Football matches usually cause rivalries among passionate fans all pushing their team to win trophies and rejoice in their success. When key games are being played and major tournaments are on, avid supporters are glued to screens, while long suffering football widows (and widowers) are left waiting for the last kick and the final whistle, so life can get back to normal.
The World Cup though is different. It is more than just football as pride and passion runs deeper. Nationals from 32 competing countries all come together wearing the national shirt, waving their country’s flag and cheering on their 11 fellow countrymen, to push them to victory in each game.
Even after the group stages are over, half the nations are eliminated and the knock out part of the tournament begins, the level of interest intensifies among everyone. Even non-nationals have their favourite team to follow and the neutral fan wants to see the splendour of the worlds best players, compete on the worlds biggest stage for the ultimate prize in world football … a winners medal and picking up the World Cup trophy.
The World Cup really is for everyone and it is very difficult to avoid over the 4 weeks the tournament runs, and there will be many different places around Dubai for us to soak up the tournament atmosphere and enjoy watching teams like Brazil, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Uruguay and hosts Russia to name a few.
Whether you are from one of the competing countries, an avid football fan or simply someone who wants to enjoy all that comes with a major sporting tournament, here is a round up and our pick of not all but some of the places where you can really get into the spirit of the World Cup 2018.
Barasti SuperDome
The air-conditioned Barasti SuperDome is being built across 2 levels at Barasti ahead of the tournament this summer. It will open on 14 June when Barasti will be throwing a huge opening party with thousands of people expected to witness the first game of the tournament as hosts Russia take on the Middle East superstars of Saudi Arabia. The Barasti SuperDome will be free to enter and opens daily throughout the World Cup. With live football, DJs and entertainment, it’s an experience not to be missed whether you’re a fan of the beautiful game or just in the mood to party! Call 04-3181313.
Wavebreaker, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, JBR The Walk
This summer, Wavebreaker Beach Bar & Grill is set to launch a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking tent in JBR in partnership with Sports360 which will be screening the greatest football tournament of the year. The tent will screen the highly anticipated football games of the year and invites guests to catch all the live action on 3 large screens and 12 TV screens while taking advantage of the incredible food and beverage offers, with their close friends and family. Beach Stadium Day Package is available for Dhs 150 including full-day beach access with a snack item and a bottle. Call 04-3182582.
Burger & Lobster
Burger & Lobster is here to kick the World Cup season off with a champion offering. Starting 14 June, fans will be able to enjoy the World Cup at the adored DIFC venue on a 3x3 meter wide screen, combined with the flavours of signature and brand-new Burger & Lobster favourites in a combo package for two. Kick-start those taste buds with the savoury and crispy Panko Popcorn, followed by two Mini Burgers, a Mini Shrimp Roll and the deviously delicious Truffle Fries, perfectly accompanied by two brilliant bottles. World Cup package priced at Dhs 195 and is available from 14 June - 14 July during the matches. Call 04-5148838.
The Eloquent Elephant at Taj Dubai
The Eloquent Elephant at Taj Dubai will be bringing fans all the football action this summer, with big screens and World Cup offers to match. The Eloquent Elephant’s lively, yet laid back atmosphere will provide the perfect setting for fans to cheer on their favourite team, while savouring some delicious bites. Throughout the month, fans can enjoy a choice of EE’s classic dishes - Fish ‘n’ Chips, or a delicious curry accompanied by a selected drink for just Dhs 99, or alternatively, dig into Eloquent Elephant’s bestselling burger or irresistible nacho platter with two selected drinks for only Dhs 79. The offers are exclusively available during the World Cup screening. Call 04-4383131.
Football Central at Emirates Golf Club
The purpose built two story lounge, provided by Wicked will feature everything supporters need for a sporting summer to remember, from the jaw dropping free kicks to the heart wrenching red cards. Games will be screened across one giant and 12 extra-large screens alongside a score of fan favourite snacks and beverages. Snack platters stuffed to the brim with chicken wings, sliders, potato croquettes, mixed satay and nachos will be on offer along with house beverages. Football lovers can choose from a number of packages starting at Dhs 474 for a snack platter and eight beverage vouchers, perfect for a group of four. Teams of ten can feast on two snack platters, and 20 beverage vouchers for Dhs 1,120. Call 04-4179999.
Atlantis World Cup Fan Zone
With a capacity of more than 2,000 fans, the ‘Atlantis World Cup Fan Zone’ will be the place to watch the World Cup, airing all of the action in an electric atmosphere. Football fans of all ages will experience every goal in high definition, courtesy of a giant 28sqm main display as well as multiple screens. The venue is split into two zones: ‘The Stadium’- arena for die-hard fans and ‘The Bench’- a more chilled out corner featuring casual seating and a PlayStation activation. A specially-designed football food menu will be on offer throughout the month, with stadium-style snacks, hops buckets and drink specials. Launching on 14 June, ladies enter for free and guys pay Dhs 100 on the door which includes two drinks. Minimum spend on seated tables starts from Dhs 1,000. Call 04-4262626.
The Irish Village
Be part of the Summer football bonanza and watch it come to life at The Irish Village! An air-conditioned tent with a huge screen and authentic football terrace will give you an unforgettable stadium like atmosphere. Minimum spend is Dhs 100 per person on all food and beverages. Group booking (minimum 10 people) with confirmed seating is available. Call 04-2824750.
Bridgewater Tavern - JW Marriott Marquis
Head down to Bridgewater Tavern and join the football fever with a great atmosphere and delicious food. Enjoy LIVE broadcasts on large TV screens spread across 3 areas ranging from private seating to a special fan zone. Immerse into the game with kick-off specials and bucket deals exclusively for the World Cup month. Call 04 4143000.
Harvesters, Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
Join the fun at the Harvesters Amstel Fan zone and cheer on your country - with eight screens and a giant projection screen you won’t miss any of the action! Enjoy match friendly food and great deals on beverages at the ideal place to watch all the sporting drama unfold. Throughout the month of the World Cup, you have chance to win lots of prizes by guessing right score just before the match. Else, wear your team’s shirt and get a 20 per cent off on your bill. Call 800-276963.