NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi Tourism Department Renew Partnership to Host More Games in the UAE

Priyal Dutta5 months Ago2 Mins read391

NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi Tourism Department Renew Partnership to Host More Games in the UAE

As part of the agreement, the NBA Global Academy will be established in Abu Dhabi as the global hub for the league’s NBA Academy program.

NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi Tourism Extend Partnership to Bring More Games and Launch NBA Global Academy

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have announced a long-term extension of their collaboration, expanding NBA programming in the United Arab Emirates. The renewed partnership will include future preseason NBA Global Games, expanded marketing initiatives, the launch of an NBA Global Academy in Abu Dhabi, and additional youth development and fan engagement activities across the emirate and surrounding communities.

As part of the agreement, the NBA Global Academy will be established in Abu Dhabi as the global hub for the league’s NBA Academy program. The year-round initiative will combine elite basketball training and academic development for high-school-age student-athletes from the UAE, the Middle East, and other regions. The academy will offer development opportunities for up to 20 local boys, basketball development activities for local girls, and residential programming for up to 24 male prospects from outside the region.

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said the partnership supports the emirate’s focus on youth development, community engagement, and economic diversification through sports and entertainment. He added that the Global Academy in Abu Dhabi will create learning opportunities for Emirati and UAE-based athletes, coaches, and sports professionals, while the continued hosting of preseason Global Games is expected to strengthen interest in basketball across the region.

Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum said the collaboration has contributed to the growth of basketball participation and fan engagement in the UAE and across the Middle East, and noted that the Abu Dhabi-based academy will support the development of players from the region and internationally.

Further details regarding upcoming preseason games in Abu Dhabi, including schedules and participating teams, will be announced later.

Under the renewed collaboration, DCT Abu Dhabi, through its destination brand Experience Abu Dhabi, will continue as the Official Tourism Destination Partner of the league across the Middle East, China and Europe. The destination partnership will also expand into additional territories, including Africa, Asia, Canada and Latin America.

The agreement also includes expanding youth development initiatives that have reached more than 20,000 boys and girls since 2022. Plans include increasing the number of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA leagues in Abu Dhabi and the Al Ain Region from four to six leagues in 2026, with a target of 12 leagues by 2028.

Abu Dhabi will also host two annual basketball tournaments featuring youth and elite players from around the world. This includes the 2025 Academy Showcase in Abu Dhabi, held at NYU Abu Dhabi from Sept. 25–27, featuring teams from the Academy programs in Africa (Senegal), IMG Academy (U.S.), INSEP (France) and the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence.

The Academy program follows a structured approach to player development, focusing on health and wellness, character building, and life skills, alongside basketball training delivered by coaches with professional, collegiate, and international experience. More than 150 Academy student-athletes have represented their national teams, over 100 have committed to or attended NCAA Division I schools in the U.S., and more than 40 have played or signed professional contracts, including 15 who have progressed to the league.

The Abu Dhabi Games 2025, presented by ADQ, featured two preseason matchups between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 2 and Oct. 4 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The games were part of the broader multiyear collaboration that also includes the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Abu Dhabi League, fan events featuring current and former players, an NBA 2K League exhibition event, and community clinics focused on health, wellness, and basketball fundamentals.

Broadcast coverage of league games has been available in the UAE since the 1987–88 season, and since 2022, eight teams have played preseason fixtures in Abu Dhabi. According to YouGov research, basketball participation in the UAE has increased by 60% since the inaugural Abu Dhabi Games, while the fanbase has grown by more than 25%.

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Priyal Dutta

I create compelling stories that showcase the travel, hospitality, and lifestyle industries. At Safari India, I explore industry trends, write insightful articles, and produce content that informs and engages readers. With a talent for storytelling and a strategic approach, I strive to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations through my work.