Bangalore – 10th October, 2025: 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 unveil a newly refurbished basketball court at Sheikha Fatima Park
The court brings together Abu Dhabi’s creative heritage and global basketball culture, reflecting DCT Abu Dhabi’s commitment to creating spaces for the community to enjoy and connect.
Designed by self-taught Emirati artist Aysha Saif Al Hamrani, the court takes inspiration from traditional Emirati mandoos furniture—a handcrafted wooden chest used to safeguard valuables. Its intricate patterns are reimagined across the court surface, framing the Knicks logo and celebrating the link between Emirati craftsmanship and modern sport.
Details such as the central circle, echoing the mandoos ‘lock plate’, and the geometric motifs along the sidelines highlight Al Hamrani’s artistry—transforming the court into a living piece of cultural design.
Explaining her vision, Al Hamrani shared: “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. By layering mandoos-inspired geometry into the court, the floor becomes a dialogue between tradition and sport, heritage and modernity.”
Located in the heart of the city, Sheikha Fatima Park continues to serve as a popular green urban space for families, friends, and basketball enthusiasts. The refurbished court adds a vibrant new experience for residents and visitors alike.
This marks the second community basketball court redesigned in Abu Dhabi, following the successful refurbishment at Reem Central Park. Together, these projects highlight DCT Abu Dhabi’s ongoing efforts to foster creativity, encourage active lifestyles, and bring the community together through shared spaces that celebrate local culture.