Tipping off the event, the Mavericks and Timberwolves will go head-to-head for two preseason games at Etihad Arena on October 5 and 7. A jam-packed week of unique basketball fan experiences includes the inaugural “NBA Fan Appreciation Day” on October 6 which will see appearances from legends like 19-time NBA All-Star and six-time NBA champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and two-time NBA champion Kenny Smith. Activities such as a skills challenge and three-point contest by players from the two NBA teams, performances from the Mavericks Entertainment Team and the Timberwolves Dunk Team as well as a dunk contest will be taking place throughout the weekend..
With the success of last year’s event, “NBA District” returns to Manarat Al Saadiyat from October 5-8 where visitors will be able to meet NBA legends Tim Hardaway Sr. and Gary Payton as well as participate in a range of programming including playing on a full-court, photo opportunities with the iconic Larry O’Brien Trophy and exclusive availability to purchase limited-edition NBA merch. “Fans will not want to miss NBA District,” says Payton. “This will be my first time in Abu Dhabi, and I am really looking forward to meeting fans and interacting with all of the fun NBA elements in what will be a 360 immersive experience.”
Tickets for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 Presented by ADQ, including “NBA Fan Appreciation Day” and “NBA District,” are available to purchase now on the dedicated Ticketmaster and Etihad website. For more information, visit the official NBA website. Check out the images from last year’s NBA Abu Dhabi Games in the gallery above.
