The city’s team returns home after spending two months away from Dubai.
Dubai Basketball are set to return to their home court at the Coca-Cola Arena for the 2025/26 ABA League semi-finals after 66 days away from the city they represent.
The return marks an emotional homecoming for the team, its players, and supporters across Dubai.
The semi-final series against Budućnost VOLI is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 20, as Dubai Basketball look to challenge for the title and make history.
Since regional unrest began in February, Dubai Basketball were forced to relocate all their ABA League and EuroLeague home games to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Beginning with their EuroLeague fixture against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz on March 12, the team played nine “home” matches across Sarajevo and Zenica, effectively using neutral venues as temporary home courts during a crucial phase of the season.
For more than two months, the team were away from their home base in Dubai, separated from their fans and local community while continuing to compete at the highest level of European basketball.
Despite the disruption, the squad remained closely united throughout the relocation, keeping supporters close in spirit at every stage of the journey and ultimately finishing the ABA League regular season at the top of the standings.
In coordination with local authorities, ABA League officials, and both participating teams, Dubai Basketball has confirmed that the ABA League semi-finals will return to the Coca-Cola Arena.
The move sets the stage for what is expected to be one of the most emotionally charged nights of the season in the city.
Dejan Kamenjašević, Co-CEO and General Manager of Dubai Basketball, said: “We are very happy and grateful to finally return home to Dubai after more than two months away.”
“It has been a challenging period for everyone involved with the club, but throughout this time we felt strong support from the Chairman, our fans, partners, the ABA League, the EuroLeague, and the local authorities who helped make this return possible.
“We also want to sincerely thank the people of Sarajevo and Zenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina for welcoming us and making us feel at home during this period. Their support meant a lot to our players, staff, and families. A special thank you as well to KK Bosna for their collaboration, hospitality, and support throughout these past months.”
He added: “Now, we are excited to be back at the Coca-Cola Arena for the most crucial stage of the season and to play in front of our fans again in Dubai. We invite everyone to join us on May 20 at the arena and help create a special atmosphere as we bring the ABA League semi-finals home.”
The return marks more than just another fixture on the calendar. For Dubai Basketball, it represents resilience and the unifying role of sport within the city.
After months away from home, the team will once again take to the court in front of their supporters, with a place in the ABA League final at stake.
Fans can secure access to the game via the Dubai Basketball website: Dubai Basketball guest registration
