During the 2022 preseason, the NBA will play two games in the United Arab Emirates. These will be the league's first scheduled games outside of the United States since the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets played in Paris, France in January of 2020.

Both games will take place in Abu Dhabi. The participating teams and venues will be announced at a later.

"Hosting NBA and NBA 2K League games and events in Abu Dhabi builds on our commitment to growing basketball around the world," NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Mark Tatum said. "Through this partnership, we will bring the authentic NBA experience to fans in the UAE and support basketball development in the region by providing more opportunities for young boys and girls to learn and play the game."

NBA teams have previously played in the Middle East. Four different teams have played games in Tel Aviv, Israel against Israeli clubs.