Great games, great times – Where to watch the World Cup in Dubai
It’s time to gear up for the FIFA World Cup 2022! With the year’s most anticipated sporting event all set to kick off on the 20th November, Qatar is preparing to host more than a million football fans from all around the world. But many of these spectators are expected to base themselves in neighbouring countries during the tournament, with the UAE and Dubai expecting a big influx of footie-loving visitors. But where should these visitors watch the games they’re not actually at? Where should Dubai residents head for the best footie-watching experience? Our guide on the best places to watch the FIFA World Cup in Dubai has all the answers, from fan zones to sports bars and restaurants.
Fan Zones to Watch FIFA World Cup 2022 in Dubai
The FIFA World Cup is one of the most significant sporting events in the world. Many people around the globe will be glued to their TV screens, watching all the action unfold. Various screening venues, or “fan zones,” are set up across Dubai so that people can experience the football frenzy firsthand. Let’s take a look.
BUDX FIFA Fan Festival Dubai 2022
It’s official! Dubai is a part of the flagship International FIFA Fan Festival. Besides Dubai, the festival will also be held in London, Seoul, Rio De Janeiro, Mexico City and São Paulo.
Officially termed as BUDX FIFA Fan Festival, the fan zone is all set to host over 10,000 fans in custom-designed gigantic 330 square metres screens that promise an immersive viewing experience with innovative 4D audio at the iconic Dubai Harbour.
Fans can get different types of BudX FIFA Festival in Dubai tickets available on Platinumlist. The Lounge for 8 and Premium Suite include house spirits, grapes, bottled or draught beer (the quantity varies depending on the ticket type.
Ticket Type | Ticket Cost |
|---|---|
Ticket Type General Admission | Ticket Cost AED 78.75 |
Ticket Type Premium Admission | Ticket Cost AED 131.25 |
Ticket Type High Table for 4 | Ticket Cost AED 1,680 |
Ticket Type Lounge for 8 | Ticket Cost AED 3,360 |
Ticket Type Premium Suite (For 15 people) | Ticket Cost AED 13,387.50 |
It goes without saying that this will be one of the truly spectacular places to watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 live in Dubai. From 20 November to 18 December, the Middle East version of the FIFA Fan Festival will also feature an array of live entertainment, football legends and DJs set between matches and after the day’s final game.
The biggest party in town will kick off at Pure White night club with an eclectic performance by Tinie Tempah. The pop-up club is located beside the official BudX FIFA Fan Festival. The lineup of artists includes Ludmilla, DJ Kaboo, DJ Keza, DJ Khardiac, DJ Polic and DJ Taya Kruzz to name a few
There are other activities and games sponsored by Adidas to look forward to. The company will also feature 1050 sqm experiential space within the official FIFA Fanzone sponsored by BudX in Dubai.
- Location: Dubai Harbour
- Timings: 20 November 05:00 – 03:00 pm 21 to 28 November 12:00 pm – 03:00 am | 29 to 18 December 03:00 pm – 03:00 am
The Football Park in DIFC
The Football Park in DIFC will be one of the most extravagant fan zones in which to watch the FIFA World Cup in Dubai 2022. This pop-up will be resident at the Podium Level of Gate Avenue and will offer uninterrupted screen views to ensure the ultimate match-day viewing experience.
Make sure to pre-book to access an exclusive outdoor hospitality section where you can enjoy the best culinary offerings from Michelin Guide Dubai restaurants.
Aside from an impressive range of culinary delights, The Football Park in DIFC will also feature opulent private lounges with a private butler!
The Football Park will be open from 20th November to 18th December 2022. Tickets have been available for purchase online since 15th September 2022.
- Location: Podium Level, Gate Avenue
- Contact: +971-4-362-2222
FanZone by McGettigan’s
McGettigan’s plans to transform the Amphitheatre at Dubai Media City into the Ultimate Fan Zone from Monday, 21st November, to Sunday, 18th December.
Fanzone by McGettigan’s will comprise the venue’s massive lawn, which can host up to 5,000 fans. The main stage will boast the biggest HD screen in Dubai!
This World Cup 2022 fan zone in Dubai will also feature a Family Zone where kids and grownups can enjoy more than the tournament. Picnic benches, hot chocolate, mulled grape, delicious festive treats and other food and beverage options, along with live music and a dedicated entertainment stage, will further add to the family fun. The entry fee is AED 50, fully redeemable on F&B.
Aside from the footie action, the Amphitheatre will simultaneously be hosting the Winterfest Zone, with roller-skating, a Christmas tree, Santa’s grotto and other family-friendly activities.
- Location: Amphitheatre at Dubai Media City
- Contact: +971-52-948-0873
The Beach Stadium Fan Zone at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
The Hilton Dubai Jumeirah is going big with the epic Beach Stadium Fan Zone where football buffs can choose from an array of fabulous match-viewing experiences. With a capacity to cater to 1,000 guests, the impressive space will be divided into four areas:
- The Beach
- Tiger Bar
- Wavebreak Deck
- The Garden
Each of the sections mentioned above boasts unique qualities. The Beach aims to bring the in-stadium experience beach-side, whilst The Wavebreak Deck will be the place to grab yourself some tasty eats straight off the BBQ. Or, if you have plans for a corporate or private party, the Tiger Bar can be the perfect waterside spot, with the capacity to cater to 150 guests. Last but not least, The Garden will be sporting a more chilled-out vibe, along with shisha aplenty. The Beach Stadium Fan Zone will be operational from 20th November to 18th December.
- Location: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Tower A, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Contact: +971-4-318-2319
Soho Garden Meydan
The Mega Fan Zone at Soho Garden Meydan is one of the most happening places to watch the FIFA World Cup in Dubai. Cheer for your favourite team with thousands of other fans. All you need to do is put your game jersey on and head to the Mega Fan Zone to enjoy live matches from 20th November to 18th December on many massive screens.
Choose from an array of seating options. VIP booths are available for a more intimate viewing experience, whereas the picnic tables are perfect for those who wish to enjoy themselves with friends or family. Apart from all the football action, guests can also indulge in a culinary feast, competitions, live performances and upbeat DJ sets.
- Location: Racecourse, Grand Stand, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba 1
- Contact: +971-52-388-8849
FIVE Palm Jumeirah
FIVE at Palm Jumeirah is, without a doubt, one of the hottest destinations to watch FIFA World Cup in Dubai. This fan zone stands out from the crowd with its dedicated VIP booths and other fantastic footie fever features. From kick-off through to the champagne-on-ice celebrations, there are gonna be good times aplenty at FIVE’s ultimate football party arena.
From VIP booths featuring private screens, to high tables on a custom football pitch and lounge-style comfort seats, there’s a perfect way for everyone to watch the game at this awesome fan zone. 17 large screens featuring Function One Stadium Surround Sound will just add to the brilliantly vibrant atmosphere.
But that’s not all! The official FIVE Football Party is all about groovy half time shows and post-match parties with some of the biggest DJs in town. Let’s look at the packages available at the FIVE FIFA fan zone in Dubai:
- General entry: AED 150
- Tables for 4 people: AED 1,000
- VIP tables for 6 people: AED 3,000
- VIP Booths for 8 to 10 people: AED 4,000
All aforementioned packages are fully redeemable against food and beverages throughout the tournament.
- Location: FIVE, Palm Jumeirah
- Contact: +971-4-455-9989
Precision Football x Press Play
Catch all the live action and get into the thrill of the game at this fan zone in Ibn Battuta Mall. Precision Football and Press Play, a multimedia platform, have created one of the best fan zones in Dubai.
This fan zone stands out thanks to its mesmerising lineup of artists set to perform live! Here’s a look at the lineup at Press Play:
- Mist, a Birmingham born rapper will officially open the fan zone with his performance on November 21
- Back to Back performances by Lethal Bizzle and JME on November 25
- Rudimental will perform live with Gareth Southgates on November 29
- AJ Tracey along with Aitch will take the stage on December 03
- Krept & Konan is all set to groove the audience on December 04
Get into the game and watch all matches on a massive 250-square metre screen with stadium-like sound quality and ambience. Sit back, relax on plush sofas or dugouts, and munch on your favourite snacks and bevvies during the game. VIP platforms are available with individual screens and table-side hospitality.
- Location: Ibn Battuta Mall
- Contact: +971-58-820-6756
Zero Gravity
Exciting times await footie fans at Zero Gravity, one of Dubai’s most popular beach clubs. To give you an unmatched experience of watching the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Dubai, Zero Gravity has set up a massive screen to show all the matches starting from 20th November through to 18th December.
Enjoy the thrills of the game and live music by a guest DJ with brilliant views of Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf. Enjoy free entry from 10:00 am daily for fans over 21 years old.
- Location: Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Al Sufouh Road
- Contact: +971-4-399-0009
Soul Beach
The Fan Zone at Soul Beach is undoubtedly one of the best places to watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Dubai. Tucked away at the JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel, the scintillating Soul Beach Fan Zone is prepped up for live football match broadcasts for the duration of the tournament. Tickets are available in a variety of categories:
- General beach access: AED 300
- VIP pool area: AED 1,000 minimum spend
- Restaurant tables: AED 2,500 minimum spend
- VIP cabanas: AED 4,000 minimum spend
This outdoor beach club offers an idyllic backdrop and delicious snacks and beverages. The entire area will be surrounded by massive screens to ensure everybody gets a great view, even poolside! Guests can be a part of raffles and competitions throughout the tournament. The venue will be open daily from 10:00 am.
- Location: JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel, Exit No 13, Sheik Zayed, Jebel Ali Freezone
- Contact: +971-4-814-5126
The Square at ISD
Gather your buddies and head to The Square at ISD to watch FIFA World Cup live in Dubai. This open-air fan zone boasts multiple giant screens spread across the entire venue. Guests can enjoy tasty eats from the food trucks while supping their favourite beverages. The fan zone will also be hosting beach soccer and other exciting activities.
Additionally, The Square at ISD fan zone will feature a VIP area where patrons can feast on gourmet dishes and enjoy butler service. General entry tickets are AED 75 per person and are fully redeemable on food and beverages.
- Location: Dubai Sports City
- Contact: +971-55-365-7076
Jumeirah Emirates Tower
Catch all the footie action live at the Terrace Plaza Jumeirah Emirates Tower, a fan zone offering unparalleled Museum of the Future views. With a capacity to seat roughly 800 fans, we’d recommend getting in early to ensure you don’t miss out. Show your support to your team and make the most of the nightly live entertainment, F&B counters and VIP lounge area. Tickets will go on sale soon!
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 2
- Contact: +971-4-330-0000
Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai will also have two action-packed fan zones where almost 12,500 spectators can watch all FIFA World Cup fixtures live.
Fan City at Jubilee Park can accommodate 10,000 fans from Sunday, November 20. Besides jumbo TV screens, you can spot a Budweiser tent and a shisha lounge in the zone. Please note that the fan zone at Jubile Park would be open from 05:00 pm to 01:30 am on weekdays and 12:00 pm to 01.30 am on weekends. The admission fee is AED 30.
VIP Experience at Al Wasl Plaza will be available from December 05. The venue’s VIP hospitality packages and VVIP box seats can comfortably accommodate 2,500 fans. All hospitality guests get a one-day Expo City Dubai Attraction Pass, valid until December 31 2022.
Restaurants and Sports Bars to Watch FIFA World Cup 2022 in Dubai
Luckily, there are countless sports bars in Dubai with massive screens to catch all the World Cup action live! These bars will offer great deals as the tournament approaches. Make sure to book your spot in advance, as there’s a big chance they’ll sell out in the blink of an eye.
Majlis Al Sultan
Majlis Al Sultan is one of the most sought-after places to watch the FIFA World Cup live in Dubai. It offers an unmissable combination of fantastic food from an indulgent Mediterranean menu that includes pasta, sandwiches, pizza and grilled platters. Add refreshing signature mocktails and fresh juices to the mix, and you’re sorted for an eventful evening.
Majlis Al Sultan’s Al Wasl branch takes your experience up a notch by providing private screens for each table. Whereas the Me’aisem branch has seven LCDs dotted along the outlet for an unparalleled viewing experience.
The charges for special World Cup 2022 screening for Group stages and Round of 16 stands at AED 75 (minimum spend). On the other hand, the price for Quarters, semis and finals is AED 125 (minimum spend). During match times, deals are available from November 20 to December 18, 2022.
- Location: Al Ferdous 3, Al Wasl Road | City Center Me’aisem (near Dubai Sports City)
- Contact: +971-4 334-1888 | +971-4-770-1451
Lilly’s Social House Bar & Restaurant
Take your football fever to new heights at Lilly’s Social House Bar and Restaurant. An extensive menu of food and beverages and over 24 flavours of shisha makes Lilly’s one of the must-visit places to watch the FIFA World Cup in Dubai. The bar comprises an excellent outdoor area with stunning views of Burj Khalifa and cosy interior seating.
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 03:00 am
- Location: 3rd Floor, Canal Central Hotel, Business Bay
- Contact: +971-4-873-2192
Qube Sports Bar
Qube Sports Bar, Meydan, is one of the most popular sports bars where you can watch the FIFA World Cup live in Dubai. Make the most of the special menu featuring light bites and refreshing bevvies.
The highlight will surely be the massive cubical screen in the centre of the pub, making it possible to watch the game from any angle. The limited-time FIFA combos will start from AED 160, including house beverages throughout the World Cup.
Visitors should note that a minimum spend of AED 200 per person is required for a special FIFA World Cup screening.
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 02:00 am | Weekends 12:00 pm to 03:00 am
- Location: Mezzanine Floor, The Boat House at The Meydan Hotel
- Contact: +971-4-381-3111 | +971-4-381-3300
ERNST BIERGARTEN AND WIRTSHAUS
Ernst is another spectacular spot to catch the Qatar World Cup 2022 action live in Dubai. Enjoy delicious eats and quintessential Bavarian beverages for the perfect night out with friends.
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 pm to 12:00 am | Friday, 12:00 pm to 01:00 am
- Location: 25hours Hotel One Central, Trade Center Street
- Contact: +971-4-210-2525
The Irish Village
The Irish Village is amongst the pet-friendly places in Dubai where you can watch the FIFA World Cup. The vibrant waterhole offers stadium-style seating that’s perfect for the upcoming tournament. The Irish Village also has a branch in Studio City where you can support your favourite team and celebrate those ‘oh so important’ goals!
- Opening hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday, 11:00 am to 01:00 am
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11:00 am to 02:00 am
- Location: Beside Dubai Tennis Stadium, Near Emirates Aviation Training College, Al Garhoud
- Contact: +971-4-282-4750 |+971-4-282-4752
Nezesaussi Grill
One of the most popular bars and nightclubs in Dubai to watch the FIFA World Cup in Dubai, Nezassaussi Grill, offers something for everyone. This one suits families who wish to catch a game together. Did you know that the distinctive name combines New Zealand, South Africa and Australia?
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm to 02:00 am
- Location: Ground Floor, Manzil Downtown, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, The Old Town, Downtown Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-888-3444
BRIDGEWATER TAVERN
It’s a no-brainer, Bridgewater Tavern is one of the most popular places to watch the football World Cup in Dubai. Catch all the football action live with a daily happy hour deal (04:00 pm to 07:00 pm) that offers draught beverages starting from AED 25.
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 04:00 pm to 01:00 am | Friday and Saturday, 04:00 pm to 02:00 am
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay
- Contact: +971-4-414-6412
Lock Stock and Barrel
The three branches of Lock Stock & Barrel are some of the best places to watch the FIFA World Cup in Dubai. Throughout the tournament, expect great discounts and FIFA World Cup offers bottles of hops at JBR, Business Bay and Barsha Heights outlets. There are also some interesting offers on the food menu and live entertainment to keep things interesting.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 04:00 pm to 03:00 am | Saturday 01:00 pm to 02:00 am | 02:00 am to 03:00 am
- Location and Contact:
- Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR The WALK | +971-4-423-8307
- Grand Millennium, Barsha Heights | +971-4-423-8309
- Grand Millennium, Business Bay | +971-4-873-3399
Brass Monkey
Brass Monkey is a spectacular spot to catch the FIFA World Cup 2022 action. This ultimate hangout offers bowling, VR car simulators and other arcade games to keep you entertained pre or post-game. Cheer for your favourite over bevvies and light bites. Live telecast of all games will be from 05:00 pm.
- Opening hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 04:00 pm to 01:00 am
- Wednesday: 04:00 pm to 02:00 am
- Thursday and Friday: 04:00 pm to 03:00 am
- Saturday: 12:00 pm to 02:00 am
- Sunday: 12:00 pm to 01:00 am
- Location:
- Contact: +971-4-582-7277
Garden on 8
Whether it’s the Premier League or the FIFA World Cup in Dubai, Garden on 8 takes centre stage with its incredible new menu, extensive choice of tasty beverages and gigantic screens. Make the most of the happy hour and other tempting deals during the world’s biggest football tournament.
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm – 01:00 am
- Location: Media One, Al Sufouh, Dubai Media City
- Contact: +971-4-414-6412
FAQs
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Sharjah?
Sharjah residents can enjoy their favourite game and cheer for their team at the Majdolin Restaurant at DoubleTree by Hilton. The deals are budget-friendly and offer the perfect opportunity for footballs to make the most of the biggest sporting event. For AED 89 entry fee, get unlimited snacks and one drink or get a special combo deal for AED 50. For reservations please call +971-54-999-3056.
Where to buy FIFA World Cup tickets in Dubai?
To cater to the massive demand for tickets for the World Cup in Qatar 2022, FIFA instigated a draw process. There are several tickets to choose from, such as Individual Match Tickets, Term-specific Ticket Series, Four-Stadium Ticket Series and Accessibility Tickets. Check the official FIFA or Qatar Airways website for more ticket details.
What is the Hayya Card?
The Hayya Card is a special card issued by Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022. The card will facilitate fans entering the stadium and will be the primary identification document for fans and visitors during the tournament.
DO I NEED HAYYA CARD TO ENTER QATAR FOR WORLD CUP?
As of December 06, 2022, citizens and residents of GCC countries are not required to get a Hayya Card or FIFA World Cup 2022 tickets. However, the previous rules regarding Hayya Card and FIFA World Cup match tickets are still in place for non-GCC visitors.
This concludes our roundup of the most popular places to watch the World Cup in Dubai. If you plan to visit Qatar for the matches, check all the FIFA World Cup 2022 tour packages from Dubai to get the best deals.
The UAE offers altered entry and exit rules for Hayya card holders travelling from Dubai. According to the new regulations, fans who wish to stay in Dubai will get a multi-entry UAE tourist visa for Qatar World Cup 2022.
