The <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/2022/10/06/nba-in-abu-dhabi-global-fans-in-the-uae-share-why-they-love-basketballs-biggest-league/" target="_blank">NBA Abu Dhabi Games</a> took place at Etihad Arena on Thursday and Saturday night, with <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/2022/10/07/atlanta-hawks-aim-to-close-out-2022-nba-abu-dhabi-games-with-another-win-over-bucks/" target="_blank">Atlanta Hawks beating the Milwaukee Bucks</a> in both pre-season games. The thrilling games marked the NBA’s debut in the UAE, and regional and international celebrities were among the crowd watching the sold-out games. Here are some of the stars who attended. US television host and comedian Steve Harvey sat courtside on both days, happily waving and chatting to fans between the action. Harvey, a well-known NBA fan, stood out dressed in a green tropical shirt and sunglasses on Thursday while wearing an all-black outfit on Saturday. Bollywood actor <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/money/2022/09/12/celebrity-net-worth-bollywoods-ranveer-singh-takes-a-stake-in-sugar-cosmetics/" target="_blank">Ranveer Singh</a> was also in attendance on both days. The <i>Simmba</i> star, who was named as the NBA’s brand ambassador for India last year, waved to crowds as he was shown on the big screen. He wore a green and yellow Louis Vuitton bomber jacket with white sunglasses on Thursday and a pink floral ensemble for the event on Saturday. The <i>Bad Boys </i>actor was also spotted courtside at the game on Saturday. On Instagram, he shared stories from the game including signing things for fans. He later posted a photo with Steve Harvey and former NBA players Chris Bosh and Charles Smith. US rapper Fabolous sat next to Singh to watch the action. The <i>Into You </i>singer is set to perform on Friday night as part of the <a href="https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/things-to-do/2022/10/05/nba-district-in-abu-dhabi-what-to-expect-at-the-week-long-pop-up-basketball-fan-zone/" target="_blank">NBA District</a> event happening at Manarat Al Saadiyat. He also played a set at Yas Island club White, following Thursday’s game. Lebanese singer Maya Diab greeted fans from her courtside seats, and also took the time to chat to her fellow celebrity guests. Diab, who describes herself as a huge basketball fan, wore a colourful bomber patchwork jacket featuring logos from different NBA teams. Lebanese social media personality and designer Karen Wazen was also in attendance with her husband and three children. Wazen shared sweet snaps from the event, including her son Georgie getting a hug from Harvey and Shaquille O’Neal. Basketball legend O’Neal, who has been central to the NBA Abu Dhabi games, was of course front and centre for the action. He sat alongside Harvey for much of the game, and was spotted chatting to several fans and fellow celebrities throughout. Former player and coach Isiah Thomas, a 12-time All-Star, was among the former players in Abu Dhabi to support NBA’s regional debut. He joined his fellow players on the court during half-time to wave to crowds. Former Miami Heat star Chris Bosh was also part of the NBA Legends line-up to appear at the half-time presentation, and joined his fellow players courtside to watch the action. Fan-favourite Vince Carter, who retired from professional basketball in 2020 following a 22-season career, drew huge cheers as he joined his fellow basketball stars on stage during half-time. Like the others, he will take part in events at the Manarat Al Saadiyat fan zone during the weekend.
