Player jerseys, caps and footwear are some of the items available for basketball fans to buy at the new NBA Store in the capital.
The official outlet, located on the first floor of Yas Mall, spans more than 500 square metres and sells a range of NBA merchandise and memorabilia.
“The opening of the NBA Store in Abu Dhabi in conjunction with our first games there reflects the growing popularity of basketball in the UAE and across the Middle East,” said Steve Griffiths, NBA Europe and Middle East's senior director for global partnerships.
The mall also has special interactive activities for fans until Saturday. This includes an NBA-themed area in the mall’s Town Square courtyard that will display the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy as well as NBA Jam and NBA 2k23 video game kiosks and pop-a-shots, for those who want to try their basketball luck.
The website NBAStoreMe.com will also soon be launched for those who prefer to shop online.
NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi sign multi-year partnership
Last year, the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi signed a multi-year partnership with the NBA to bring games to the region, starting with the pre-season games between the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday and Saturday at Etihad Arena.
In addition to the pre-season games, the partnership will have the two teams together to expand basketball in the UAE and across the region. Junior NBA Leagues for boys and girls will be launched at schools and academies throughout the Emirates, while NBA Fit clinics will encourage and promote health and wellness.
“We’re very proud to have this multiyear partnership and that goes beyond that game," said Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, executive director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi. "We have shared values with the NBA; values of tolerance, diversity, teamwork — all these things reflect our communities in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”
Scroll through the gallery below to see images from NBA District at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi
-
Fans arrive at the NBA District under a tunnel walk that celebrates the history of championship rings, banners and jerseys over the past 75 years. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
The family-friendly event is open to fans of all ages. -
A fan takes a photo with former NBA player and coach Isiah Thomas. -
Milwaukee Bucks players MarJon Beauchamp, centre, and Sandro Mamukelashvili, right, visit the NBA District. -
NBA District has various zones for visitors and fans to explore. -
A young fan enjoys one of the video installations. -
Thomas takes to the stage for a small Q&A session with fans. -
Former basketball champion Shaquille O'Neal makes his way to the stage. -
Fans crowd for basketball Hall of Fame players O'Neal and Thomas. -
A basketball covered in Swarovski crystals on display in the 'Infinity Room'. -
There are two half-courts set up inside the NBA District. -
Fans have a chance to win limited-edition Air Jordans. -
There's a small NBA store for visitors to purchase merchandise. -
Fans show off their skills playing 'Pop-A-Shots'. -
A freestyler shows off his balancing skills. -
Freestylers show their skills at the NBA District. -
The arcade space has videogames such as 'NBA 2k', 'NBA Blitz', 'NBA Hoops' and 'Pop-A-Shots'. -
The NBA District is explored by all age groups at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Khushnum Bhandari / The National -
The Gatorade zone has five different activities on one stand. -
An exhibition about past NBA players is on display.
