The Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics will play two preseason games in Abu Dhabi, the NBA announced on Wednesday.

The games will take place on October 4 and October 6.

"There is incredible momentum around basketball in the UAE and across the Middle East, and we believe these games as well as our year-round grassroots development and fan engagement efforts will be a catalyst for the continued growth of the game in the region," said NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum in a statement.