The sun had dipped below the horizon at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, yet the atmosphere outside remained charged. Just steps from the main entrance, a group of Fenerbahçe fans confronted a small gathering of young men displaying Panathinaikos scarves. The shouting rapidly escalated to threats, then physical confrontations ensued, turning the scene chaotic in mere moments. Bottles flew, individuals were knocked down, and many sought refuge behind parked cars. The police, responding with their usual delay, allowed the altercation to intensify. By the time officers arrived, tempers had flared, images were already circulating on social media, and an unfortunate prelude had marred last year’s Final Four.
This year, however, things are different. We’re not in Berlin anymore; we’re in Abu Dhabi. Here, there’s no room for jokes. The EuroLeague Final Four is being hosted in one of the safest and most regulated cities worldwide. With teams like Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Fenerbahçe, and Monaco participating, thousands of fans will gather, fueled by a desire for triumph and excitement. But that passion must not go too far; the lines are clearly drawn in Abu Dhabi, and they are non-negotiable.
Here, zero tolerance exists for violence, provocation, or any “old-school” macho behavior. This warning is paramount, especially as recent days have seen social media posts inciting animosity and urging Greek fans to confront Turkish supporters. This is dangerous rhetoric that contradicts the spirit of sportsmanship and can lead to arrests and severe penalties in a nation like the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is not the place for settling scores.
Prohibited Actions and Consequences
Sexist, political, or religious chants are strictly forbidden. Offensive gestures, conflicts, and any form of verbal or physical aggression, even actions deemed innocent elsewhere, are all prohibited.
Such actions fall under the categories of “disturbance of public order” or “offenses against cultural and religious values.” The repercussions can include fines starting at 5,000 AED (approximately €1,250), potential arrest without bail, detention, a permanent police record, and, most seriously, deportation with a ban on re-entry.
Law enforcement is stringent, surveillance is ubiquitous, and the law is applied without exception—regardless of nationality, age, or rationalizations. This approach also extends to alcohol consumption. Anyone found intoxicated in public may face up to one year in prison and fines exceeding €5,000. Alcohol possession is regulated and permitted only in designated licensed areas.
Security checks at the stadium and hospitality zones will be extensive. At Etihad Arena, the venue for the event, items such as flags, flares, drums, lasers, smoke bombs, and external food are prohibited. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is also banned. Fans who disregard these regulations will be removed immediately.
Understanding Prison Conditions – The Reality of Al Wathba
For those who choose to disregard the rules, arrest in the UAE can become a very real possibility, often leading to unforgettable experiences. Even small amounts of narcotics can result in up to 10 years in prison along with hefty fines reaching up to 200,000 dirhams (~€50,000).
Detentions may lead to one of Abu Dhabi’s three main prisons: Al Wathba, Al Sadr, or Al Ain. Al Wathba is the largest and considered the strictest, featuring austere conditions that are far from Western standards.
Cells designed for eight inmates may accommodate up to thirty. Personal items like pillows, blankets, and toiletries can only be obtained from the prison shop, as visitors are not permitted to bring anything in. Shared bathroom facilities add to the discomfort. Despite air conditioning, winters can feel uncomfortably cold.
Daily life is tightly controlled. While inmates are not confined to their cells all day, their movements are strictly limited to their wings. Smokers and non-smokers are separated, though transfers aren’t always feasible. Entertainment is sparse: each wing has only one television tuned to a fixed channel. Communication with the outside world is heavily restricted and monitored. Phone calls occur at scheduled times under supervision, with visits often being strictly regulated or not allowed at all. The sense of isolation can be particularly acute for foreign detainees who struggle with the language and rules. Given the harsh living conditions, bureaucratic obstacles, limited communication, and the zero-tolerance legal framework, what begins as a festival in Abu Dhabi can swiftly turn into a nightmare — and no one desires that outcome.
Why You Should Bring a Jacket
An unpredictable yet vital consideration is the temperature. In May, Abu Dhabi is extremely hot, with daytime temperatures often surging above 40°C. Anyone planning to explore the city, walk around, or wait outside the arena must take precautions: hats, sunscreen, lightweight clothing, and ample hydration are crucial.
Conversely, indoor locations such as malls, hotels, and the stadium feature strong air conditioning, leading many visitors to find the temperature shift quite jarring. The straightforward solution? Pack a jacket. While it might sound unusual, in the desert, it’s essential to have a jacket.
Challenges with Communication
Another important aspect for fans to be aware of is that communication can be challenging. In the UAE, voice calls through apps like WhatsApp, Viber, or Messenger are not functional. Only text and images can be transmitted. Anyone wishing to call home should utilize a regular phone line, which can be very costly.
The best strategy is to purchase a roaming package from a Greek mobile provider or a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport. While VPNs are technically illegal, many locals and expatriates use them anyway, yet this does not guarantee safety for tourists if under inspection. The UAE’s cyber police are well-equipped and monitor suspicious online activities closely.
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