News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – 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 inaugurate a newly refurbished basketball court at Sheikha Fatima Park, just ahead of the highly anticipated NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025.
The collaboration, which celebrates the partnership between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Knicks, has resulted in a striking court design that seamlessly merges Emirati heritage with modern basketball culture.
The official court unveiling was attended by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, alongside Madison Square Garden Sports Executive Chairman & CEO James Dolan, and Knicks legends John Starks and Stephon Marbury. The project underscores DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication to fostering community experiences and connections.
At the heart of the design is the artistic vision of self-taught Emirati artist Aysha Saif Al Hamrani. Her work draws inspiration from the traditional Emirati mandoos furniture—a decorative wooden chest historically used to safeguard valuables.
The mandoos‘s distinctive patterns are re-imagined across the court surface, prominently framing the iconic Knicks logo. Details such as the central circle, which echoes the mandoos‘s ‘lock plate,’ and decorative motifs along the sidelines highlight Emirati craftsmanship, transforming the playing area into a living artwork.
Al Hamrani explained the concept, noting the symmetry inherent in both the mandoos and a basketball court. “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,” she said. “By layering mandoos-inspired geometry into the court, the floor becomes a dialogue between tradition and sport, heritage and modernity.”
Located in the centre of the city, Sheikha Fatima Park is a popular green urban retreat offering adventure zones, dining, and family-friendly spaces. The newly dynamic basketball court adds another layer of activity for families, friends, and basketball fans to enjoy.
This court is the second community court refurbishment in Abu Dhabi, following a similar redesign at Reem Central Park. The combined projects are part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to creating inspiring, active cultural spaces that strengthen community ties.
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025, presented by ADQ, feature the New York Knicks facing the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, 2 October, and Saturday, 4 October, at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. The court unveiling offers a vibrant cultural prelude to the international sporting event.
