Dubai will host a festive basketball headline on Tuesday, 23 December 2025, when Dubai Basketball meets EA7 Emporio Armani Milan at Coca-Cola Arena in City Walk. The game tips off at 8:00 PM, and the venue plans to open doors at 6:30 PM. For box office and event support, call 800 22 33 88, and the venue email is boxoffice@coca-cola-arena.com. The arena sits in City Walk, near the Al Wasl and Al Safa Road junction, and City Walk customer service is +971 4 590 5090. Doors open at 6:30 PM.
Match night overview at Coca-Cola Arena
Christmas Basketball Night brings a slightly different feel to a regular game night, because the crowd tends to arrive earlier and linger longer around City Walk. Dubai Basketball has positioned this fixture as a marquee holiday clash, and that usually means more build-up inside the arena before tip-off. EA7 Emporio Armani Milan arrives with a huge European following, so you can expect a louder mix of chants than a typical local game. The matchup also lands as the teams meet in Dubai for the first time, which adds extra edge to the atmosphere. Expect a full-arena, high-energy crowd from early evening.
Teams and storyline for the night
Dubai Basketball has quickly turned home games into a weekly habit for many fans, especially when European opponents come to town. Meanwhile, EA7 Emporio Armani Milan is one of Italy’s best-known clubs, and it often plays sharp, physical half-court basketball. Because the teams bring different styles, the game can swing on short runs and hot shooting stretches rather than slow momentum. If you follow EuroLeague basketball, you will recognise several names and a very disciplined bench rotation. This is elite-level basketball, not a casual exhibition.
Ticket categories and smart buying options
If you want the simplest plan, single-game tickets show clear category pricing, and you can choose based on your budget and view preference. Category C seats are listed at 75 AED, while Category B sits around 150 AED, and Category A comes in around 180 AED, although availability changes quickly by section. If you are going with friends, the venue also promotes a “Rates for mates” offer that requires at least five tickets, which can lower the per-ticket cost. Additionally, you can choose a festive bundle if you plan to attend the later December game too, with bundle pricing listed from about 85 AED up to about 235 AED depending on category. Prices can move as sections sell out, so treat any number as approximate.
Entry rules and timing to know before you go
Coca-Cola Arena requires a valid ticket for entry, including for children above the stated age threshold on the event notice, so families should plan that detail early (family-friendly, but it will finish late). The venue also states that anyone below 16 must attend with an adult or parent aged 18 or over. Because doors open at 6:30 PM, arriving around 7:00 PM usually gives enough time for security checks, finding your block, and grabbing food without rushing. The game itself is scheduled to run until about 10:00 PM, and you should expect some post-game crowding at exits right after the final buzzer. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Getting to City Walk from across the UAE
If you drive in from Abu Dhabi, the most predictable route uses Sheikh Zayed Road, and you will want extra buffer time for Dubai’s evening traffic near interchanges. If you come from Sharjah, try to avoid the heaviest inbound flow by leaving earlier than you think, because congestion can build steadily as offices close and dinner traffic starts. Taxis and ride-hailing work well for door-to-door access, although pick-up demand spikes after the game, so many people walk a few minutes away from the main exit before requesting a car. For public transport, you can take the Red Line metro to Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall station, then continue by taxi for a short hop to City Walk. Plan your return trip before tip-off, not after the game ends.
Traffic and parking notes around the arena
City Walk parking policies can affect your timing more than you expect, especially on big event nights. City Walk states that visitors receive free parking for the first hour, and then additional hours cost 5 AED per hour, while it also mentions additional parking at the arena’s P5 area plus valet locations within the destination. For accessibility planning, the arena FAQ notes free parking for disabled badge holders in car park P4 when they present a valid badge. If you want the least stressful experience, aim to park and enter City Walk well before 7:30 PM, because the last stretch toward the arena can slow down dramatically near start time. Parking capacity is limited when the arena gets busy.
Traffic, parking, and weather notes
Dubai’s forecast for Tuesday, 23 December 2025 points to bright sunshine, with daytime temperatures around 25°C and a cooler low near 17°C, so the evening can feel crisp once you step outside. Bring a light layer for the walk back to your car or taxi line, especially if you tend to feel cold in air-conditioned venues. Expect the busiest traffic window from roughly 6:30 PM to 8:15 PM around City Walk, and then again right after 10:00 PM as crowds leave together, so arriving early usually saves time. If you want a public transport backup, the metro plus a short taxi ride can reduce parking stress, although taxis may queue after the game. Ticket and door prices can change, and any AED figures you see should be treated as approximately; for purchasing, stick with COCA-COLA ARENA channels and PLATINUMLIST for the most reliable access points. Arrive early and keep your ticket accessible during entry checks. Information like this is often compiled in practical form by the editor of www.few.ae.
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