Top Rugby World Cup viewing venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
These spots are going to be packed.
When it comes to watching rugby in Dubai, you’re in for a treat. The city’s vibrant sports scene offers plenty of fantastic restaurants and bars to catch all the action. And with the Rugby World Cup taking place from 8 September to 28 October 2023, rugby fever will be at an all-time high. To revel in the excitement with fellow fans and enjoy some top-notch grub, here are all the best places to watch the matches.
Dubai
Barasti Beach Bar
Let’s start with one of the oldest and hippest establishments in Dubai. This place has got it all — big screens, chilled air-conditioned tents, and a buzzing crowd ready to cheer for their favourite teams. With refreshments to keep you energised, Barasti Beach Bar has you covered on all fronts.
GO: Call 04 318 1313 for reservations and more information.
CLAW BBQ
There’s no need to hop on a plane to France to catch the Rugby World Cup action because CLAW BBQ in Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah has you covered. The largest sports bar on Palm Jumeirah boasts more than 50 HD screens throughout the venue and projectors both indoors and outside on the terrace. When it comes to pub grub, diners can pair any select burger with a pint for just AED 89 or enjoy the CLAW BBQ Sample Platter with a pint for just AED 120.
GO: Call 04 230 0054 for reservations and more information.
Crafty Fox Gastropub
Located in Jumeirah Golf Estates with stunning golf course views, Crafty Fox Gastropub is the place for a community feel and a laidback dining experience. The elevated menu here features classics like Crab & Caviar Bites, Paccheri Truffle Alfredo, and Lobster Thermidor that you can enjoy with live screenings of the rugby matches to elevate your game-day experience.
GO: Email craftyfox@dubaigolf.com or call 04 586 7767 for reservations and more information.
Dhow & Anchor
Rugby fans, if you want to soak up the excitement in Dubai, look no further than Dhow & Anchor at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Known for its electric atmosphere on game days and a menu of British dishes, it’s the ultimate spot to watch the Rugby World Cup. Dive into their Signature Beef Sliders and pair them with a refreshing pint of beer while you cheer for your favourite team.
GO: Email restaurants@jumeirah.com or call 800 323 232 for reservations and more information.
Ernst
When it comes to cheering on your favourite team during the Rugby World Cup, Ernst Biergarten & Wirtshaus at 25hours Hotel One Central has you covered. The cosy German tavern will gift a free beer to customers who visit in their team colours, while an appealing menu of wiener schnitzel and baked pretzels makes for the perfect accompaniment to your game-day beverages.
GO: Visit www.ernstbiergarten.com for reservations and more information.
garden on 8
Gather your friends and make your way to Dubai’s beloved neighbourhood sports bar to watch the Rugby World Cup. Witness all the action on the jumbo screens, providing a stadium-like experience to witness every tackle, pass, and scrum. For pub grub and celebratory beverages, the venue will offer the Garden signature burger with fries, popcorn, and a pint of select hops for just AED 99.
GO: Visit https://mediaonehotel.com for reservations and more information.
Joe’s Backyard
Get ready for Rugby World Cup action like never before at Joe’s Backyard — the ultimate destination for sports enthusiasts. With large screens and an immersive surround sound experience, you’ll feel that you’re in the stadium. Plus, with the addition of a delectable menu, this place has got it all. And you can choose which location suits you more since Joe’s Backyard has two branches — in Jumeirah Islands and Dubai Festival City.
GO: Email jic@joebackyard.com for Jumeirah Islands and reservations@joebackyard.com for Dubai Festival City.
Long’s Bar & Restaurant
Head over to Long’s Bar and Restaurant at Towers Rotana Dubai for all the rugby action. With massive screens, irresistible food and drink deals, group discounts, and the chance to win exciting weekly prizes, this is where the thrill of the game reaches a new level.
GO: Call 04 312 2231 for reservations and more information.
McGettigan’s Factory
At McGettigan’s Factory on Palm Jumeirah, rugby enthusiasts can enjoy all of the thrilling action on screens both indoors and outdoors, with the added bonus of a sprawling LED screen in the garden. But that’s not all – when you purchase two hops, you can test your luck by spinning the wheel to win prizes such as a trip to the Rugby World Cup Final in France, complimentary brunches, drunches, and rugby shirts.
GO: Visit www.mcgettigans.com for reservations and more information.
Spike Bar
Spike Bar at Emirates Golf Club is your go-to spot to soak in the electrifying atmosphere of the Rugby World Cup. With 16 screens and an extra-large three-metre terrace screen, you won’t miss any action. Enjoy fantastic combo meals like Mussels, Fish and Chips, and Chicken Wings paired with selected pints — just to name a few.
GO: Email spike@dubaigolf.com or call 04 417 9842 for reservations and more information.
The Bolt Hole
The Bolt Hole in Villanova offers a family-friendly community to enjoy the matches. With a drool-worthy menu and screens galore, you can also indulge in mouthwatering dishes such as Beef Tartare, Crunchy Crab, Charred Caesar Salad, Grilled Sea Bass, Green Curry, Steak Sandwich and even a Molten Chocolate Cake – this place has got your cravings covered. And don’t forget to sip on a few drinks while you’re here.
GO: Email restaurants@jumeirah.com or call 800 323 232 for reservations and more information.
The Duck Hook
If you’re all about British charm and deliciousness, The Duck Hook is your Rugby World Cup haven. Located at the heart of Dubai Hills Golf Club, they’ve got a menu that’s a comfort food lover’s dream including delectables such as Beer-Battered Fish and chips, Duck Confit, Vegan Bangers and mash and more. Wash it down with some pints and don’t miss a moment of action.
GO: Email restaurants@jumeirah.com or call 800 323 232 for reservations and more information.
The Yard
Make your way to The Yard at TopGolf Dubai and catch every moment of the rugby tournament on seven mega screens. Elevate your game experience with a diverse, chef-crafted menu inspired by American cuisine with a twist. From healthy choices to indulgent burgers, there’s something for everyone.
GO: Email info@topgolfdubai.ae or call 04 371 9999 for reservations and more information.
Wavebreaker
Wavebreaker at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah has brought back its beloved Beach Stadium for the Rugby World Cup 2023. Matches will be broadcast on multiple screens throughout the venue, which will be split into three zones. Fan Zone 1, affectionately known as the Wavebreaker Sunset Deck, boasts a four-meter by three-meter screen and a menu of bar bites. Fan Zone 2, the Wavebreaker garden and shisha lounge, provides a more relaxed ambience. While Fan Zone 3, the Wavebreaker Deck, features a backdrop of Ain Dubai and multiple large TV screens.
GO: Visit www.hilton.com for reservations and more information.
Abu Dhabi
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Make your way to Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s Bridges Bar for some of the best rugby screening offers. Not only do you get to enjoy the match but also sip on your favourite brews and indulge in the delectable dishes they’ve got in store. Cheer for your team and bond with fellow rugby enthusiasts while you’re here.
GO: Email babalbahr@fairmont.com or call 02 654 3238 for reservations and more information.
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi
Head to Appaloosa Sports Bar throughout the Rugby World Cup to enjoy all the matches live as you cheer on your team. The bar is equipped with high-definition screens, both indoors and outdoors, making it the ideal place to watch every winning try with your friends. Enhance your game day with a selection of burgers, sharing platters, tacos, and refreshing beverages.
GO: Visit www.marriottalforsanlife.com for reservations and more information.
PJ O’Reilly’s Irish Pub
Head to PJ’s to watch the Rugby World Cup live on the city’s largest screen. Rugby enthusiasts can cheer on their teams against the backdrop of Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi’s pool. Offers include a beer and a burger (AED 99, two beers and a pizza (AED 129) and a three-litre beer tower (AED 195).
GO: Email restaurants.lrmad@lemeridien.com or call 800 101 101 for reservations and more information.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Guests at Hamilton’s Gastropub can cheer on their favourite team while indulging in a rugby-themed menu featuring burgers and hotdog platters. The British pub has also introduced a Drink & Win promotion, where anyone who purchases two pints of selected hops during the tournament could be in with the chance of winning a PlayStation 5, a luxury hotel stay, and vouchers for the hotel’s famous Market Brunch.
GO: Visit www.rotanatimes.com for reservations and more information.
Stills
Stills at Crowne Plaza Yas Island will offer an unforgettable experience for rugby enthusiasts. With matches taking place in nine venues across France, Stills aims to transport the tournament’s electric energy to Abu Dhabi with several Rugby World Cup deals. Beer buckets containing five bottles will be available for AED 149 with a signature platter, while an extended happy hour runs across all matches with a buy one get one free offer on pints of Asahi.
GO: Email stills@yasplazahotels.com or call 050 667 5815 for reservations and more information.
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