Arab WWE superstar Sami Zayn excited by return to the UAE

Up-and-coming Arab WWE star Sami Zayn cannot wait to return to the UAE next month and has promised to put on a show-stopping performance for the fans.

Zayn, recently crowned the new WWE NXT champion, will be among a host of superstars in action for the three-day extravaganza at the Zayed Sports City Tennis Stadium, Abu Dhabi from February 12-14.

The 30-year-old Canadian, who is of Syrian origin, will be joined bu the likes of John Cena, Seth Rollins and Luke Harper as the WWE roadshow makes its eagerly-anticipated return to the Emirates.

"I was on the last WWE tour of Abu Dhabi in October 2013 and NXT has grown a lot since then," said Zayn, who only joined the WWE two years ago.

"Coming back, if it’s anything like the last time, I expect a lot of support from the Arab fans of Abu Dhabi. They were very passionate and supportive the last time and made a lot of noise, and I’m looking forward to that again as I appreciate it - it’s everything you can ask for."

Although born and raised in Canada, Zayn is immensely proud of his heritage and is delighted to represent the region in the universally popular sports-entertainment industry.

"I was born in Canada but both my parents are Syrian – they moved to Canada back in the 70s and I was born in a 100% Arab house. I’m very much an Arab although I need to practice my Arabic more!

He added: "I use it [Arabic] less and less with my parents these days, since I live away from them here in Orlando, near the Performance Center and I don’t practice it that much anymore. However, I do feel a 100% connected to the Arab audience."

Zayn will be relying on 'home' support as he joins an all-star cast featuring the likes of megastar Cena, 'Money in the Bank' winner Rollins and Intercontinental champion Harper.

"I really don’t know who I’ll be wrestling yet, but my number one concern is having a good time and entertaining the fans," said Zayn. "Obviously, I want to win and will do my best to have a good match and to give the people of Abu Dhabi a good show regardless of who my opponent is.

Tickets for the three-day event are already on sale and can be purchased from ticketmaster.ae. Ticket prices range from Dh300-2000.

It’s the first time WWE Live has visited the UAE since October 2013, when the likes of Randy Orton, The Big Show and The Miz delighted capacity crowds.