In April, the NBA announced that the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers would play two preseason games in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The games are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 4 at Etihad Arena on Yas Island.
To draw more attention to what the league is calling the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, the services of Nathaniel Alapide, a Guinness World Record holder for creating the largest sand art image in 2022, will be utilized to create a large art piece promoting the preseason contests.
In a post shared to the NBA Arabic account, Kris Fade, a Dubai-based radio host and personality, is shown receiving a call from the NBA, who ask him to travel out into the UAE desert for an undisclosed task.
Fade is then seen riding in a car while livestreaming to his followers and discussing the NBA's ticket launch for the Abu Dhabi Games 2025.
Fade then greets Alapide, who goes unnamed in the video, while the host, in shock, struggles to properly describe the sand art, which is showcased through several quick-cutting drone shots.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Finally, Fade yells to the drone camera, "NBA, is this epic enough for you?!" The show pulls back to reveal a massive art installation featuring the Knicks' Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns alongside the 76ers' Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
Courtside seats for the Thursday matchup are currently priced starting at 6,095 dirhams, the UAE's currency, which equals roughly $1,659. Some seats for the Saturday game are priced as high as 10,995 dirhams or $2,993.