Tucked away in the back streets of Karama in the dark, smoky snooker halls, Emiratis and expats alike gather every night in their own battles of the baize.
Snooker's elite are currently competing in the world Championship in Sheffield for the game's biggest prize. But those that play the game in Dubai don't need to watch the annual 17-day festival of snooker to whet their appetite, they are already addicted.
Many insist there is nothing to beat snooker, such as Aashok Deshpande, who has been frequenting Dubai Snooker Club in Karama for the past 15 years. “It is the club in Dubai,'' said Deshpande.
A fair enough declaration considering what lies before you once you step inside the centre, walk past the reception area and into the massive games room, especially after sunset.
“On some days you can just forget about coming here as there are no free tables,'' added Deshpande. “This is also a detoxifying place where you forget all your problems at work or even at home.''
And although a hit with Emiratis and Indians, Deshpande revealed that he has often seen Pakistanis and Chinese as well as a few Englishmen at the club.
UAE national Mansoor Al Salhe, another regular, said it could still get better.
“There should be more tournaments,'' said the 24-year-old, adding that he would not mind a little more silence in the playing area too. “After all, you need to concentrate while you are playing,'' he said.
But is Dh20 per hour (the rate at the Dubai Snooker Club) affordable? Faisal Iftikhar seemed to think so.
“I think if someone spends two to three hours here every day and has to pay anything between Dh20 and Dh40 at the end, it is worth it,'' said Iftikhar.
As the World Championship boils down to its climax with the final being played on Sunday and Monday, it is evident that the sport is flourishing here as Jasjit Singh, another Dubai Snooker Club loyalist pointed out.
“It is a very popular game here, the perfect gentlemen's game,'' he said.
“Also in many ways, it is akin to golf as it helps you relax and have fun as well. Similarly like how you always hear about how major deals take place on the golf courses, here too you can have two businessmen playing snooker and something similar could happen.''
So have the regulars been keeping tabs on events at the Crucible? “I am aware it is going on,'' said Al Salhe. And who is his pick to walk away as champion? “Ronnie O'Sullivan!'' he replied without hesitation.
Deshpande was not so sure. “There are three to five good players and any of them could emerge as the winner,'' he said.
Where to play
Dubai Snooker Club:
- Where? Near the Post Office in Karama
- How many snooker tables? 14 in all, 12 in the main section and two in another room
- Cost? 20 dirhams per hour
Billiard Master:
- Where? Sana Building, Karama
- How many tables? Two
Snooker Point:
- Where? Near Al Nasr Cinema in Karama
- How many snooker tables? Despite the club's name, when we phoned we were told that the club currently has only billiards and pool tables, but no snooker facilities.
