ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company — ADQ — and the National Basketball Association — NBA — have launched a multi-year partnership to engage Abu Dhabi fans and young basketball players, Emirates News Agency reported on Tuesday.

ADQ will be the presenting partner of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023, in which the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves will play two preseason games at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena in October.

ADQ will host and assist the league’s grassroots basketball programs in the UAE. 

ADQ will also support a number of NBA fan engagement, youth development and social impact initiatives, including the Jr. NBA Abu Dhabi League, NBA FIT clinics, NBA Cares events and NBA youth basketball development camps.

“Through this groundbreaking collaboration, ADQ will contribute to the increasing prominence of the sport and bolster the emirate’s profile as an attractive destination, while encouraging healthier lifestyles,” said ADQ chief operating officer, Anas Albarguthi. 

“Our track record in partnering with leading organizations to promote physical activity both on a professional and an amateur level has served to prove that sports yield tangible benefits for local communities,” Albarguthi said. 

Ralph Rivera, Middle East managing director at NBA Europe, added: “Engaging with local communities and growing basketball at the grassroots level are cornerstones of our broader efforts to use the game to inspire and connect people in the Middle East and globally, and our collaboration with ADQ will help us teach the game and its values to the next generation of fans and players.”