In just a few days, UFC fighters and staff will start arriving en masse in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
UFC 333 is scheduled for next weekend (Saturday, October 24, 2026) and will take place 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, especially in nearby Saudi Arabia, due to the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The conflict is not limited to these countries, as the violence is increasingly spreading to neighboring regions.
Over the past month, Saudi Arabia has been hit by a wave of missile and drone attacks targeting key infrastructure, including Riyadh International Airport and oil facilities. Abu Dhabi is not in Saudi Arabia, but is only a few hundred miles away. The United Arab Emirates is a neighboring country of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates is currently under a travel advisory risk level three, according to the US State Department, which recommends reconsidering travel due to armed conflict and terrorism risks.
“No, we’re going,” White said when asked Shakiel Mahjour about possible backup plans. “We’re going. I’m going to be there with UFC, Power Slaps is going to be there twice, WWE is going to be there. We’re all going to be there.”
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