Now the World Cup 2023 is actually happening we bring you our definitive list of football fan zones and hotspots to watch and enjoy stunning views with great food and beverage offers. As with all our ESSENTIAL recommendations these are places, we have been and experienced and chosen them for a reason. These are places where The Insider team would go as they have a little something extra to make a great evening…read on …
Best for stunning downtown views and resort like feel – The Bar Sofitel Downtown Dubai
Sofitel’s downtown Fan Zone has everything for football fanatics including games, goals, and a celebratory atmosphere. From November 20th-December 18th guests are invited to watch the matches on their giant screen and enjoy live entertainment, activities between matches, and delicious food and beverage options. Choose from Allo Beirut for your tasty local cuisine or kick back and relax with Budweiser, who are sponsoring the whole zone. Bookings start at AED 100 for the basic package including 3 drink vouchers or select the VIP option which guarantees the best tables while Platinum VIP includes a table for up to 8 guests, 40 bottles of hops, house spirits of a choice of wine or sparkling options plus a signature food platter from Allo Beirut, starting at AED 2,500. Finally Gold VIP tables accommodate up to 6 guests, 30 bottles of hops, wine, or sparkling selection, Allo Beirut signature platter for only AED 1,200. For reservations contact: +971 4 503 6333 / WhatsApp +971 56 996 0582 or email sddreservations@sofitel.com
www.sofitel-dubai-downtown.com
Best for rooftop vibes and all the residence on SZR – Larimar Sheraton Grand Dubai
On the 54th floor of Sheraton Grand Hotel with stunning views, Larimar by Dawn & Duskhas undergone an impressive transformation into a dedicated football Fan Zone. With a giant LED TV screen and 85″ screens, there’s enough coverage to ensure you won’t miss out on the action wherever you’re sitting. Enjoy the Mediterranean beach club vibes with drinks and bites as you watch the most hotly anticipated sporting action of the year. From 20th November until 18th December guests can enjoy unlimited beverage packages from AED 250 (includes pool access!), and there’s also shisha and premium seating packages available. For reservations contact: +971 54 391 8909 or email karen.castillo@sheratongranddubai.com
www.morecravings.com/venues/dawn-and-dusk
Simply the best Saadiyat Island has to offer : Offside – Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
We are huge fans of Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort and for good reason. It is first class hospitality and has a beach the likes of Barbados. Sports bar and family-friendly favourite Offside at Jumeirah’s Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi are pitching (pun intended) themselves as one of the hottest spots to watch the exciting upcoming FIFA. If you want to enjoy the sporting action and enjoy impeccable service and F&B offers, for only AED 120 you can get five bottles of hops, for AED 70 three bottles of hops, and there’s a chance to win amazing prizes if you’re there! They’ve even prepared a special football menu for guests and fans alike who want to watch the international teams battle it out on the pitch. If your team makes it to the quarter finals, why not kick back in the garden and enjoy the sizzling meats from the live BBQ they’ll be preparing. For reservations please contact: +971 2 811 4342
Email: jsirestaurants@jumeirah.com
Best for boho glam : Nikki Beach Dubai
Kicking off on November 20th and showing every game until the final whistle, the Nikki Beach Fanzone – launching in partnership with Moët & Chandon – is the perfect bougie beachside setting to enjoy the game, and the winter weather. With table rates starting at AED500, football fans will be able to kick off their shoes and relax while they enjoy the game, the hospitality, and ambience that Nikki Beach is known for worldwide. Choose from a variety of menu items, including Nikki Beach favorites like Dynamite Shrimp, Beef Sliders, or sushi.
reservations.dubai@nikkibeach.com or +971 54 791 0049
Best for sky high vibes : SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences
With football fever taking over in the region for the much-awaited season, SLS Dubai is taking the action to the skies as it transforms the breathtaking 75th-floor rooftop and Privilege into the SLS Stadium. If you are out Sobha Harttlands or Meydan way this is your best bet
Best for action on the Palm : Hilton Dubai The Palm – Factory by McGettigans & CLAW BBQ
Want to catch every epic goal and all the match highlights, while enjoying the ultimate comfort food and craft beverages this football season? Then head to Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah for a premium watching experience, where Factory by McGettigan’s and CLAW BBQ will take care of every need during the most awaited football games of the year.
From 20th November till 18th December, Factory Bar + Kitchen by McGettigan’s is set to be a home base to all the football enthusiasts. Open from Monday to Friday, from 4pm till 3am,
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/dxbpjhi-hilton-dubai-palm-jumeirah/dining/
Best for pure chic vibes : D R I F T
From November 20th to December 18th the Ruinart Lounge at DRIFT Beach Dubai will be open from 12pm until the end of the last game to accommodate the screening of all FIFA World Cup Games, the pool and beach and DRIFT Restaurant will close per usual business hours.
To avoid disappointment, pre-booking is recommended. please call 04 315 2200 or email info@driftbeachdubai.com
Best for maximum good fun : LSB
JBR, Barsha Heights and Yas island Abu Dhabi
We recently reviewed the Sunday Roast at LSB JBR and it was great. As for the reputation of LSB to watch a game and have a good time; well we don’t need to tell you that because you already know. LSB is in 3 locations now, 2 in Dubai and 1 in Abu Dhabi
And the rest are …
- JW Marriott Marquis – Bridgewater Tavern
Laid back vibes in this sports bar, packed full of drink deals from only AED 40, competitions, and activities as well as bar bites.
2. JA Resort & Spa – Offside
The newly revamped Offisde bar promises sprawling views of the ginormous JA Resort location, but also includes 25 top-grade TVs showing the action to its 275 guests. Expect drinks deals, quizzes and various snacks from pulled beef bao buns to giant hot dogs.
3. Lah Lah – Zabeel House
This venue is bespoke for the football matches and is open just before each match and shortly after, perfect for people living locally in The Greens.
4. Jumeirah Beach Hotel – Dhow & Anchor
Beachside views and top British grub accompany the football at one of Dubai’s oldest pubs. They promise a special menu and drink offers.
5. Publique – Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Usually famous for its fondue and alpine vibes, Publique has been transformed into a football friendly venue, with special bar bites and drink deals.
6. Lexx – Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Super stylish Abu Dhabi hotel the Grand Hyatt has impressive views outside and in, while their 1st floor venue Lexx is hosting all the matches on their big screen. The best news? Their outdoor terrace with Emirates Palace views will be open.
And all the rest:
- Budx FIFA Fan Festival – Dubai Creek Harbour
- Hamilton’s Gastropub – Saadiyat Rotana Resort
- Vida – Hilton RAK Beach Resort
- Malibu Deck – Paramount Hotel, Business Bay
- Outdoor Gazebo – Waldorf Astoria Palm Jumeirah
- Superfly Yachts – Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
- Drift Beach – The One & Only Royal Mirage
- Barasti Beach Stadium – Le Meridien Mina Seyahi
- Fan Zone by McGettigan’s – Media City
- The Football Park, Gate Avenue – DIFC
- The Beach Stadium – JBR
- Jumeirah Emirates Towers Arena – Downtown Dubai
- Mega Fan Zone Soho Garden – Meydan Downtown
- The Football Deck by Belgian Beer Café – Dubai Festival City
- The Stadium at The Irish Village – Garhoud Dubai
- Football Fan Zone Tent – Address Beach Resort, JBR
- Fan Zone at Soul Beach – Jebel Ali
- Zero Gravity Beach Club – Dubai Marina
- Nikki Beach – Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Pearl Jumeirah
- Privilege Pool – SLS Hotel, Business Bay
- Copthorne Lakeview Dubai Hotel – DIP
- A Capella – The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah
- Bla Bla Beach Club – JBR
- Radisson Blu – Damac Hills
- City Walk Stadium Zone – Downtown Dubai
- Football Centre – Emirates Hills
- The Golden Lion – Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel
- Goose Island Tap House – Five Jumeirah Village, JVC
- IKandy Ultralounge – Shangri-La Hotel, Downtown Dubai
- Roxy, VOX and Reel cinemas are all showing selected matches
The countdown for FIFA 2022 is officially on and the city is gripped by football fever; to ensure you get the best viewing spots to catch the action advance booking is recommended, and don’t miss some of the special offers for those kitted out in their favorite team colours.
