The NBA is one of the most powerful sporting “products” on the planet, and the Emirates have understood this well. The NBA has been holding preseason games in Abu Dhabi since 2022, and the annual NBA Cup, which began last week, is now sponsored by Dubai’s Emirates. This doesn’t suit everyone. “These matches are part of efforts by the UAE government to divert attention from the numerous human rights violations committed at home and abroad”writes HRW in a press release.
According to the New York-based NGO these violations include alleged support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan, where a war has caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The authorities of the Emirates did not react immediately, but in a statement published earlier this week, they once again denied any involvement in the war in Sudan. “The UAE strongly rejects any allegations of supplying arms or military equipment to either warring party”they underlined in a press release.
“A public image at odds with systematic human rights violations”
HRW also mentioned the “zero tolerance policy” with regard to any dissent in the Emirates and a system of sponsorship “abusive” for migrant workers. She also spoke of a mass trial, criticized by United Nations experts and human rights defenders, which saw 43 Emiratis sentenced to life in prison for links to the “terrorism” in July.
“The NBA should know that the Emirates hosts high-level sporting, cultural and entertainment events to promote a public image of openness and tolerance at odds with systematic and endemic human rights violations”adds HRW. The oil-rich United Arab Emirates has invested in high-level sport such as Formula 1, golf and football, with Abu Dhabi notably owning Manchester City.
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Many countries, including China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, host of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, have been accused of “sportswashing”.
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