September is a great month for sport and sports fans. The football seasons are well under way in the top leagues in Europe and across the world, including the much watched English Premier League, for cricket lovers the longest contested tournament between two nations, The Ashes, is ongoing with two more five day tests featuring this month and a winner set to decided, and for rugby fans we see the start of the Rugby World Cup where 20 nations from the northern and southern hemispheres battle it out to be the best rugby nation on the planet. With all this sport going on, it is important to chose where to watch it in Dubai. Whether the attraction for you is the food on offer, the multiple big screens on the walls or the chance to shoot some pool with friends, we have done a round up of some of the best venues in Dubai to watch your favourite sporting events.
Andreea’s
A brand-new place to catch all the sporting action in Dubai Marina. Andreea’s at Habtoor Grand has undergone a huge revamp and now there is a brand new sports bar in place. Catch all the sporting action in this newly renovated place with HD screens, billiard and football tables. for those who wamt to relax outdoors, there is also a brand new beach club with a huge terrace, pool, cabanas and sunbeds. Located in Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai Marina. Call 058-6935778.
Barrels Sports Arena
A sports fanatic's favourite, Barrels is equipped with widescreen TVs showing sporting action evey day. The dark wooden interior will remind you of a regular go to sports bar from anywhere in the world. The combination of traditional and contemporary menu offers options perfect for any time of the day. Located in at the Majestic Hotel Tower, Mankhool, this is a fun place with great offers. Call 04-3598888.
Big Easy Bar And Grill
Big Easy Bar and Grill is a fun place to be among friends. The menu offers a combination of fresh from the grilled food and dishes from South Africa such as cold cuts, roasted meats and sauces, beef, salmon and a selection of desserts. All international sports can be enjoyed here on multiple screens. Located in the Els Club at Dubai Sports City. Call 04-4251000.
Birdies Sports Lounge
Birdies Sports Lounge, located on the border of the Arabian Ranches golf course, is designed to accommodate sports fans who enjoy and appreciate a relaxing and comfortable lounge. The place is ideal for watching all the best sports and eating from the famous sports themed menu. The place is also ideal to host intimate events, including birthday celebrations, engagements and other special occasions. Call 04-8883444.
Champs
Located within the premises of the four-star Occidental IMPZ in Dubai, Champs Sports Bar is a restaurant that combines international cuisine with sporting events. Guests can enjoy Latin and Italian-inspired food and cheer on their favourite team during regular screenings. A relatively smaller sports bar with multiple TVs dotted on the walls throughout the venue, it gives out a promising retro sports bar vibe. Call 04-2464500.
Headlines
A budget friendly sports bar playing a fusion of Bollywood music and serving some delicious Indian dishes is a must go to place for all sports enthusiast. The entire bar is decked out with team flags and jerseys, and the colourful interiors make it a very quirky and lively place to watch all types of sports, and enjoy many happy hour offers. Headlines is located in Ibis World Trade Centre and Mercure Gold Dubai. Call 04-5260036.
Kickers
Kickers earned themselves the esteemed title of Gold Award Winner under the category of "The Best Sports F&B Venue of the Year” and is the largest sports bar in Dubai Sports City. If you’re a serious sports fan and don’t want to miss a pass, a putt or a goal, you can expect to see matches on wide screen televisions all over the venue. The outdoor terrace is perfect as the weather begins to get cooler and with 30% off selected items every day of the week, what’s not to love? Call 04-4481001.
Long’s Bar
One of the most popular British pub’s in Dubai, Long’s Bar is a favourite of many sports enthusiasts with a big appetite. Expect to watch football across 20 television screens daily, good-value drinks deals including a daily happy hour, a gentlemen's night, a ladies night, a Friday brunch and a DJ playing your favourite music till late. As its name suggests, it is the longest bar in the Middle East. Long’s is located in the basement of Towers Rotana Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road. Call 04-3438000.
Nezesaussi Grill
Named after New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, Nezesaussi Grill has seriously upped the ante on sports bar cuisine. With our favourite menu items such as cheeseburgers, nachos and all our favourite guilty pleasures getting revamps, you can expect anything but average food. The grill also boasts huge television screens that are visible from every angle. The Nezesaussi Grill has two venues in the city, one is located in the Manzil Downtown and the other is located in the Address Dubai Marina. Call 04-8883444.
Offside
The former Girders Garden has been completely renovated and is a now a spacious, airy sports bar with a huge 200-inch screen and 8 additional screens showing all the top matches alongside a massive beer pong table, football, pool table, and darts area. Alongside its extensive menu, look for a big selection of ‘Match Day’ burgers. Offside is located at JA Ocean View Hotel in Jumeirah Beach Residence. Call 04-8145590.
O’Leary’s
Arguably the most important thing for a sports bar to have is ambiance. That’s exactly what O’Leary’s oozes. With a buzzing atmosphere, this unlicensed spot is perfect for sports fans of all ages. The large HD screen ensures you and your family don’t miss a single second of the match. O’Leary’s is located in Topaz Living Court Hotel Apartments, Al Barsha. Call 04-4227540.
Pitchers
If you enjoy a chin wag over a cold beverage, Pitchers is your spot. The venue is perfect for a catch up, if you prefer something a little more relaxed and friendly. Pitchers is located in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Armada BlueBay Hotel. Call 04-3958888.
Players Sports Bar
For a party atmosphere, complete with great food, a fantastic DJ and sports games - Players Sports Bar has got you covered. The venue has offers for every day of the week including free nachos when you order a beverage bucket on Sundays. You can take part in the games too with numerous pool tables and dart boards. Players Sports Bar is located in the Sofitel Downtown. Call 04-5036129.
Qube Sports Bar
A big favourite among sports lovers, big games are broadcast live on 16 LCD screens and 4 sided large projectors Every guest receives complimentary games on the two pool tables, shuffle board, football table and two dart boards. A bar bites menu includes all tempting popular favourites and signature burgers. The Qube Sports Bar is loacted at The Meydan Hotel. Call 04-3813111.
Spike Sports Bar And Terrace
Spike Sports Bar And Terrace is located in the sprawling Emirates Golf Club, next to the Nakheel Metro Station and boasts 16 screens around the bar area plus an extra-large three metre screen showing live footage of sporting events from around the world. Food is from an an international menu and inlcudes pizzas, chicken wings, ribs and burgers. A host of special food and beverage offers are available during the games. Call 04-4179842.
Stables
Located in the heart of Dubai just behind Sheikh Zayed Road, this British themed gastro pub and sports bar offers a wide range of entertainment options, British cuisine and themed nights including karaoke nights, quizes, live bands and live sports. There is something for everyone here. Call 054-4177028.
Stars N Bars
Located in LaMer, Stars N Bar is an American beachfront sports café with a twist. Watch the game as you relax with an ice-cream from a restored vintage VW van in one hand, and a beverage in the other hand. Play video games, dine on American food, enjoy sun-downers and listen to the live music. This is a total American-style fun sports café by the beach side. Call 04-3499903.
The Grandstand
Offering the vibes of a casual sports bar and playing all the sports action on big screens, The Grandstand offers a good selection of bar bites. It is located in Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel in Karama. Call 04-3771111.
The Huddle Sports Bar And Grill
Whether it’s football, rugby or cricket, The Huddle Sports Bar and Grill has got you covered. Kick back and relax as you cheer on your favourite teams. The venue also hosts a special ‘grub lunch’ where guests can enjoy a delicious platter and soft beverage for Dhs 49 per person. The Huddle Sports Bar and Grill has two venues in the city, one is located in the Citymax Hotel, Bur Dubai and the other is located in the Citymax Hotel, Al Barsha. www.citymaxhotels.com
The 44th
Located on the 44th floor of Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, The 44th features luxurious interior decor, a generous terrace with amazing views of the Dubai Canal and Downtown Dubai , a barbecue station, pool tables, dart boards, HD screens, pinball machine and the highest bowling alley in the world. Call 054-5811758.
Trophy Room
It’s a place to indulge in classic British, European and international food favourites as you watch the game on one of the 11 screens through the venue. This 75-seater sports bar offers guests an opportunity to listen to the sports match commentary in various languages with their own headphones by simply downloading a dedicated app on their smartphone. The Trophy Room is located in Fairmont Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road. Call 04-3118316.
Underground
Bringing the Best of British to Dubai Marina, this quirky London Underground themed pub offers all-England style home comforts from quiz nights, all the latest sporting action, weekly live bands, and a themed night every day. Find classic favourites, chicken wings, fish and chips and burgers on the menu. It is located in Habtoor Grand Resort in Dubai Marina. Call 04-3995000.
Warehouse
This entertainment destination is packed with lots of action for everyone from kids to adults, and has got everything one can imagine, including TV screens, bowling alleys, arcade games, great food choices and a wave-ride. It is not just any usual sports bar, it’s every fun thing packed in one big place, Avenues at The Atlantis The Palm. As the sun goes down, expect good live entertainment, both indoor and outdoor. www.wavehousedubai.com
West Beach Bistro And Sports Lounge
With multiple screens and state-of-the-art projections, West Beach Bistro is the best place to head to for ultimate sporting action. You are guaranteed all the prime-time broadcasts here to enjoy with a bistro menu of all the favourites and promotions around the annual sports calendar. There’s also a large interactive games room and pool table for non-game chill out days. Call. 04-4498888.