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Beyond IPL auction: Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia praises quiet calm of Abu Dhabi
Wadia points to the sense of care and security in the UAE Capital, adding that he feels at home in the city
The night before the IPL auction began in Abu Dhabi, co-owner of Punjab Kings Ness Wadia found himself drawn to the city's quiet moments. Sitting at dinner opposite the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, he watched the illuminated white domes stand out against the night sky — calm, understated and unhurried.
By the time the auction began the next day, that first impression had stayed with him. Abu Dhabi felt serene, said Wadia. “The roads are smooth, the people welcoming, and the pace noticeably different. Everything feels nice and calm here,” he said, adding that the city offered a sense of order and reassurance that was easy to appreciate. Wadia was speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the IPL auction held in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
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For Wadia, the contrast between Abu Dhabi and Dubai was striking. Dubai was fast and energetic, a city that thrived on momentum and movement, he said. Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, felt more measured. “Dubai and Abu Dhabi complement each other very well,” he observed, noting that both cities offered different rhythms, yet worked in harmony. What stood out most to him, however, was how quietly the UAE went about its progress. From well-planned infrastructure to a strong sense of security, Wadia said the country impressed without needing to announce itself. “The country is doing so much, and it’s so subtle,” he said.
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Sense of care, security
Beyond the calm streets and smooth infrastructure, what truly stayed with Wadia was the sense of care he felt across the city. “Security was present without being intrusive and that is something that allowed people to go about their lives with ease,” said Wadia.
He was particularly moved when he learnt more about how cricket infrastructure in the UAE had been built with people in mind. Speaking about leadership, Wadia said that real authority was not about control, but care. “When you nurture your people... you become part of the same family.” It was a sentiment he said he resonated with deeply, describing it as a rare and beautiful approach to governance.
Cricket, fans, and a sense of belonging
That feeling of connection extended naturally to cricket. Wadia said he was delighted to discover the depth of passion for the game among residents in the UAE and that was not just among Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi fans, but Emiratis as well.
Learning about the presence of Punjab Kings supporters in the UAE brought an unexpected smile. “Knowing we have fans here makes me feel even more at home,” he said. For Wadia, cricket has always been about people first, and seeing that shared love for the game so far from home only strengthened that bond.
Looking ahead
For Wadia, this connection is now shaping future plans. Wadia said Punjab Kings are keen to explore doing more in Abu Dhabi, with February emerging as a strong possibility for a visit. He spoke of conversations with team management and said the interest was mutual.
Importantly, he stressed that it would not just be a team visit on paper. “I will come myself,” he said, adding that captain Shreyas Iyer was equally enthusiastic. “Any engagement would be centered around fans giving them a chance to connect with the team they support, rather than focusing on spectacle,” said Wadia.
As his time in Abu Dhabi drew to a close, Wadia spoke with quiet appreciation rather than grand statements. He felt the city offered balance — intensity when needed and calm when it mattered most.
For him, Abu Dhabi was not just a venue linked to cricket calendars or auction schedules. It was a place he felt welcomed, grounded and understood. And it was clear that this would not be his last visit, not just as a team owner, but as someone who had found a home away from home.
SM Ayaz Zakir
SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.
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