Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, has emerged as a significant hub for professional boxing, alongside its renowned status as a centre of politics, industry, culture, and commerce. The city's strategic location on an island in the Persian Gulf, coupled with its rapid development and urbanisation fuelled by oil and gas wealth, has transformed it into a vibrant metropolis with a strong inclination towards sports and entertainment.

With an urban area population estimated at 1.5 million as of 2021, Abu Dhabi has increasingly hosted high-profile professional boxing events, leveraging its global economic stature and investment in world-class facilities. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the world's third-largest sovereign wealth fund in 2022, underscores the city's financial clout, pivotal in attracting international sports events.

Notable professional boxing events in Abu Dhabi have included high-stakes matches such as Dmitry Bivol vs Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez for Bivol's WBA World Light Heavyweight title and Zelfa Barrett vs Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov for the vacant IBF Super-Featherweight World Title. These events highlight Abu Dhabi's capacity to host world-class boxing matches and its role in the global boxing community as a prestigious venue for athletes to compete for major titles.

On October 17, 2013, Abu Dhabi marked a significant milestone in its boxing history by hosting its first-ever live professional boxing competition. Lion Heart Boxing Productions, Ltd. introduced live professional boxing to the city with an event at the du Forum on Yas Island, featuring former British Heavyweight Champion and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Danny Williams. This event set the stage for the city to become a recurring host for international boxing matches.

Moreover, the exhibition fight between Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr and Don "Dangerous" Moore further solidifies Abu Dhabi's preferred destination for high-profile boxing events, attracting global stars to the city.

The commitment to hosting such events reflects Abu Dhabi's broader strategy to diversify its economy and enhance its cultural and entertainment offerings. As the city continues to develop its infrastructure and invest in bringing international sports events to its shores, Abu Dhabi is poised to maintain and expand its role as a key player on the world stage of professional boxing, offering a unique blend of modernity, luxury, and sporting excellence.