The Rugby World Cup starts on September 18, click here for our ultimate guide.
Rugby fever is sweeping the land, and with England’s opening game against Fiji getting the World Cup started this Friday you’ll doubtless be wondering where the best places to watch are.
Emirates Golf Club
Emirates Golf Club is Dubai’s only official Rugby World Cup sports bar. You can catch every single match throughout the tournament on one of their 21 HD screens. The Saturday Brunch Buffet for 10 with unlimited food plus 40 beverage vouchers for only Dh2,890 (other packages are on offer). If you’re up for it, you can also purchase the fan package for Dh80, which includes two beverage vouchers, one snack voucher and a souvenir Rugby World Cup t-shirt.
Oh, by the way, if you attend the opening weekend you stand the chance of winning the opportunity to watch England take on Uruguay on October 10, live at Manchester City Stadium.
Location Emirates Golf Club, The Greens Timings 12pm to 2am daily Phone 04 417 9999 Email rugbycentral@dubaigolf.com Website Emirates Golf Club
Reform Social and Grill
There will be two large screens inside and outside, both with English commentary. A British-themed gastro-pub, Reform Social and Grill is the perfect location for a night with the lads, regardless of which British team you support… Different rugby-related deals will run throughout the tournament.
Location The Lakes Timings 12pm to 12am daily Phone 04 454 2638 Email reservations@reformsocialgrill.ae Website Reform Social and Grill
Original Wings and Rings
The USA’s national rugby team are in Pool B for this year's World Cup, so it’s fitting that one of Dubai’s best American sports bars is getting involved. Buckets full of amber bottles start at Dh119, while platters are on offer from Dh79.99. OWR has three HD projectors and 17 screens.
Location Level C, Liberty House, DIFC Timings 12pm to 2am daily Phone 04 359 6900 Website Original Wings and Rings
Kickers Sports Bar and Chill
Kickers Sports Bar and Chill features both indoor and outdoor TV screens that will broadcast selected Rugby World Cup matches.The bar is peppered with sporting memorabilia, and certainly the big rugby nations are going to add their colours to the wall. It’s the perfect place for residents in Sports City and Motor City.
Location First Floor, Football Academy, Sports City Timings 12pm to 12am daily Phone 04 453 5200 Website Kickers
Casa de Tapas
The venue has a total of 14 screens showing all the action including one large projector. Seven of the tables within the restaurant have individual TV screens, which is a well-thought out method of crowd segregation. Tapas promotions start at Dh75 for three. Pitchers of sangria cost only Dh100 during the 80 minute matches, and there are special drinks available for penalties. Further promotions include game cards and a loyalty programme which both offer excellent prizes.
Location Dubai Creek & Yacht Club Timings 12pm to 2am Phone 04 416 1800 Email reservations@casadetapas.ae Website Casa de Tapas
Claw
The idea of an American-Seafood BBQ may seem as far detached from rugby as professional flower arranging, but Claw have come up with some great offers. The Barn, Claw’s private gaming den, is offering a special small drink to fans every time their nation scores a try. For the more civilized fan, a bucket of amber bottles can be bought for, and we quote, a “claw-dropping” Dh99. “Snap” up more offers and enjoy more high-quality puns and a great rugby vibe at Claw.
Location Souq Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai Timings 12pm to 2am daily Phone 04 432 2300 Email info@clawbbq.com Website Claw
The Dubliners
Those who will be supporting the boys in green may be interested to hear that they could win a full-paid trip home to Dublin as well as tour around the Guinness Storehouse in St. James’ Gate. To be in with a chance, you’ll receive a coupon for the draw with every Dh50 you spend. Don’t worry, the draw is open to everyone, although if your team are the one that knock Ireland out, you may want to change your jersey.
With countless TV’s all over the place, you don’t have to be a sworn Irishman to enjoy the Dubliners. Enjoy all the matches at one of the friendliest places in Dubai.
Location Le Meridien, Al Garhoud Timings 12pm to 2am daily Phone 04 217 0000 Website The Dubliners
Nezeaussi
All Blacks and Wallabies fans, and maybe the odd Springbok, need look no further for the ultimate bar to catch their Southern Hemisphere heroes in action during this World Cup. Nezeaussi are getting the six-week tournament off with a bang. None other than former Wallabies star fullback Matt Burke will be opening the festivities on opening night (Friday, September 18).
Guests can pre-book a private booth for Dh2500, which includes a personal TV and five beverages per person.
Location Manzil, Downtown Dubai Timings 5pm to 2am Phone 04 428 5888 Website Nezeaussie
Bidi Bondi
Located on the Palm Jumeirah, Bidi Bondi is inherently popular with Dubai’s South African rugby-istas, as well as the nation’s Wallabies and All Blacks. Bidi Bondi is the perfect place for groups to gather and cheer their national team on.
All matches will be shown live, and a bucket of special Dutch hops can be purchased for only Dh130.
LocationPalm Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah Timings 12pm to 2am daily Phone 04 427 0515 Website Bidi Bondi
Fibber Magees
Fibber Magees may not have much in the way of special offers for the Rugby World Cup, but for the Irish community there are few better places in Dubai to watch the national side hammer the French, Italians, Canadians and Romanians. The intimate surroundings of this tiny back-street pub will keep all rugby fans in the mood.
Location Saeed Tower One, Al Satwa, Shaikh Zayed Road Timings 8am to 3am daily Phone 04 332 3100 Website Fibbers
Barasti
There really is no place like Barasti Bar in Dubai. The indoor-outdoor venue is always popular for sports fans, especially Dubai’s English contingent. While there are no dedicated special offers, Happy Hour runs between 4pm and 7pm daily.
Location Le Meridien, Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh Road Timings 11am to 1.30am Saturday to Wednesday; 11am to 3am Thursday and Friday Phone 04 399 3333 Website Barasti
Ippos Lounge
Ippos Lounge at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club is the perfect setting to watch the rugby action with friends and horses while enjoying an awesome Hops & Wings night. Selected beverages with delicious chicken wings are on special offer on Thursday nights throughout the World Cup.
Location The Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Timings Thursdays between September 18 and October 31 during matches Phone 04 361 8111 Website Polo Club Dubai
Aquaviva
Do you fancy being in with a chance of winning tickets to a semi-final in England? Well you may want to catch one of the 32 live matches being shown at the Rugby Live Lounge. If that wasn’t enough to get you down to the Montgomerie, there will be a few Q&A sessions with a selection of Rugby legends.
Location The Address, Montgomerie, Emirates Hills Timings September 18 to October 31 during rugby matches Phone 800 233 7377 Website Aquaviva
Blends
With a complete new look to enjoy the Rugby World Cup, Blends has 18 large screens surrounding the venue, meaning that you won’t miss a scrum while tucking into a selection of beverages and tasty range of bites and burgers. A variety of daily offers and exciting competitions will keep things fresh.
Location The Address Dubai Marina TimingsSeptember 18 to October 31 during rugby matches Phone 800 233 7377 Website Blends
Birdies Sports Lounge
Birdies Sports Lounge, at the Arabian Ranches Golf Club, is gearing up for the Rugby World Cup by offering a special 60 minute Happy Hour in the hour before each match starts. With a huge projector and several other screens littering most of the wall space, you won’t be going thirsty at Birdies. They also have a special menu on offer throughout the World Cup.
Location Arabian Ranches Golf Club Timings September 18 to October 31 during matches Phone 04 366 3000 Website Birdies
Calabar
For a more sophisticated and upmarket Rugby experience, why not suit up at head over to Calabar at The Address Downtown Dubai? Get involved with a bucket of amber beverages and a special tapas menu.
Location The Address Downtown Dubai TimingsSeptember 18 to October 31 during matches Phone 04 436 8888 Website Calabar
YOTS Sports Lounge
Being surrounded by five big screens and a super-sized screen means you will miss nothing from the action. As is customary with any sports bar, it has been arranged so that no matter where you are, you won’t miss a try. As a further bonus, YOTS is laying on special sliders inspired by the countries playing, and have paired them with a selected beverage for Dh75.
Location Dubai Marina Yacht Club Timings Timings September 18 to October 31 during matches Phone 04 362 7900 Website YOTS
Nelson’s
Nelson's is offering a winning combination of food and drink packages throughout the Rugby World Cup. Being a modern Victorian-pub, naturally there are three projector screens and 12 HD screens showing all the matches. The staff wants to get you involved, so participate in Predict & Win contest to win exciting prizes. Deals include a bucket of five amber bottles for Dh130; pour your own 3.5 litre hops tower for Dh195, and a special 20 litre hops draught master for Dh1250. Rugby-themed food combos start at Dh72.
Location Media Rotana, Tecom Timings 12pm to 3am Phone 04 435 0201 Website Nelson's
Double Decker
Double Decker, a delightful British-themed pub, isn’t holding back for the Rugby World Cup. They will be showing all matches live on their big projector screen, as well as the two large HD screens in the garden and several smaller screens around the venue. To titillate you further, fan zone activities and rugby training games will be set up for you to enjoy, which include prizes such as tickets to Rugby Sevens.
Location Al Murooj Rotana, Trade Centre area opposite Dubai Mall Timings September 18 to October 31 during matches Phone 04 321 1111 Website Double Decker
Urban Bar & Kitchen
Sporting excitement adds to a buzzing atmosphere during the Rugby World Cup. Daily UBK madness includes selected beverages for only Dh19 between 8.30pm and 10.30pm. Get five amber bottles and selected hop beverages for Dh130 between 12pm and 2am. UBK is also offering special deals on food, with gourmet burgers and hand cut chips for Dh80 and a snacks menu themed around the countries playing in the World Cup. Flat screen TVs around the bar, private booths with dedicated screens, and giant projector screen will ensure you don’t miss any of the action.
Location Movenpick Hotel, JLT Timings September 18 to October 31; 12pm to 2pm daily Phone 04 438 0000 Website UBK
Crab Tavern
Another cracker of a Rugby World Cup awaits you at Crab Tavern. Head over for a scrumptious package which features six amber bottles and a sharing platter of buffalo & JD chicken wings, shrimp spring rolls, peppered squid, sweetcorn & corn bread for only Dh250 per person. For the mildly less indulgent, you can also choose between a bucket of amble bottles for Dh150 or a kilo of wings for Dh95.
Location Level 9, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City Timings 12pm to 12am daily Phone 04 420 7489 Website Crab Tavern
Rugby Fanzone
The JW Marriott Marquis have not held back for the Rugby World Cup. A special rugby brunch is scheduled for September 19, where you can get into the spirit of the occasion with rugby legends Scott Gibbs, Ronan O’Gara, and David Wallace. England cricketer Kevin Pietersen will also be making an appearance on September 26. The Rugby Fanzone really is one of the best places to watch the World Cup in Dubai.
Location JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay Timings During matches Phone 050 425 8625 Website Rugby Fanzone
West Beach Bistro & Sports Lounge
Watch every match live on big screen at West Beach Bistro & Sports Lounge. There are several TVs throughout the venue, so you won’t miss a single kick, try or scrum. This venue boast an extra long Happy Hour; from 12pm to 9pm. There are prizes up for grabs also, which includes tickets to this years’ Rugby Sevens in Dubai.
Location Movenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Beach, The Walk Timings 12pm to 3am between September 15 and November 1 Phone 04 449 8888 Website West Beach
Girders
Girders have it all planned for the Rugby World Cup. Boasting several large HD screens, including a 203-inch LED HD display unit, the largest on The Walk at JBR, Girders is the perfect place for JBR residents. The main draw, however, is that they have a pair of tickets to the World Cup Final up for grabs!
Location JA Ocean View Hotel, The Walk Timings 4pm to 3am Sunday to Thursday; 1pm to 3am Friday and Saturday Phone 04 814 5590 Website Girders
McGettigan’s
McGettigan’s two venues across Dubai – Trade Centre and DWTC – are going to be two of the most popular places to watch the World Cup this year. They are running a “Pie and Pint” offer for Dh79, which includes a point of the “black stuff” and a shepherds pie. There’s also some tasty drinks offers too. A special Rugby Fanzone has been set up at the DWTC venue.
Location DWTC and Bonnington Hotel, JLT Timings 12pm to 2am Phone 800 MCGS (6247) Website McGettigan's
Dhow and Anchor
The Dhow and Anchor at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel have some great things going on for the World Cup. Catch all the action on their big screen – or one of their smaller screens – while enjoying 50 per cent off selected beverages between 3pm and 7pm and 9.30pm and 10.30pm. Buy a special Dutch drink and guess the try scorer and win another beverage!
Location Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Timings 9am to 2am daily Phone 04 406 8999 Website Dhow and Anchor
Perry and Blackwelders
P&B’s hasn’t held back for the Rugby World Cup and they are adding their BBQ touch. Their daily 50 per cent off happy hour runs between 5pm and 8pm, and then a special late edition runs between 10pm and 12am on Thursday and Friday also. During games, you can enjoy hops and a burger for Dh110, or a bucket of hops and chicken wings for Dh195. Buy a special Dutch drink and guess the try scorer and win another beverage!
Location Madinat Jumeirah Timings 12pm to 2am daily Phone 04 366 5866 Website Perry and Blackwelders
