Ed Westwick and Nadine Nassib Njeim Bring Red-Carpet Energy to NBA Abu Dhabi Games

The NBA?s return to Abu Dhabi brought more than pre-season basketball. At Etihad Arena, the match-up between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers unfolded under the eyes of an audience that blended die-hard fans with international celebrities, including British actor Ed Westwick and Lebanese star Nadine Nassib Njeim.

Westwick, still widely recognised for his role as Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl, was spotted courtside soaking in the action beside Njeim, one of the Arab world?s most popular television actresses. Their presence underscored the NBA Abu Dhabi Games? positioning not only as a sporting event, but as a lifestyle and entertainment platform capable of attracting Hollywood, Bollywood and regional A-listers.

Beyond the games themselves, the league and its partners have turned Abu Dhabi into a temporary basketball district, with fan zones, music, fashion collaborations and interactive experiences at Manarat Al Saadiyat. For the UAE, the event is another proof point in its strategy to host world-class sports while cultivating an image as a global entertainment hub; for Lebanese fans, seeing one of their own in the courtside spotlight reinforces the region?s growing visibility in that ecosystem.

Njeim, who has built a pan-Arab following through hit series and brand partnerships, shared glimpses from the arena on social media, positioning the night as equal parts game and glam. In a media environment where celebrity appearances often generate as many clicks as final scores, the pairing of Westwick and Njeim became its own headline, extending the reach of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games far beyond sports pages.

It is a formula likely to repeat. As the NBA deepens its presence in the Middle East, the courtside row is becoming a front line for cultural diplomacy ? one where Lebanese and regional talent play an increasingly visible role.

Source: Gulf News ? NBA Abu Dhabi games draw in Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick and Lebanese actress Nadine Nassib Njeim.