The sun had just set over the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, but the tension outside the stadium was still boiling. In the square just meters from the main entrance, a group of Fenerbahçe supporters had surrounded a small group of young men holding Panathinaikos scarves. The shouting quickly escalated into threats, the shoving into punches, and within seconds the situation spun out of control. Bottles were thrown, people were knocked to the ground, and others ran to take cover behind parked vehicles. The German police response came with a characteristic delay, allowing the scene to spiral further. By the time the first officers arrived, tempers had already flared, the first images had hit social media, and the worst impressions were set. It was an incident that stained last year’s Final Four before it even began.

But this year, things are different. This year, we’re not in Berlin. We’re in Abu Dhabi. And here, there’s no joking around. This year’s EuroLeague Final Four is hosted in one of the strictest and safest cities on the planet. With the participation of four great teams – Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Fenerbahçe, and Monaco – thousands of fans will flock in, eager for glory, excitement, praise, and victory. But however genuine the passion may be, it must not cross the line. And in Abu Dhabi, the lines are clear – and non-negotiable.

There is zero tolerance for violence, provocation, or “old-school” tough-guy antics. This warning is crucial, as in recent days, social media has seen posts that fuel hatred and call on Greek fans to confront Turkish supporters. This is extremely dangerous rhetoric that not only contradicts the spirit of sport, but in a country like the United Arab Emirates, can easily lead to arrests and severe penalties. Abu Dhabi is not the place to settle personal scores.

What’s Forbidden – and What Happens If You Break the Rules

Sexist, political, or religious chants are banned. Offensive gestures are banned. Conflicts, verbal or physical assaults, even behaviors that may be considered innocent elsewhere – all are banned.

Here, such actions are classified as “disturbance of public order” or even “offense against cultural and religious values.” The consequences? Fines starting at 5,000 AED (approx. €1,250), potential arrest without bail, detention, a permanent police record, and worst of all: deportation with a ban on re-entry.

Law enforcement is strict, surveillance is constant, and the law is enforced without exceptions – regardless of nationality, age, or excuses. The same goes for alcohol consumption. Anyone found drunk in a public space faces up to one year in prison and a fine over €5,000. Alcohol possession is regulated, and drinking is only allowed in designated licensed areas.

Security checks at the stadium and hospitality areas will be thorough. At Etihad Arena, the event venue, the following are not allowed: flags, flares, drums, lasers, smoke bombs, or outside food. Smoking is also banned, even e-cigarettes. Fans who violate these rules will be removed immediately.

Prison Conditions – and Why Al Wathba Is No Joke

For those who “do their own thing,” arrest in the UAE is a real possibility and may result in an experience that is hard to forget. Even small quantities of narcotics can result in up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 dirhams (~€50,000).

Detainees may be sent to one of Abu Dhabi’s three main prisons: Al Wathba, Al Sadr, or Al Ain. Of these, Al Wathba is the largest and known to be the strictest. The facilities are spartan, with strict rules and daily life far from Western standards.

Cells are designed for 8 inmates but may house up to 30. Personal items like pillows, blankets, and toiletries must be purchased from the prison store. Visitors are not allowed to bring anything in. Bathrooms are shared. Although there’s air conditioning, it can be excessively cold during the winter months.

Life is tightly structured. Inmates are not locked in their cells all day, but movement is strictly limited to their wing. Smokers and non-smokers are separated, though transfers are not always possible. Entertainment is minimal: each wing has only one television with a fixed channel. Contact with the outside world is extremely limited and monitored. Phone calls happen at scheduled times and under supervision. Visits are strictly regulated and sometimes not allowed at all. The sense of isolation is especially intense for foreign detainees unfamiliar with the language and rules. Given the harsh living conditions, bureaucratic hurdles, limited communication, and zero tolerance legal system, what starts as a celebration in Abu Dhabi can quickly turn into a nightmare — and no one wants that.

Why You’ll Need a Jacket

One unpredictable – but important – factor is the heat. In May, Abu Dhabi doesn’t play around. Daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C. Anyone planning to move around the city, walk, or stand in lines outside the arena must take precautions: hat, sunscreen, light clothing, and plenty of water are essential.

On the flip side, indoor spaces – malls, hotels, and of course, the stadium – have strong air conditioning. Many visitors feel the temperature difference as a shock. The simple solution? Bring a jacket. Yes, it might sound odd, but in the desert, you need a jacket.

Communication Problems

Another issue fans should know about: communication can be tricky. In the UAE, voice calls through apps like WhatsApp, Viber, or Messenger don’t work. Only text and images can be sent. Anyone wishing to call home will need to use a regular phone line, which can be very expensive.

The best solution is to buy a roaming package from a Greek mobile carrier or a local SIM card at the airport. While VPNs are technically illegal, and many locals and expats use them anyway, this does not guarantee protection for tourists if inspected. The UAE’s cyber police are highly equipped and monitor suspicious online behavior closely.