Abu Dhabi is set to make history by hosting the EuroLeague Final Four in 2025, marking the first time the basketball tournament will be held outside Europe. The event will take place from May 23 to May 25, 2025, at the Etihad Arena, which boasts a capacity of 18,000 spectators. The move signifies a step in the EuroLeague's global expansion strategy.
"We are grateful to Abu Dhabi for hosting the Final Four," said Dejan Bodiroga, President of the EuroLeague. "This is an ambitious project and an extraordinary opportunity to present the EuroLeague atmosphere to a new audience," he added.
The Etihad Arena, located in the entertainment district of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, will serve as the venue for the tournament. The arena has previously hosted events, including NBA preseason games and UFC matches, showcasing its capability to accommodate major international sporting events. The facility, originally named Yas Bay Arena, began construction in 2018 and was later renamed after selling its rights to Etihad Airways in 2020.
The EuroLeague detailed the match schedules for the Final Four. The semi-finals will take place on May 23, with the first game tipping off at 7 PM local time and the second at 10 PM local time. The third-place match and the championship game are scheduled for May 25 at 6 PM and 9 PM local time, respectively. These times correspond to Spanish time, as noted by El Mundo.
Tickets for the EuroLeague Final Four will go on sale starting February 26. Many basketball fans have already expressed interest in booking tickets for the weekend of May 24-25, 2025. The anticipated demand suggests a turnout of international spectators eager to witness the historic event.
For fans planning to attend, it's essential to be aware of the local laws and customs in the United Arab Emirates. Simon Hood, executive director of the shipping company John Mason International, provided insights into the strict regulations that may affect visitors. "There's a big issue with the VPNs that users use to access banned websites or just for security reasons. In Dubai, using a VPN to bypass blocks is illegal. Many travelers forget they have them on their devices and accidentally find themselves violating the law," he explained.
Additionally, tourists must be cautious about behavior that may be considered offensive or illegal in the UAE. "Swearing and rude gestures, even online, are illegal in the United Arab Emirates, as they are considered indecent acts," Hood noted. He also warned about the strict regulations regarding medications, photography, and public conduct. "Medications can be tricky. If you carry them without a prescription or the proper documents, you could find yourself in a difficult position," he said.
Athens, for example, is connected to Abu Dhabi with daily flights. Direct flights from Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos Airport to Abu Dhabi International Airport take approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. Alternative routes include flights with intermediate stops in cities such as Amman, Bahrain, or Turkey, depending on the airline.
Accommodations in Abu Dhabi cater to a range of budgets. It's possible to find rooms for less than 50 euros per night, though prices may increase due to the high demand surrounding the Final Four event. "Accommodation in properties located in the area of the Final Four stadium is likely to be 'inflated' in price, as the owners are trying to take advantage of the situation to profit financially," Sport 24 reported.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq