Built at a $545 Million Cost, UAE?s Grand Monument Leaves 7 ft Shaquille O?Neal Jaw-Dropped

Shaquille O?Neal retired in 2011, donning the green of the Boston Celtics. But the 7-feet tall basketball legend rarely stays out of the spotlight. And for good reasons too.?

NBA went to the middle east for the first time for its pre-season games. O?Neal was the ambassador for the 2022 NBA Games in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The four-time NBA Champion being the lovable personality he is, had a lot of fun in the UAE.?

He also visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the monument garnering the most attention to the city.?He met with a lot of people while going around the streets of the city, making everyone go crazy over the Los Angeles Lakers legend.

Shaquille O Neal in Abu Dhabi

O?Neal was in the city for the Atalanta Hawks’?battle against the Milwaukee Bucks. There were many other stars in the city to make this one a grand event.

READ MORE: Shaq treated her mother before he spent money on himself

O?Neal was mesmerized by the city and complimented it profusely while getting around it. He said, ?The people have been really hospitable, and it?s one of the prettiest places I?ve been since Singapore.? He further went on to add ?Very hospitable, very disciplined and I?m actually looking at real estate here – I?m definitely coming back. It?s like Miami – very beautiful, very clean. This will probably be my home if I come to the UAE.??

The 15-time All-Star also commented that it felt fabulous being around the city.?The Lakers legend also visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is one of the main attractions of the city. The jaw-dropping landmark is one of the largest mosques in the world and took about $545 million to build.

The main prayer hall hails one of the largest chandeliers in the world. Some of it contains hand-knotted carpets and 24- carat gold glided chandeliers, making it an attraction like no other.

Safe to Say, even the 7?1 giant was awestruck by its grandness.?

Shaq Quad biking?

The 3-time NBA finals MVP has a knack for an adventure that is not hidden. Back in 2019, O?Neal appeared on the Bear Grylls show running in the wild.?

Well, The 15-time NBA All-Star wouldn?t miss out on some of the thrills that he can get out of Abu Dhabi. He went on Quad biking in Abu Dhabi and seemed to have a great time.?

NBA is trying to promote its league to different countries and cities. The 2022-23 season will feature at least 45 matches occurring in primetime for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Watch this story: Shaq is the last person to beat MJ in the playoffs.

What is your opinion on NBA branching out worldwide? Let us know in the comments.