Court revealed ahead of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 second game, celebrating the partnership between DCT Abu Dhabi and the New York Knicks
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 03 October 2025: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) through its destination brand, Experience Abu Dhabi, has partnered with the New York Knicks to unveil a newly refurbished basketball court at Sheikha Fatima Park ahead of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025.
The court was officially inaugurated at an event attended by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi. His Excellency was joined at the court unveiling by Madison Square Garden Sports Executive Chairman & CEO James Dolan, as well as Knicks greats John Starks and Stephon Marbury. The project embodies DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to creating expriences for the community to enjoy and connect.
The court’s design, led by self-taught Emirati artist Aysha Saif Al Hamrani, is inspired by traditional Emirati mandoos furniture—a decorative wooden chest used to safeguard valuables. Its patterns are reimagined across the court surface, framing the Knicks logo and linking Abu Dhabi heritage with basketball culture.
Details such as the central circle, echoing the mandoos ‘lock plate’ and motifs along the sidelines highlight Emirati craftsmanship, transforming the court into a living artwork.
Explaining the concept behind the artwork, Al Hamrani said: “The mandoos is traditionally crafted in mirrored halves, rich with repetition and balance. Similarly, a basketball court is symmetrical, with two sides reflecting each other. By layering mandoos-inspired geometry into the court, the floor becomes a dialogue between tradition and sport, heritage and modernity.”
Located in the heart of the city, Sheikha Fatima Park is a popular green urban escape known for its adventure zones, dining spots, and family-friendly spaces. The newly refurbished basketball court adds a dynamic space for families, friends, and basketball fans to play, explore, and enjoy together.
This is the second community court refurbishment in Abu Dhabi, following the redesign at Reem Central Park. Together, the projects demonstrate DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to creating spaces that inspire people to stay active, celebrate culture, and strengthen community ties.
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 presented by ADQ features the New York Knicks facing the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday 2 October and Saturday 4 October at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae