Where to get breakfast before the Dubai Rugby Sevens

Make sure you fuel up before the big day…

The Dubai Rugby Sevens is one of the biggest annual events on the Dubai calendar and the three day extravaganza kicks off today. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so here’s the best places to get breakfast before the Dubai Rugby 7’s kicks off – and some even include free shuttle buses too.

Bidi Bondi

Shuttle bus: Yes

Bidi Bondi are big on any kind of sport and they’re doing a great deal to get you going over the Sevens weekend. Head there for a no-frills full English breakfast (or anything else of their breakfast menu) and a house beverage for Dhs99, and you’ll also get a seat on their shuttle bus that’ll take you to the Rugby 7’s stadium. Buses will run from Bidi’s at approximately 12pm and 1pm and will be running from 6pm back from the stadium, right through to the end of the 7’s. If you’re staying at Bidi’s they’re running their Palm Weekender deal which is Dhs155 for five drinks or four drinks and a meal.

Bidi Bondi, Shoreline 8, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, from 9am, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 427 0515. bidibondi.com

McGettigans JLT

Shuttle bus: Yes

Arguably one of the biggest sports bars in the city,  it’s no surprise that McGettigan’s JLT are once again running their annual pre-rugby 7’s breakfast on Friday December 6 and Saturday December 7. Tuck into a hearty full Irish breakfast with a house beverage to fuel you up for the day, then you can get on the free bus that will take you to the Dubai Rugby 7’s stadium. Buses will run every 30 minutes from 10.30am to 12.30pm. There’s also a bus available on the way back to McGettigan’s (provided you bought their bus and breakfast package) where you’ll get your first drink free.

McGettigan’s JLT, Next to Bonnington Towers, Cluster J, JLT, Dubai, Friday Dec 6 and Saturday Dec 7, from 9am. Dhs109. Tel: (04) 356 0470. facebook.com/McGettigansJLT

The Irish Village

Shuttle bus: Yes

The Irish Village throw a three-day extravaganza for Rugby 7’s every year and this year is no different. Running from Thursday December 5 to Sat December 7 guests can expect free entry, live music and live streaming of the matches. On Friday and Saturday they’ll be serving breakfast from an a la carte menu and then you’ll be able to hop on their free shuttle bus, which will run every hour from 11am to 11pm, to and from the stadium.

The Irish Village, 31 A Street, Al Garhoud, buses every 30 minutes from 12pm. Tel: (04) 2824750. theirishvillage.com

The Scene

Shuttle bus: No

The Scene by Simon Rimmer is located at Pier 7 with some awesome views overlooking Dubai Marina. If you’re looking for a friendly British pub-style place to fuel up before the big day, this is definitely a good contender. Their wallet-friendly breakfast specials are the perfect way to start the day with eggs (served poached, scrambled or fried) or beans on toast with a cup of tea or coffee for Dh29.

The Scene by Simon Rimmer, Pier 7, Dubai Marina, 8am to 2am, daily. Tel: (04) 422 2328. thescenedubai.com

Studio One

Shuttle bus: Yes

This one might not be breakfast per se, but if you book a night’s stay at Studio One over the Rugby 7s weekend, you can get six free drinks per night at The Irish Village and free shuttle buses two and from the Sevens Stadium on Friday December 6 and Saturday December 7.

Studio One Hotel, Studio City, Dubai. Tel: (800) 788346. studioonehotel.com

Rugby Village

Shuttle bus: No need

If you’re one who likes to get there early and bag yourself a prime seat – the doors to Rugby Village open from 7.30am. There’s loads of food stalls to keep you fuelled all day, so pick your favourite and settle in.