In just a few days, UFC fighters and staff will begin to arrive en masse at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
UFC 333 is scheduled for next weekend (Sat., Oct. 24, 2026) and will be held at the Etihad Arena, a popular venue for the promotion, which is no stranger to visiting the Middle East. Unfortunately, tensions and violence are high in the region, particularly for nearby Saudi Arabia, as a result of the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The conflict is not confined
to those countries, as violence increasingly spills into neighboring regions.
In the last month, Saudi Arabia has been hit by a wave of missile and drone attacks, targeting key infrastructure including Riyadh’s international airport and oil facilities. Abu Dhabi is not in Saudi Arabia, but it’s only a few hundred miles away. United Arab Emirates is a neighboring country to Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E is currently a level three travel advisory risk per the U.S. Department of State, which recommends reconsidering travel due to armed conflict and terrorism risks.
Despite the escalating violence in the region, UFC CEO Dana White admits there’s no backup plan to move the card to a safer venue. The promotion is no stranger to traveling to dangerous parts of the world, and White insists they’ll be visiting Abu Dhabi multiple times in the coming months between UFC 333, Power Slap, and WWE events.
“Nope, we’re going” White responded when asked by Shakiel Mahjouri about potential backup plans. “We go. I’ll be there with UFC, Power Slaps going there twice, the WWE is going there. We’ll all be there.”
White’s bold stance isn’t exactly a surprise, seeing as he’s also the man who would refuse to shy away from a mass shooter. Fortunately, there have been no major incidences of terroristic violence at a UFC event (though at least one has allegedly been attempted), and hopefully that remains true for many years to come.
For the complete UFC 333 fight card and latest news, click here.
