With Euro 2016 kicking off on June 10, What’s On rounds up the city’s best spots to catch a match…
1. JB’s
This new gastropub at JBR’s Amwaj Rotana will be screening all the Euro 2016 action on huge HD screens, and there’s a host of ongoing food and beverage offers throughout the tournament. Food runs the gamut of American and British favourites, and there’s an outdoor terrace for those who can cope with the heat.
Amwaj Rotana, The Walk, JBR, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4282000. Taxi: Amwaj Rotana. rotana.com
2. Warehouse
Pulling out all the stops for the city’s footie fans, Le Méridien Dubai’s Warehouse will be transformed into a lively sports venue for the duration of the tournament, with a choice of four watering holes, two restaurants and a busy entertainment lounge. Expect a themed menu with dishes named after sports stars, and plenty of beverage promotions after dark.
Le Méridien Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 7024255. Taxi: Le Méridien Dubai. warehouse-dubai.com
3. UBK
A handy local for Jumeirah Lakes Towers residents, the Mövenpick Hotel’s UBK boasts among the highest screen count of any of the city’s sporting venues, meaning clashing matches can be shown simultaneously. The food menu will keep the hungriest fans happy, with meaty burgers starting from just Dhs65.
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers, JLT, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4380000. Metro: JLT. movenpick.com
4. Nezesaussi Grill
No sports venue roundup would be complete without a mention of this Downtown stalwart. It may have undergone a chic makeover last year, but its focus is still firmly on sports and the crowd remains a loud and enthusiastic one. Nezesaussi Grill’s menu runs the gamut of hearty grub favourites and expect plenty of promotions during evening matches.
Souk Al Manzil, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4238899. Taxi: Manzil Downtown. vida-hotels.com
5. Barasti
Mention live sports in Dubai and this beachside institution is likely to be among the first venues that spring to mind. While you can still dip your toes in the sand in front of the screens, the giant tent is being reinstalled for summer, keeping temperatures at a balmy 22 degrees come day or night.
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort And Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3993333. Taxi: Barasti. barastibeach.com
6. Original Wings & Rings
There are few more perfect pairings than live sport and chicken wings, so this casual DIFC haunt has got you covered. The revamped venue has a host of screens, delicious American-style food (think burgers and quesadillas as well as the ubiquitous wings) and promos after dark.
Liberty House, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3596900. Metro: Financial Centre. originalwingsandrings.ae
7. The Chelsea Arms
One for sports fans in the Creekside part of town, The Chelsea Arms will be serving traditional British bar food along with discounted drinks and a fun, fan atmosphere. It might attract an international crowd, but this is the closest you’re going to get to a traditional British village pub in old Dubai.
Sheraton Dubai Creek, Baniyas Street, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2071410. Taxi: Sheraton Dubai Creek. sheratondubaicreek.com
8. Claw
One of the city’s noisiest venues even when there’s no sport on, this place pretty much guarantees a lively atmosphere. The food is great, there’s a private gaming room inside The Barn open from Sunday to Tuesday for extra atmosphere, and there’ll be free drinks for fans wearing their strip when their team scores.
Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4322300. Taxi: Souk Al Bahar. clawbbq.com
9. Media One Hotel
When it comes to throwing big sporting bashes, trust the Media One Hotel crew to kick it into gear. The empty floor on Level 42 is transformed into a special Euro fanzone complete with two super-sized screens and other flat screens dotted around the venue. The hotel’s Kitchen Brigade will serve food throughout the evenings, while active fans can challenge their pals to a game of three-a-side football on the makeshift pitch.
Level 42, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4271000. Metro: Nakheel. mediaonehotel.com
10. Emirates Golf Club
The huge fanzone at Emirates Golf Club will have giant indoor and outdoor screens set up, we well as great food and deals on burgers and sharing platters. We love the sound of the half time giant Jenga and foosball matches to keep the competitive atmosphere alive.
Emirates Golf Course, Emirates Hills, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3801234. Metro: Nakheel. dubaigolf.com
11. Qube Sports Bar
When one giant screen just isn’t enough, head to Qube Sports Bar. Named after a large four-sided screen right in the centre of this stylish watering hole, Qube is one of the city’s biggest sports hangouts. State-of-the-art big screen technology, pool tables, darts boards and an extensive food and beverage menu make it one of the best spots to watch the footballing action.
The Meydan Hotel, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, Sat to Wed noon until 2am, Thur and Fri noon until 3am. Tel: (04) 3813780. Taxi: The Meydan Hotel. qubesportsbar.com
12. Long’s Bar
Join the excitement of this year’s most anticipated football competition at Long’s Bar. Watch the matches and cheer on your favourite team across 20 screens and enjoy a selection of authentic English grub. For Dhs185 you can also join the Long’s Bar Friday Brunch from 8pm to 10.30pm for a football and food frenzy. Plus, there are plenty of prizes up for grabs, including a one-night stay if you can predict the champions.
Towers Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily noon to 2.30am. Tel: (04) 3122231. Metro: Financial Centre. rotana.com
13. Casa De Tapas
While many revellers coming to Casa De Tapas will have their eyes firmly on Group D (viva Espana!), all fans are welcome to enjoy the matches at this lively Spanish restaurant. Casa De Tapas has set up 14 screens, including one giant TV screen. Seven tables also have individual TV screens, and these can be booked for in advance. Between June 10 and July 10 all Euro fans can take advantage of select Casa de Tapas food and beverage specials. Check out the Facebook page below for more.
Dubai Creek Golf And Yacht Club, Dubai, daily 6pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4161800. Metro: GGICO. facebook.com/CasaDeTapasDubai
14. McGettigan’s
Watch all of the matches at both McGettigan’s JLT and DWTC. The JLT branch has two giant screens, a fully air-conditioned tent and more than 20 plasma screen TVs, while the DWTC has three giant screens and 20 more screens. Football fans can take part in a Q&A and pre-tournament analysis with Jason McAteer – an ex-Ireland player – and Didi Hamann – a former Germany player – on June 8 in JLT and June 7 at DWTC. There will also be an opportunity to win semi-final tickets.
Cluster D, JLT, Dubai, daily noon until 3am. Tel: (04) 3780800. Metro: JLT. mcgettigansdubai.com.
ALSO: Dubai World Trade Centre
15. K-West, Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah
K-West, the casual sports bar complete with comfortable leather armchairs, will host Euro-related promotions throughout the tournament. A special menu will be served each match depending on the team playing. Spectators can cheer on Italy while tucking into a slice of pizza, spur on Germany while chowing on a hot dog or support Spain with a basket of tortillas in hand.
Palm Jumierah, Dubai, Mon to Sun 4pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4442501. Taxi: Palm Jumeirah. kempinski.com
16. Crumbs Elysée
Crumbs Elysée invites fans to experience games on their three state-of-the-art projector screens, while enjoying various promotions, combo deals and competitions. Located off Sheikh Zayed Road, the bakery and café offers free parking to all customers.
Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Manara, Dubai, daily 6am to midnight. Tel: (04) 3468899. Metro: First Gulf Bank. crumbselysee.com
17. Wavebreaker
When it comes to sporting events, there are few places more prepared than Wavebreaker. There are eight screens spread across the venue, ensuring you’ll never be far from the action. Customers will also be given a chance to win prizes in a daily raffle. Special promotions on both food and beverages will be available throughout the tournament.
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, JBR, Dubai, daily 24-hours. Tel: (04) 3182582 Taxi: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort. facebook.com/HiltonDubai
18. Reem Al Bawadi
All venues of this Middle Eastern chain will be dressed for the occasion sporting a special Euro theme. They’ll also have multiple screens set up, as well as chances to win signed jerseys, photos, and boots from famous footballers. A special Euro cup menu is available from 8pm to 2am with bites including Cajun chicken tenders, chicken wings, crispy falafel and beef sliders, available during the matches.
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, daily 6am to 3am. Tel: (04) 3947444. Taxi: Jumeirah 3. Reemalbawadi.com. ALSO: Al Manara, Dubai Marina, Downtown Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah
19. Velocity
Go big or go home is the rallying cry as Velocity unveils a dedicated Fanzone on the first floor, complete with an enormous screen as well as four large screens on the ground floor. Entry costs Dhs50, which is redeemable on food and drinks. Expect a full-blown sporty atmosphere with video console games, foosball and special drinks promotions.
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai, daily 4pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 4143000. Metro: Business Bay. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
20. Lakeview
Cheer on your team at Lakeview as you enjoy a selection of beverage deals. Those just wanting some sharing bites can opt for one of Lakeview’s platters, which come in a variety of world cuisines. Go Mexican with jalapeño poppers, British with a mini meat pie or indulge in a variety of cheeses. Don’t miss Lakeview’s ‘Guess The Score’ competition for a chance to win a dinner for four.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai, daily 6.30am to 2am. Tel: (04) 2956000. Taxi: Dubai Creek Golf Club. dubaigolf.com
21. Dhow & Anchor
See the games live with a choice of participating venues in Jumeirah Beach Hotel. An air-conditioned tent has been built outside of D&A gastro-pub where you can watch in HD with seven screens, live commentary, gourmet cuisine and a choice of beverages. During the tournament guests will also be in with a chance to ‘Beat The Boss’ and win free beverages every time England win.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, daily 9am to 2am. Tel: (04) 4323232. Taxi: Jumeirah Beach Hotel. jumeirah.com
22. Harvesters
Join the fun at Harvesters and cheer on your team in front of multiple TV screens and a projector located inside and on the terrace. To keep you entertained between the matches, tuck into traditional pub grub and take part in a ‘Pick The Correct Score’ draw to earn a 50 per cent discount off your bill. Other draws include the chance to win five vouchers worth Dhs1,000 each.
Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily noon until 2am. Tel: (800) 276963. Metro: Emirates Towers. facebook.com/harvesterspubdubai
23. West Beach Bistro & Sports Lounge
West Beach Bistro & Sports Lounge has several screens positioned around the venue, including a giant concave screen stretching from floor to ceiling. State-of-the-art audio and visual projection will ensure fans don’t miss a single kick. Check out the Euro’s special food menu featuring bangers and mash and Lancashire hot pot.
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, daily noon until 3am, 8pm to 2am (during Ramadan). Tel: (04) 4498888. movenpick.com
24. Perry & Blackwelder’s
Taking inspiration from the USA’s Deep South barbeque heritage, P&B’s is a red meat-lover’s paradise. Toss in several big screens surrounding the venue and screening the football throughout the night, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination. There’s a dedicated happy hour during all the televised games and special burger promotions starting at Dhs99.
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, daily noon until midnight, Tel: (04) 4323232. Taxi: Madinat Jumeirah. jumeirah.com
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