36 places to watch all the Rugby World Cup action in Dubai
It kicks off on Friday, September 20…
The much-anticipated Rugby World Cup kicks off in Japan on Friday September 20, running right through until November 2. Dubai’s many pubs, bars and restaurants are getting in on the action, with live showings of all the matches, coupled with some top food and drink deals.
Here’s where to catch the Rugby World Cup in Dubai…
Andreea’s
Marina beach club Andreea’s recently relaunched with a super-sized venue and a brand-new sports bar. Complete with pool tables, pinball machine, foosball table and six HD TV screens showing the live matches, it makes the perfect place to catch all the action for the Rubgy World Cup. There’s also drinks deals available daily from 4pm to 8pm.
Andreea’s, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, daily 9.30am to 1am. Tel: (058) 693 5778. andreeas.ae
Arabian Ranches Golf Club
Check out The Ranches Restaurant where they’ve launched a new rugby fan zone complete with five screens to catch all the games. Every match will offer a happy hour, with buy four get on free on select beer.
The Ranches Restaurant, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, daily 9am to midnight. Tel: (04) 360 7935. arabianranchesgolfdubai.com
Barasti
Barasti is one of the longest-running and most established bars in the city with its lower-level beach and pool and upper-level indoor tiki bar, complete with huge screens showing a variety of sports. Their summer tent has finally come down, to be replaced by an astroturf rugby pitch, all in aid of the Rugby World Cup. As well as endless sports and drinks deals, there’ll also be face painting available so you can go that extra mile to support your favourite team. They have an extra-long happy hour that runs from Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 9pm with selected drinks from Dhs30.
Barasti, La Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Sat to Wed 10am to 1.30am, Thurs & Fri, 9am to 3am. Tel: (04) 318 1313. barastibeach.com
Barrel 12
Head to Palm Jumeirah where there’s a whole host of fun to be had at Barrel 12 over the rugby season. You can expect to catch most of the live matches on its multiple screens, plus there’s a cracking weekend roast available Friday to Sunday for Dhs112. Their happy hour runs daily from 5pm to 8am.
Barrel 12, Palm Views East, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 12pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 552 4000. barrel12.ae
Bidi Bondi
Bidi Bondi is one of Dubai’s oldest and most trusted sports bars and lives on the Palm Jumeirah. The Aussie surf-style place offers a relaxed vibe, hearty comfort food and some cracking deals to keep you satiated whilst watching the rugby. Every weekend they run a deal where you can get four drinks and a meal or five drinks for Dhs155.
Bidi Bondi, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 10am to 12am, daily. Tel: (04) 427 0515. facebook.com/bidibondi.palmshoreline
Black Tap
Want a fully loaded burger or over-the-top freakshake whilst you watch the Rugby? Look no further than Black Tap. They’ll be showing all the live games at their JBR and Dubai Festival City venues with happy hours on house drinks like beer, spirits and wine whenever the games are on.
Black Tap, Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR (04 399 9076) and InterContinental Dubai Festival City (04 288 3040). blacktapme.com
The Crown & Lion
The Crown & Lion is unashamedly British, bringing all the traditions of a local pub with it – think brass, brick and wood interiors with dart boards, pool tables and live matches. They’ve got screens aplenty for watching the game and during any live game, you can get a bucket of six beers for Dhs136.
Crown & Lion, Ground Floor, Byblos Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Tecom, Dubai, daily 11am to 3am. Tel: (04) 488 8000. bybloshoteldubai.com
Dhow & Anchor
British gastropub Dhow & Anchor, found inside the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, boasts nine screens to showcase the matches in all their glory and have a happy hour that runs from 3pm to 7pm. In a fun twist for the rugby, they’re playing ‘Beat the boss’, where their new manager will predict a team to win each game. If he loses, everyone in the venue will receive a free drink. The challenge will run throughout every rugby game from September 20 to November 2.
Dhow and Anchor, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, daily 12pm to late. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com
Eloquent Elephant
Not content with just showing the games, Eloquent Elephant will be putting on entertainment and offering prizes to be won. Deals on during the games include the ‘Elephant Curry’ and a pint for Dhs119 or take on the half metre sausage with a pint for Dhs99.
Eloquent Elephant, Taj Dubai, Downtown Dubai, 3pm to 1am Sat to Wed, 12pm to 2am Thurs & Fri. Tel: (04) 438 3100. facebook.com/TheEloquentElephantDubai
Emirates Golf Club
Emirates’ Golf Club are a one-stop shop for all things sports with bars dedicated to showing every second of the upcoming rugby games. As well as 16 screens, an extra large 3-metre screen and some amazing F&B deals inside Spike Bar, they also have a specially constructed area – Rugby Central, which boasts massive TV screens and an after-game DJ spinning the decks.
Spike Bar & Terrace, Rugby Central, The Lawn Next to Nakheel Metro Station Sheik Zayed Road, Emirates Golf Club. Tel: (04) 417 9999. dubaigolf.com
Garden on 8
With both indoor and al fresco seating in front of the screens, Garden on 8 is a great option for enjoying the game, with British pub garden feels. There’s usually a buzzing atmosphere, as Dubai Marina’s football fans come together to support their team. Their ‘fatty hour’ runs from 11pm to midnight every Friday and Saturday where they serve up a beasty 2.5kg bucket of chicken wings from Dhs199. Other offers include an all you can eat breakfast from 8am to 12pm, inclusive of tea and coffee for Dhs80 as well as a lunch special when the games are on which includes a bottle of beer and a signature dish of the winning team (e.g. fish and chips for England).
Garden on 8, Media One Hotel, Sun to Weds 12pm to 12am, Thurs to Sat 12pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 427 1000. mediaonehotel.com
Harvester’s
Looking for that classic British-style pub that feels like a home away from home? Harvester’s should definitely make it onto your Dubai pub list. It’ll be showing all the live matches, and for those games that take place early morning, they’re offering up some top breakfast options including homemade pancakes – drizzled with your choice of sauce, a hearty full brekky and, for the millennials amongst us, avocado and poached egg on toast with spinach and chilli flakes. Yum.
Harvester’s, Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 12pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 305 6843. crowneplazadubai.com/harvesters-pub
The Hideout
Head down to The Hideout to watch the Rugby World Cup in Dubai and choose from a seat in front of one of the four huge screens. There’s a daily happy hour offering two for one on selected drinks and a meal deal every day, like pizza and a house drink for Dhs60 on Tuesdays or unlimited chicken wings on Wednesdays for Dhs95. The happy hour runs from 3pm to 8pm on a weekend and 5pm to 8pm on weekdays.
The Hideout, Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina, Saturday & Sunday 3pm to 12am, Monday 5pm to 12am, Tuesday to Wednesday 5pm to 3am, Friday 4pm to 3am. Tel: (058) 534 6000. thehideoutdubai.com
The Huddle Sports Bar & Grill
If you head to The Huddle in Bur Dubai to catch the game you’ll be able to get four pints of selected beers plus a meal for Dhs160, which is the perfect combo to couple with the match. The offer is available anytime between September 20 and November 2, even when the games aren’t playing.
The Huddle Sports Bar & Grill, Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai, Dubai, 12pm to 3am. Tel: (050) 100 7065. facebook.com/TheHuddleBurDubai
ICON
ICON is the perfect place to swing by if you work in Media City and there’s a game on after work. There’s daily happy hours from 4pm to 7pm with buy one get one free on selected beverages, a Dhs59 lunch deal with one dish and a drink from 12pm to 3pm Sunday to Thursday and a brunch on Fridays.
ICON Bar, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, Dubai, 7am to 2am daily. Tel: (04) 366 9111. radissonblu.com
Joe’s Backyard
Joe’s Backyard is the cool Downtown BBQ joint, with an alfresco rooftop terrace and lofthouse-style vibes indoors. Whilst you’re catching the games, make sure to try some of their smokey and delicious dishes like pulled beef brisket burgers. They also offer up a burger and two selected beverages for Dhs99.
Joe’s Backyard, Gateway Avenue, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 5pm to 12am, Fri & Sat 12pm to 2am. Tel: (055) 709 4509. facebook.com/joesbackyarddubai
Kickers
Catch all the action at Kickers Sports Bar every match day weekend, with a daily happy hour offering up selected drinks from just Dhs25. They’ve got large projector screens to add to the 11 TVs and it’s a good option for Sports City residents who want to get in on the action without travelling too far.
Kickers, Sports Village, Dubai Sports City, Sun to Weds 3pm to 2am, Thurs to Sat 12pm to 3am Tel: (04) 448 1001. kickerssportsbar.ae
Lakeview
It doesn’t get much prettier than Lakeview, with stunning views out across The Creek, whether you’re sat indoors or outdoors. They’ll be showing all of the live action during every game on ten screens including one giant one indoors. During game times, if you buy four pints of a selected beer, you’ll get one free or if you’re hungry – grab a beer and burger for Dhs99. There’ll also be a chance to win a table of six with food and beer included to watch the final there too.
Lakeview, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Next to Park Hyatt Dubai, 6.30am to 2am daily. Tel: (04) 295 6000. dubaigolf.com/lakeview
The Lion by Nick & Scott
The Lion by Nick & Scott offer daily deals that serve as the winning combination to an afternoon of rugby. Choose from their daily roast dinner (Dhs95, or add a pint and pay Dhs110), a steak pie and a pint for Dhs105 on a Wednesday or unlimited curry and three drinks for Dhs125 on a Tuesday.
The Lion by Nick & Scott, The H Hotel, Downtown Dubai, 8am to 3pm, Sun to Thurs, 11am to 3am, Friday & Saturday. Tel: (04) 359 2366. facebook.com/TheLionDubai
Loca
Add a little fiesta to game time with Mexican restaurant, Loca. If the game happens to fall on a Saturday, you can enjoy any fajita plus two house beers or wines for Dhs109.
Loca, Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, JBR Dubai, 12pm to 2am daily. Tel: (04) 346 1111. locauae.com
Lock, Stock & Barrel
This popular sports bar will show the matches live across both its Barsha Heights and JBR locations. Settle in for the game and enjoy it alongside their roast of the day for Dhs99. Take advantage of buy one get one free on drinks Monday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 8pm.
Lock, Stock and Barrel, Grand Millenium, Barsha Heights, and Rixos Premium JBR, timings vary. Tel: (04) 514 9195. lsbdubai.com
McGettigans JLT
McGettigans JLT is somewhat of a stalwart pub in the city, and is well known for its extensive coverage of an array of sports across its screens. There’s a brilliant lively atmosphere, and when you tire of the games, head to the new sports hub where you’ll find pool and darts. Their list of deals goes way past our arm, so you’re best going to their website to find out everything. Happy hour is Saturday to Wednesday 2pm to 8pm and Thursday 12pm to 9pm with selected drinks starting from Dhs30.
McGettigan’s JLT, Cluster J, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, daily 12pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 378 0800. mcgettigans.com/jlt
Mighty Quinns
BBQ smokehouse, Mighty Quinns are serious about their meat. No surprise there. The family-friendly restaurant is offering free meals for children right through September and as they are all-American, whenever the USA games are on, you could be eligible for some discounts dependent on how the game is going.
Mighty Quinns, JBR, Dubai, 9am to 12am, daily 9am to 12am. Tel: (04) 380 1888. facebook.com/mightyquinnsbbquae
Nezesaussi Grill Dubai Marina
Big screen TVs, private booths, billiards/pool tables, old-school arcade games and good food. What more could you want from a sports pub? With a huge screen (and lots of little ones), you won’t miss even an inch of the action at Nezesaussi. They’ve got a 12-hour happy hour on a Friday (2pm to 2am), 30 per cent off food on Thursdays from 12pm to 4pm and loads more deals to feast your eyes (and bellies) on.
Nezesaussi Grill Dubai Marina, Address Dubai Marina, daily 4pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 8883444. addresshotels.com
Offside
Offside is the new sports bar that replaced the much-loved Girder’s Garden in JBR. This new offering is super-chilled, packed with traditional pub benches and a massive screen showing all the live action. Every Saturday you can get a gourmet burger with a house beer for Dhs99. They’re also hosting weekly raffle draws from September 15 to November 30 where you’ll get to chance to win loads of different prizes, from Dhs500 bar tabs to two-night stays at JA Palm Tree Court or other JA hotels. Other prizes even include tickets to the Abu Dhabi F1 or Dubai Rugby 7s.
Offside, JA Ocean View Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 3am, Mon to Thurs, 12.30pm to 3am, Fri to Sun. Tel: (04) 814 5590. offsidedubai.com
Perry & Blackwelder’s
You definitely won’t be short of deals while watching the game at Perry & Blackwelder’s. For the early morning games, there’s a hearty breakfast menu on offer as well as a specially designed sandwich, described as a ‘meat extravaganza’ for Dhs75. There’s also unlimited chicken wings served from kick off to final whistle for Dhs199 and drinks promotions like six bottles of beer for Dhs135, 12 bottles for Dhs250 or pitchers for Dhs99.
Perry & Blackwelder’s, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, 12pm to 2am Saturday to Wednesday, 12pm to 3am Friday & Saturday. Tel: (800) 666 353. jumeirah.com
Reform
Reform is your friendly-neighbourhood spot residing in The Lakes, which is perfect for wiling away the weekends. They always have their huge projector in use for any big games and if you’re in the mood for a roast, on Saturdays you can enjoy it with two hours’ unlimited wine with chicken starting at Dhs100. During any Rugby World Cup from September 20 to November 2, theres a bucket of beers for Dhs130 and two-for-one on burgers up for grabs. Their weekday happy hour runs from 4pm to 8pm, too.
Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes, Dubai, 8am to midnight, daily. Tel: (04) 454 2638. reformsocialgrill.ae
The Rose & Crown
There’s full sports coverage and a host of deals to be had at this British pub in Al Habtoor City. Every Monday you can get unlimited beer & wings for two hours for Dhs150 or try their classic British roast on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for Dhs90 or get two and a bottle of wine and a bucket of beer for Dhs250.
The Rose & Crown, The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, daily 12pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 437 0022. roseandcrowndubai.com.
The Tap House
Expect laid-back vibes at The Tap House at Club Vista Mare, where you can bag yourself a table in front of one of the many screens across the bar. They’ve got four different deals on, all for Dhs99. Choose from 3 half pints or a burger and a pint or nachos and two selected bottles of beer or four shots.
The Tap House, Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, 12pm to 1am, Sun to Wed, 12pm to 2am, Fri & Sat. Tel: (04) 514 3778. thetaphouse.ae
The Trophy Room
Located in the Fairmont on Sheikh Zayed Road, The Trophy Room is serious about sport. There’s 11 screens showing a variety of sports throughout the week and weekend, and specials on different days of the week on their menu of English and European bar food. Their happy hour runs daily from 5pm to 7pm.
Trophy Room, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, 12pm to 2pm. Tel: (04) 311 8316. Fairmontdubai.com
The Scene by Simon Rimmer
A Pier 7 favourite, The Scene is one of Dubai Marina’s best places for catching the match. Perch up by one of the five screens in the bar area and catch all the action alongside excellent deals. For breakfast, from 8am to 12pm, you can get eggs on toast and a cuppa for Dh29 or a full English and a house drink for Dhs99. From 12pm to 5pm, Dhs99 will get you a burger and a beverage and there’s also Dhs35 match drinks until 4.30pm daily. Competitions will be going on throughout the games, alongside face painting, hat customisations and a DJ during half time and post matches.
The Scene by Simon Rimmer, 4th Floor, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, daily 8am to 2am. Tel: (04) 222 2328. thescenedubai.com
Stars N Bars
The Monte-Carlo inspired sports bar Stars N Bars at La Mer has one of the biggest screens in Dubai for watching the nail-biting spots action. As well as the 160-inch screen, there’s several TVs dotted around the bar. Deals available during the games include wings and a pint for Dhs59, burger and a pint for Dhs99 or a roast and a pint for Dhs109 and there will be buckets of beer on offer too.
Stars N Bars, La Mer North, Jumeirah 1, Sunday to Wednesday 12pm till 2am, Thursday to Saturday 12pm till 3am. Tel: (04) 349 9903. starsnbars.ae
Stoke House
Stoke House is the perfect place for families to enjoy on a weekend whilst the rugby is on, with five screens showing you every second of the live action. Why not squeeze in a round of golf before the game, then enjoy five bottles of beer for Dhs125? Other offers include include a pink gin and mixer for Dhs35 during the game only, two for one on chicken wings and breakfast muffins on match days only.
Stoke House, Al Qudra Road, Al Hebiah Third, DAMAC Hills, Dubai, 6pm to 11pm, daily. Tel: (04) 245 3939. facebook.com/stokehousedubai
UBK
This little bar in JLT is a great hangout for watching sports as it has a buzzing atmosphere and loads of screens. With wooden benches, there’s a definite outdoor pub garden vibe which promises 19 screens so you can watch the game from wherever you’re sat. As if you needed further incentive, it’s happy hour all day every day.
UBK, Movenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai. Sun to Wed 2pm to 2am, Thurs & Fri 12pm to 3am, Sat 12pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 438 0000. movenpick.com
The Underground
This awesome little spot in Habtoor Grand will have you feeling like you’re watching the game, rather unusually, in the London Underground. It’s got loads of screens and a pool table so you can play a game whilst watching the game and their happy hour runs from 4pm to 8pm every day.
Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, Al Sufouh Road, near JBR, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4084257. grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com
Wavehouse
Wavehouse is the city’s go-to spot for all things fun and games with its own bowling alley, arcade room, pool table, table tennis and much more. Head to their cool adults-only bar for a great atmosphere with your mates whilst watching the rugby. On Saturdays, guys can get a full English breakfast and two bottles of beer from 12pm to 1am (and unlimited rides on the surf-rider if you fancy), all for Dhs120. Their daily happy hour runs from 5pm to 7pm with half price of selected bevvies.
Wavehouse, Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 12pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 426 2626. atlantisthepalm.com
The 44
The 44 is found on the 44th floor of Dubai’s Hilton Al Habtoor City. The vintage sports bar offers up extensive sports coverage from 11 screens across the venue, as well as some impressive views across Downtown Dubai. Bored of the match? There’s plenty of games inside the venue to keep you entertained including darts, pool and even a bowling alley. They do an awesome Gents Night deal every Saturday and Wednesday where Dhs195 will get guys three hours’ free flowing selected drinks from 8pm to 11pm. Can’t get much fairer than that.
The 44, The Hilton, Al Habtoor City, daily 12pm to 2am. Tel: (05) 4581 1758. the44dubai.com
Vantage
Vantage will be showing all of the live games from September 20 to November 2, where you’ll be able to get a pint of selected beer and a bite for Dhs65 or forget the bite and get five bottles of selected beer for Dhs135.
Vantage, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 12pm to 2am daily. Tel: (04) 377 2000. vantageloungedubai.com
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