With the rugby season just around the corner, we’ve rounded up a few great places where you can relax with your friends and watch the games…

If you’re an avid rugby fan, or just love a competitive atmosphere then we know you’ll have been waiting for the Six Nations rugby taking place from February 1 to March 16. Here are the best sports bars in Dubai where you can catch all the Six Nations rugby live action.

McGettigan’s

McGettigan’s will be hosting all of the upcoming rugby games on multiple screens around its appropriately-styled venue. You and your mates can order the McGettigan’s signature Guinness beef sandwich and a pint while watching the rugby.  Plus, Happy Hour takes place every day from 4pm to 8pm.

McGettigan’s JBR, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, 10am-3am, February 1st – March 16th, 4pm to 8pm, Tel: (04) 318 2580. mcgettigans.com/hilton-jbr/

Fibber Magee’s

If it’s that true Irish feel you’re after then Fibber Magee’s is your place. The Dubai institution is one of the UAE’s oldest pubs, where you can pick up a cheap pint and pie while you cheer on your team.

Fibber Magee’s, Saeed Tower One, Sheikh Zayed Road. Tel: (04) 332 2400, February 1st – March 16th, Tel: (04) 332 2400. fibbersdubai.com

Dhow and Anchor

At Dhow and Anchor, you can watch the rugby matches live against the backdrop of the Burj Al Arab, as the gastropub will be hosting the games for this year’s 6 Nations on a big screen outdoors. In fact, Jumeirah management is so confident that Ireland will beat England in the first week that if they don’t, management will buy everyone in the pub a drink and wear an England top for all of the next week. Quite a lot on the line here…

Dhow and Anchor, Jumeirah Road. Weekdays: noon to 1.30am, February 1st – March 16th, Weekends: 9am to 1.30am. Tel: (04) 406 8999. jumeirah.com 

Girders Garden

Girders Garden boasts one of the biggest big screens in the city – perfect for catching all the rugby action live. Head down early and take advantage of their happy hour deals.

Girders Garden, JA Ocean View Hotel, daily 4pm to 3am. Tel: (056) 216 5057. Facebook.com/GirdersTheWalk

Spike Bar

Emirates Golf Club’s long-standing pub is also screening the 6 Nations live throughout the venue. Order the signature Spike fish ‘n’ chips, a platter with friends, or be bold, and tackle a kilo of wings.

Spike Bar, Emirates Golf Club. 10am to 12.30am, February 1st – March 16th. Tel: (04) 417 9999, dubaigolf.com 

Barasti

This beach bar is probably one of the more relaxing places to watch the rugby this year. With great food and a good atmosphere there’s nothing better than winding down here to watch your favourite team on the big screen. There will also be a deal on selected beverages to help you celebrate… or cheer you up.

Barasti, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort,  Sun to Wed 10am to 1.30am, Thur to Fri 10am to 3am, Sat 9am to 1.30am, February 1st – March 16th, Tel: (04) 318 1313. barastibeach.com 

Bidi Bondi

Australia might not be competing in the 6 Nations Rugby, but the Aussie bar Bidi Bondi is still screening the matches live both indoors and outside its venue this year.

Bidi Bondi, Al Manhal Building, The Palm Jumeirah. 10am to midnight, February 1st – March 16th. Tel: (04) 427 0515. facebook.com/bidibondi.palmshoreline

Nezesaussi Grill

Popular sports bar Nezesaussi at Address Dubai Marina is also getting in on the February rugby action screening all the matches live. Expect big crowds, a rowdy atmosphere and plenty of food and drink deals.

Nezesaussi Grill, Address Dubai Marina. noon to 2am, February 1st – March 16th. Tel: (04) 888 3444, addresshotels.com

Lock, Stock and Barrel

You’ve got two brilliant Lock, Stock and Barrel’s to choose from when you’re after your rugby fix – with both the JBR and Barsha Heights venue showing the action live.

Lock, Stock and Barrel, Grand Millennium Barsha Heights and Rixos Premium, JBR, Mon to Thur 4pm to 3am, Friday 1pm to 3am, Sat and Sun 2pm to 3am, February 1 to March 16. lsbdubai.com 

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Written by Ben Whelan