Hip hangouts: Where to watch the 2012 Olympics

Nelson’s Bar

Nelson’s Bar always attracts crowds for sporting events, and with 10 big screens showing all the action (live and repeats) from 8am, we can see why. Especially for the Olympics, there’ll be food platters on offer, so you can tuck into a Bronze, Silver or Gold platter, each with a range of snacks to enjoy. But we’re most excited about the prediction games, which mean you can win fun prizes.

Media Rotana Hotel, TECOM | 8pm to 3am, daily from July 28 | 04 435 0000

Sports café

Head to the Jebel Ali Golf Resort’s Sports Café and you can enjoy the usual à la carte menu, as well as a very healthy Olympic menu, in the spirit of all things athletic. The bar has no set schedule of the event showing, so if you have anything in particular that you want to catch on the big screen (*cough* men’s swimming *cough*) then let the staff know and they’ll put it on.

Jebel Ali Golf Resort | 6.30am-11pm, from July 28 | 04 814 5555

Qube

Qube has taken on the greatest of sports bar challenges, and are airing all of the games (yes, even the dressage) on the giant four-sided screen. If you go as a dedicated fan in your country’s colours, you’ll get 10 per cent off, too.

The Meydan Hotel | From 4pm, Sun to Thu and 12pm Fri to Sat, from July 28 | 04 381 3333

Dubai Ice Rink

To celebrate the UAE’s involvement in the Games, Dubai Ice Rink is creating a stadium-like atmosphere and broadcasting some of the biggest events live on the rink’s giant screen. To kick the festivities off there will be a parade on the ice at 10pm on July 27, followed by a live broadcast of the opening ceremony. With the cool chill in the air and amazing atmosphere, we’re thinking you’ll actually feel like you’re in London; all that’s missing is the rain.

The Dubai Mall | Daily, from July 28 | 04 448 5111

Spike Bar

The Emirates Golf Course bar will be showing the biggest Olympic events this summer on their eight big screens. Head down for the action – this week the UAE are playing Great Britain in the football, which will be a great event to catch – and enjoy some of the delish dishes the bar will be serving up for the occasion. The menu includes Chili and five-spice calamari, Lamb shanks, Thai red duck curry and Wagyu rib eye.

Emirates Golf Course | 6am to midnight, from July 28 | 04 417 9999