Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Experience Abu Dhabi, the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), alongside 18-time NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics, unveiled the newly transformed basketball court at Reem Central Park.
The court was inaugurated during an event attended by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi; Her Excellency Nouf Mohamed Al-Bushlaibi, Executive Director of the Strategic Marketing and Communications Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi; Rich Gotham, President of the Boston Celtics; Ted Dalton, Chief Partnership Officer of the Boston Celtics; Chris Sparks, Senior Director of Youth Development of the Boston Celtics, and Jennifer Todd, Senior Vice President of Partnership Development, Strategy, Youth Basketball, and Corporate Events at the Boston Celtics. The event highlighted Abu Dhabi’s passion for blending art and sports in ways that inspire and engage the local community.
The court’s fresh look was brought to life by Belgian artist Katrien Vanderlinden, whose artwork combines elements of Emirati culture with the Celtics’ Shamrock icon. Featuring Al Sadu weaving patterns, Vanderlinden’s design pays tribute to the emirate, where honoured traditions meet sports side-by-side—creating a fun and meaningful spot for the local community and visitors. The artwork incorporates the traditional Sadu-pattern, characterised by triangles and diamond shapes, reminiscent of intricate woven rugs. Drawing inspiration from the sense of home that rugs evoke, and with the Celtics visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time, the design symbolises an Abu Dhabi rug for the team, blending local heritage with the Celtics’ presence in Abu Dhabi.
Katrien Vanderlinden said: "I was deeply inspired by the local Emirati culture, especially the Sadu-pattern, which I integrated with the iconic green of the Boston Celtics. The idea was to create a space where art and sports come together, making it a meaningful place for the community. I believe that these two worlds—art and sport—can really lift each other and inspire one another. My hope is that the mural not only catches people’s eyes but also becomes a space where basketball and art inspire connection and pride in the local neighbourhood."
The revamped court comes just in time for the highly anticipated NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024, presented by ADQ, where basketball fans will get to witness the Boston Celtics take on the Denver Nuggets in two pre-season games. This court makeover is part of Experience Abu Dhabi’s broader mission to elevate local sports culture, inspire the next generation of athletes, and strengthen basketball as a sport across the UAE.
As Abu Dhabi continues to establish itself as a global hub for sports and culture, the transformation of the Al Reem Island basketball court reflects the city's commitment to creating spaces where people can connect, be active, and celebrate their shared passions.
