World Cup fever is here: Where to watch every match in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Where: Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah

Expected spend: AED 100–250 per person

Where: Hudayriyat Island

Expected spend: AED 150–350 per person

Where: Hudayriyat Island

Expected spend: AED 150–350 per person

Where: Hilton Yas Island, Yas Island

Expected spend: AED 100–300 per person

Dubai: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here and the UAE is preparing for some massive watch parties across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

From Dubai Harbour and Barasti to Yas Bay and giant cinema screenings, fans will be able to watch all 104 matches live throughout the tournament. Most matches will kick off at 11pm, 2am and 5am GST due to the US time zone difference, but the atmosphere across the UAE is expected to be huge this summer.

Here is your complete guide to where to be.

All 104 matches from the opening game on June 11 right through to the final on July 19 will be screened on big screens at McGettigan's dedicated FIFA Fan Zone at Bla Bla Dubai. There will be live entertainment between games and brand activations on key match days. Tickets start from Dh60, fully redeemable on food and drinks. The venue has also adjusted its menu to fit the schedule, with breakfast options for early games and late-night bites for evening matches, making it one of the most practical options for fans planning to follow every game this summer.

And if you want to kick off the tournament in proper style, McGettigan's is opening the World Cup with a live concert on June 11 before the opening match. South African music icons Ross Learmonth, formerly of Prime Circle, and Arno Carstens will take the stage at 9pm in The Tent, performing some of their biggest hits ahead of Mexico vs South Africa at 11pm. Support act Aston Wylie opens from 7:30pm.

Concert tickets are priced at Dh160 including one drink, with match-only entry available from Dh60. Age 21 and above only.

Where: Jumeirah Beach Residence

Tickets: From Dh60 (match only) or Dh160 (concert plus match) at Platinumlist

For football fans who want the full pub experience with serious screen credentials, Goose Island Tap House at FIVE LUXE JBR delivers. With 19 or more big screens showing every game and a crowd that turns up with genuine energy for every fixture, it is one of the most dedicated football venues on the JBR strip. You can expect match-day food, live entertainment, quizzes and a pub atmosphere that keeps going long after the final whistle. The venue runs from the opening match on June 11 all the way through to the final on July 19. Booking ahead is recommended.

Where: FIVE LUXE JBR, Jumeirah Beach Residence

One of Dubai's most established and beloved sports venues, confirmed as an official World Cup screening location for all major matches. Classic outdoor atmosphere, multiple big screens and one of the loudest crowds in the city on match nights.

Where: Al Garhoud and Studio One Hotel

For a more relaxed match night, The Garden Project offers a tented, air-conditioned fan zone set against the greens of Emirates Hills, complete with skyline views, food trucks and giant screens for every game. It is dog-friendly, which immediately puts it in a category of its own. On Sundays, you can pair the match with a roast.

Where: Montgomerie, Emirates Hills

If you want the full fan experience complete with giant screens, laser shows, CO2 cannons and balloon drops for big moments, this is the one. Post-match the energy carries on with live bands, DJs and themed takeovers. Three locations across the city mean there is always one nearby.

Where: JBR, Business Bay and Barsha Heights

A step up in energy and polish. The Coterie has partnered with African and Eastern for Festiball, bringing stadium-style atmosphere to Ibn Battuta Mall with giant screens, live entertainment, CO2 cannons, ultras-style flags and live DJs for select matches. There is a dedicated match-day food menu including stacked burgers, loaded chip cones and pastries alongside the regular menu.

Where: Ibn Battuta Mall

For a more polished match night, K-West at Kempinski Palm Jumeirah delivers big screens and a crowd that still gets genuinely loud when it matters, just in considerably more comfortable surroundings than your average fan zone.

Where: Kempinski Hotel Palm Jumeirah

A multi-award-winning venue on The Palm with wall-to-wall screens and a crowd that knows how to create atmosphere. Easy to spend an entire match day here moving from game to game.

Where: NH Collection Dubai The Palm

Set in Dubai Sports City and overlooking a proper football pitch, Kickers has a football pedigree that most venues can only dream of. All matches shown live on big screens, with a crowd that genuinely knows the game and brings the right energy for it.

Where: Dubai Sports City, Al Hebiah Fourth

One of the most dependable live sport venues in the city, bringing old-school energy to every match night with big screens and hearty food. It runs one of the longest happy hours in Dubai at eight full hours, which covers most kick-off times comfortably.

Where: Swissôtel Al Murooj, Trade Centre Second

A solid indoor option for those who want to beat the summer heat without missing a second of the action. Now inside at the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, every table has a clear view of at least one screen, which makes it a genuinely comfortable way to watch any fixture. Beyond the football, there are PlayStation gaming stations, darts and a live DJ to keep the energy up between kick-offs. Open daily from 5pm to 3am throughout the entire tournament, with happy hour running from 5pm to 7pm alongside combo deals and game-night offers. Free entry.

Where: Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah

A classic Irish pub with a loyal following built on years of live sport screenings and energetic match nights. Multiple screens, hearty vibes and a sociable crowd that turns up reliably for the big games.

Where: Le Méridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre, Al Garhoud

Football fans in Dubai can catch every match of the tournament at Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek, where The Pub English Bar will be transformed into a dedicated football zone from June 11 to July 19. Every televised fixture will be shown live on the big screen, with the venue operating daily from noon until 3am.

Adding to the excitement, the pub will roll out a range of FIFA-themed experiences throughout the tournament. Guests who spend a minimum of Dh75 can take part in interactive challenges, including "Call the Score", where fans predict the final score before kick-off for a chance to win a complimentary bucket of hops. Matchdays will also feature the "Half-Time Rush", a 15-minute 2-for-1 offer on selected beverages during the break.

Where: The Pub English Bar, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek

For fans looking for a lively tournament atmosphere, McCafferty’s in Jumeirah Village Circle is gearing up to be one of Dubai’s standout match-day destinations. Widely recognised as the world's largest Irish pub, the venue combines traditional Irish hospitality, plenty of craic and an expansive setting designed for big-game viewing.

Its recently expanded rooftop garden now spans an impressive 29,831 sq ft, complete with 148 hop taps and LED screens throughout the venue, ensuring fans won't miss a moment of the action.

Where: McCafferty's Irish Bar & Restaurant JVC 

For fans who like their football with a side of skyline views, Trove Dubai at Dubai Mall is set to be a popular tournament-watching spot. Overlooking the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, the vibrant venue combines live match screenings with its signature art-inspired interiors, lively atmosphere and their extensive food and beverage menu.

Where: The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

JADE at FIVE Palm Jumeirah is transforming into a dedicated football viewing zone for the duration of the World Cup, screening selected fixtures on large screens with live DJs, premium drinks packages and the kind of high-energy atmosphere FIVE is known for. Asian-inspired bites and signature cocktails keep the mood going from first kick-off to final whistle. Entry starts from Dh129 including three drinks, with a pre-match happy hour offering two for one on selected drinks. Running Thursday to Saturday from 7pm to 2am and Sunday from 7pm to 1am throughout the tournament.

Where: JADE, FIVE Palm Jumeirah 

When: June 11 to July 19, Thursday to Saturday 7pm to 2am, Sunday 7pm to 1am

Price: From Dh129 including three drinks

For an indoor World Cup experience that goes beyond just a screen on a wall, Five Iron Golf Dubai at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina is worth knowing about. The recently renovated Dirty Birdie Sports Bar screens all the action on big screens, while groups can also book private simulator bays that seat up to 10 guests each and offer a theatre-style viewing setup. Spanning over 32,000 square feet, this is the largest Five Iron venue in the world, and between matches there is a full food and drinks menu and the signature golf simulator experience to keep things interesting.

Where: Five Iron Golf Dubai, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina 

The biggest fan zone in Abu Dhabi by a significant margin. Spanning 45,000 square feet, the venue will screen all 104 matches with entry from Dh60 redeemable on food and drinks. A massive, purpose-built match experience for the capital.

Where: Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi

Tickets: From Dh60, fully redeemable on food and drinks

A long-time favourite among football fans, Belgian Café combines a classic European sports-pub atmosphere with large screens, terrace seating and a lively crowd that tends to swell during major international tournaments. For the duration of the World Cup, Belgian Café Abu Dhabi has announced they will be open 24 hours. 

Where: InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen

Expected spend: Dh120–250 per person (food and beverages)

For football fans looking for a more relaxed viewing environment, the Lobby Lounge offers comfortable seating and waterfront views rather than a traditional sports-bar setting. They have special screening zones, themed food-and-beverage packages, PS5 gaming corner (minimum spend, pre-booking required), making it a suitable option for families and casual fans.

Where: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

Expected spend: Dh100–200 per person

One of Abu Dhabi's most reliable sports-viewing venues, McCafferty's delivers the classic Irish-pub football experience with multiple screens, match-day offers and a highly vocal crowd. Fans can expect plenty of atmosphere, particularly for knockout-stage matches and games involving football powerhouses.

Where: Hilton Yas Island, Yas Island

Expected spend: Dh100–300 per person

Nalu brings a beach-club vibe to football viewing. While not a traditional sports bar, its expansive outdoor setting and island location make it an appealing choice for fans seeking a more laid-back World Cup experience. Expect selected big-match screenings rather than wall-to-wall tournament coverage.

Where: Hudayriyat Island

Expected spend: Dh150–350 per person

The resort's bars and beachfront venues typically embrace major sporting events with large-screen broadcasts and themed food-and-drink packages. The Corniche location adds a resort-style backdrop for fans wanting to combine football with a beachside evening.

Where: Corniche road

Expected spend: Dh120–300 per person

Stars N Bars, Abu Dhabi is a well-known sports bar in the city and is well-equipped for live sporting events. It features multiple large screens for match viewing, a casual sports bar setting with arcade games, and views of the marina, making it a popular spot for watching live games.

Where: Yas Marina, Yas Island

Expected spend: Dh80–250 per person

A popular Northern Emirates sports venue, The Bay will screen key World Cup fixtures on large screens with indoor and outdoor seating options. The relaxed waterfront setting appeals to fans seeking a less crowded alternative to city-centre venues. Guests can also enjoy happy hour drinks throughout the matches, along with a special late-night snack menu available from 10pm.

Where: Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah

Expected spend: Dh100–250 per person

A traditional British-style gastropub, The Snooty Fox is a great choice for football fans looking for a pub-style viewing experience, with big-screen coverage, match-day specials, and a lively atmosphere for major fixtures. The venue will also offer a range of match-day packages, including deals starting from Dh50, a breakfast option for early kick-offs at Dh75, and The Fox Den package for groups of 6-8 priced at Dh950, fully redeemable on food and beverages. Additional offerings include Ferdinand’s Signature Burger and 20 per cent off selected à la carte dishes.

Where: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road

Price: Starting from Dh50

Yas Bay has become Abu Dhabi’s flagship entertainment district and is a natural destination for large-scale football screenings. This year, the area will offer FIFA match-night combos at Bua Thai Café and Daikan Izakaya, along with daily happy hours across selected venues. Weekly programming includes ladies’ nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, quiz nights on Fridays, live brunches on Saturdays, after-parties running until 3am, and Sunday roasts at Lock, Stock & Barrel. The Lighthouse will also feature happy hour offers throughout the tournament.

Where: Next to Etihad Arena, Yas Island

Expected spend: Dh50–200 entry/food spend depending on event format

Appaloosa Sports Bar at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan offers a classic American-style sports bar experience, featuring hearty food options such as burgers and other bar favourites in a lively atmosphere. Equipped with multiple large indoor screens, the venue ensures a full match-viewing experience, while an outdoor terrace provides an alternative setting for fans. Guests can also enjoy complimentary indoor games such as snooker during match breaks. Open daily, Appaloosa operates from 12PM to 2AM on weekdays and from 11AM to 2AM on weekends.

Where: Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi

Expected spend: Dh150–300 per person

A practical note: with most matches kicking off at 11pm, 2am or 5am GST this summer, it is worth checking individual venue hours for late-night and early-morning fixtures. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19. Please also note that pricing should be treated as indicative and subject to confirmation closer to the tournament.

BeIN Sports is the official broadcaster in the UAE, with all matches available to stream via BeIN Connect for those watching from home.

This article will be updated once more venues are announced.