The 2014 Fifa World Cup is on its way, so here are some of the best places to sit back, watch the game — and maybe jump up to chant/shriek/shout at the ref. Bring your game faces, enthusiasm and appetite. We’ll be adding to the list as more venues are announced, so check back.
ABU DHABI
Al Raha Beach Hotel
McGettigan’s (Abu Dhabi): All games live, plus a “red card” offer: If a referee hold up a red card during a match, McGettigan’s will halve the price of beverages. Call 04-3780800
Viceroy
Rush: Every game screened live on a super-size screen, with Brazilian menu and drinks promotions. Available for individual and group reservations plus there are special offers such as: if your national team wins, get a free drink (take your passport); 20 per cent off drinks for Brazilians. Open sunset-2am; call 02-6560600.
DUBAI
Al Murooj Rotana
Double Decker: Fully air-conditioned tent open June 12-July 13, noon-3am (7pm-2am during Ramadan) screening matches on thirteen LED screens for up to 500 fans. Entrance strictly 21 years and above. 04-3211111.
Barasti
Beach Stadium: Open from June 12, the fully air-conditioned stadium is open daily until 2.30am, with space for 1,200 people and will screen all matches on a 12-metre TV screen. Performances on opening night by F2 Freestylers. Free entrance the tournament. Call 04-3181313.
Bonnington:
McGettigan’s: All matches screened live in the air-conditioned sports stadium in the outdoor space, with indoor grass, a scoreboard, giveaways and food Call 04-3780800.
Citymax Hotels (Al Barsha and Bur Dubai)
The Huddle Sports Bar & Grill: Giant televisions and projectors with 32” to 80” screens, open for screenings 7pm-2am between June 12-July 13 (noon-4:00am during Ramadan). Call Al Barsha 04-4098000 and Bur Dubai 050-1007065.
Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa
The World Cup Lounge: Open daily from 6pm-3am, June 12-July 13, with 50 per cent off happy hour from 6-7.30pm. DJ Rob and DJ Salvo provide entertainment, with competitions, board games, Playstation and face painting. Call 04-3461111.
Dubai World Trade Centre
Majlis: All 64 games of the FIFA tournament screened in a 1,000-capacity arena in Shaikh Saeed Hall 3 on multiple screens. There will be a Ramadan focus during the last two weeks of the tournament serving iftar and suhour. Mandatory cover charge of Dh200 per table booking for more than five guests. Private seating for up to 12 guests, minimum spend of Dh500 per table booking. Iftar Dh140 per person; à la carte and set menus Dh200 per person for suhour. Call 04-3086322.
McGettigan’s: All games live, plus a VIP football fan zone, (reserve for private game screenings with a personal waiter for the match time). Plus, the “red card” offer: If a referee hold up a red card during a match, McGettigan’s will halve the price of beverages. Call 04-3780800
Emirates Golf Club
Ultimate World Cup Theatre: Open from 5pm daily screening each game live on 21 TVs and two large-scale screens; there are also activities such as a PlayStation tournament. Deals include Dh180 for buckets of five bottles, Dh300 for snack platters and drinks buckets. Call 04-4179999.
Fairmont The Palm
Frevo FIFA Football headquarters: Minimum spend of Dh150 per person, live viewings of matches from 8pm–3am with Brazilian inspired snacks such as bite sized pichanha (steak) skewers and fried calamari. Call 04-4573388.
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
VODA BAR: Screening matches live on a giant projection screen and TVs, from June 12, 6pm-3am (Ramadan, 8pm-2am). Bucket of beverage promotions, two-for-one on selected beverages, and football-themed bar snacks menu. All resort rooms will also be screening matches live. Call 04-5304444
Melia Dubai
Quantum: Dh149 per person for unlimited special beverages, Dh249 for unlimited house beverages, plus a bar-food buffet during matches. Guess the score of match and win dinner for one. Call 04-3868111
Movenpick Hotel (JLT)
Urban Bar & Kitchen: Seven private booths available for up to 10 of your friends. From 8.30-10.30pm, Dh19-Dh28 for selected beverages. Call: : 04 438 0000.
Sky Dive Dubai Drop Zone
Zero Gravity: Screening all games from 6pm-3am on a giant HD screen and multiple large screens. Plus a PlayStation gaming lounge and a World Cup menu of dishes at Dh45 each. Open daily from June 12-July 13. Call 04-3990009.
Sky Nay
Nay Restaurant and Lounge: Open from June 12-July 13; minimum charge of Dh100 per person during match times, 7pm-3am. Matches will screen during iftar in Ramadan. Classic Lebanese dishes will be served, call 04-3516660.
Souk Al Bahar
Café Habana: Screening matches on two screens; check CafeHabana.ae for screening schedule. Viva La Fifa World Cup menu, with Cuban-Mexican dishes on special offer such as Diablo Wings or Tacos with two beverages for Dh110 Call 04-4222620.
