Football fans – the World Cup is almost here! Thanks to Dubai’s proximity to Qatar, the city is gearing up to be a buzzing hub with its own officially sanctioned FIFA Fan-Fest.
Kicking off on the 20th November and running to 18th December, you can expect nearly a month of entertainment, performances, activities and more. Plus, venues all over the city will be streaming the matches on the big screen.
To ensure you don’t miss any of the action, we’ve put together a list of our favourite places to watch the World Cup in Dubai.
Whether you have match tickets or not, it’s the place to be this winter. And remember, Winged Boots is ready to help you plan your dream Dubai getaway in style.
BUDX FIFA Fan Festival
The iconic BUDX Dubai Harbour is playing host to a World Cup fan playground like no other. Hosting up to 100,000 people, the festival is set to have 330-square-metre screens with 4D audio, so you won’t miss a single detail of each match.
Plus, you can expect pre- and post-match entertainment, VIP hospitality lounges and afterparties accompanied by epic city skyline views.
What’s more, FIFIA partner Adidas is setting up its Al Rihla Camp within the festival.
There, you’ll be able to watch games, purchase souvenirs, meet celebrities and test new products. These experiences for guests aged 21 and over are guaranteed to be loaded with serious fun and a thrilling atmosphere.
Stadium Lounge, City Walk
The City Walk Green Planet area is set to host the outdoor Stadium Lounge where football fans can delight in a 96-square metre screen to catch the action from Qatar. There will be food and drink stands plus fine dining options, souvenir shops, free parking and a valet service.
Activities to keep the football spirit going include a PlaySation tournament before the semi-final and final matches and football freestyle shows. During each match there will be a live DJ who will celebrate any goals with music and a smoke machine.
There are no age restrictions at the Stadium Lounge. Kids can enjoy a whole host of child-friendly activities such as face painting and games.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers Arena
For a little more exclusivity, Jumeirah Emirates Towers are creating an outdoor arena that hosts up to 500 guests.
The extravagant venue boasts jaw-dropping views of the Museum of the Future among the glittering towers of Dubai. Here you can expect to find multiple screens to get the best view possible of the big game.
Celebrate your favourite team in style with the luxury of your own VIP table, private lounge and gourmet menu. If you choose to stay at Jumeirah Emirates Towers you won’t have far to go to tumble into bed at the end of the night either.
The Football Park, DIFC
Watching your favourite team play is always better in luxury. That’s exactly what you can expect at the Dubai International Financial Centre’s very own Football Park.
This exclusive fan zone is ideally suited to corporate guests and football fans looking for a premium viewing experience.
Discover menus from Michelin-starred restaurants, private lounges, chauffer services and a concierge team that will ensure you have the best World Cup viewing possible.
At certain games, it’s likely you’ll be rubbing shoulders with celebrities and former footballers too. Now, how’s that for elite!
FORM Hotel Marriott Bonvoy
If you love the game but prefer a more discreet venue, FORM Hotel has launched a FIFA package which allows you to watch your favourite teams play from the comfort of your room.
The first hotel in the Middle East to offer this service, FORM has ensured each room has been kitted out with HD screens.
Enjoy a laidback viewing experience in your cosiest pyjamas or spice it up with your intimate watch party. It’s the perfect setting for families with little ones and those wanting to escape the crowds.
Soho Garden’s Mega Fan Zone
Enjoy glamour and opulence at Soho Garden’s Mega Fan Zone. Up to 3,000 guests can watch the matches streamed across big screens throughout the venue.
There will be a variety of seating options available including festival style benches and VIP booths offering the best views of the game.
Delicious food and drink will be on offer as well as competitions, live performances and DJ sets to keep the entertainment going throughout. It’s guaranteed to be a party to remember!
McGettigan’s
One of the best venues to watch the England games is McGettigan’s. This dedicated England fan zone accommodates up to 500 seats and boasts one of the largest screens in Dubai.
Plus, plenty of food and drink options will keep the party going while you cheer on your favourite team.
McGettigan’s has a range of viewing packages from general admission to premium lounges, VIP boxes and suites for added comfort and luxury. Make sure you book in advance to bag your seat.
Bars and clubs across the city
Truthfully, you won’t have to work hard to find a venue playing the World Cup matches in Dubai. Bars and venues across the city are gearing up to get in on the action.
Golf lovers can keep up with the favourite teams at the Arabian Ranches Golf Club. Orange Feels Bar & FIFA Lounge is set to have three large outdoor screens to catch the game. Address Dubai Marina will have a FIFA pop-up alonside special offers on food and drink.
For a real party, Barasti pulls out all the stops. Expect plenty of fun at this beach bar. One of the city’s liveliest venues, Zero Gravity has a huge screen and a party every week.
A more laidback viewing experience can be had over pots of tea at Atelier M Lounge while the beach fan zone at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah invites you to watch the games with sand between your toes.
Where should you stay in Dubai for the World Cup?
A stay at some of our favourite Dubai hotels will make your FIFA World Cup viewing experience one to remember. Address Dubai Marina has its own viewing set up alongside Hilton Dubai Jumeirah so you don’t need to go far to be in on the action.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers is an ideal business hotel if you’re looking at bringing a few for your employees along. Caesars Palace Dubai and W-Dubai, The Palm are both excellent choices too.
What kind of entertainment is on in Dubai during the World Cup?
Themed games, musical performances and large-scale immersive installations will keep the excitement going pre and post matches.
During the World Cup Rest Days, Expo City and BUDX Dubai Harbour will transform into concert arenas with shows from the likes of Doja Cat, Akon, Charlie XCX and Kid Laroi to name a few.
Little ones can enjoy the excitement of the big games at Dubai Opera Park. Here, football themed games and experiences will invite visitors to see if they have what it takes to be a world cup champion.
Play football obstacle courses, FIFA PS5 and try your hand at digital and Analogue Skills games. Don’t miss the VR/AR experiences too!
How do you get to Qatar from Dubai for the World Cup?
Did you know that Qatar is extremely well connected to the UAE? Dubai International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes direct flight from Qatar’s capital Doha.
Throughout the World Cup, flydubai and Qatar Airways are including additional Match Day Shuttle flights that allow FIFA World Cup ticket holders to travel to Doha from Dubai to watch the match and return back to Dubai within 24 hours.
These flights are subject to availability. Please contact your personal travel manager for more information.
Dubai is one of FIFA’S official partners for the 2022 football World Cup in Qatar. The city’s FIFA Fan Festivals and whole host of fan zones are guaranteed to make it one of the greatest football celebrations in the world.
Enjoy an electric atmosphere while watching your favourite team play on a gigantic screen in one of Dubai’s most fashionable neighbourhoods. Catch a game from a luxury hotel, enjoy a VIP box with friends or colleagues or take it to the beach for cocktails and football chants on the sand.
Call our team of expert personal travel managers now on 0203 816 0985 to book your Dubai getaway of a lifetime.
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