While watching the game at home can be fun, nothing beats the atmosphere in a packed-out pub or sports bar. It’s amazing being able to hear a pin drop in a room full of people before a round of cheers or groans fill the space. That’s why we’ve decided to round up the best sports bars in Dubai - so next time you want to head into town to watch a match, you’ll know exactly where to go.
We looked at numerous factors to decide which of Dubai’s sports bars made the cut. Food is important to us here at SquareMeal, so we made sure to check what’s on the menu for each one. Most of the bars on this list serve up tasty American-style classics like ribs, wings and sliders - ideal for sharing while watching the game. Others serve up other crowd-pleasers like pizza and pasta, or pub staples like fish and chips. Some of them even serve up fun house specials like sausage by the metre or giant burger stacks.
Games are a great addition to any sports bar, and this list has plenty. It’s the perfect way to fill time before or after the main event, whether you choose pinball, pool, darts or table football. These games also make sports bars a great place to go with colleagues, particularly if you don’t know each other too well yet. By the end of an evening at one of these bars, you’ll be like peas in a pod. So whether you’re into football, boxing or F1, this list has you covered. Just hit ‘book now’ when you find one you like and you’ll be taken to the bar’s page. From there, you can find out a bit more, including how to book a table, FAQs and a map of how to get there.
Long’s Bar
What: In the basement of Towers Rotana you’ll find Long’s Bar, a British-style pub that ticks all the boxes. Order pints at one of the longest bars in the Middle East (hence the name), tuck into pub staples like fish and chips, burgers and even sausage by the metre, and watch live sport on one of the 20 TV screens set up around the room. Be aware that there is a smart-casual dress code, so no sleeveless shirts, baseball caps, flip flops or sportswear after 7pm.
Where: Towers Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road
Book now: Long’s Bar
Trophy Room
What: Watch your sport of choice at Trophy Room, surrounded by various awards and sports-themed decor. There are eleven screens, but you can also listen in various different languages by using a special app on your phone. On the menu, meanwhile, you’ll find American classics like sliders, nachos, tacos, wings and pizza. Don’t miss the cheesecake to finish, which comes with a mixed berry compote and caramel ice cream.
Where: Lobby Level, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road
Book now: Trophy Room
Kickers Sports Bar
What: Few sports in Dubai can claim to be as well-known as Kickers. Located in Dubai’s ever-popular Sports City, this bar overlooks the pitches of the neighbouring Football Academy. If you like the view, you can opt to sit out on the terrace (you won’t miss any of the on-screen action though, as there is a huge TV outside). To keep you fuelled during the match or competition we recommend ‘the bucket list’, which includes 30 chicken wings or tenders, three choices of fries, two portions of onion rings, six blue cheese dips and one pitcher of Pepsi.
Where: Dubai Sports City
Book now: Kickers
McGettigans
What: Aside from playing host to fun events like St Practice Day (six months away from St Patrick’s Day), McGettigans is primarily a sports bar. Simply check the bar’s Instagram or website to find out what’s on, including the Formula 1 and the Premier, Champions and Europa Leagues. There’s a good selection of drinks, including perfectly-poured Guinness (a must at any Irish pub). The food menu, meanwhile, is pretty global, so you’ll find everything from pineapple pizza to cod and chips.
Where: Jumeirah Lake Towers
Book now: McGettigans
The Rose & Crown
What: For any ex-pats missing home, or just English pub enthusiasts, The Rose and Crown is the place to go. There are plenty of TVs for watching the game, as well as dart boards if you fancy trying your hand during half-time. There’s a good selection of beers on tap, including everything from Stella to Brewdog Punk IPA, as well as wines, cocktails and mocktails too. The food, however, is the real star of the show, with entries like Guinness-braised short ribs, steak and kidney pie and fish and chips with mushy peas and tartare sauce.
Where: Al Habtoor City, 260 Sheikh Zayed Road
Book now: The Rose & Crown
Nezesaussi Grill
What: Well-known for its friendly staff, Nezesaussi Grill is a great downtown sports lounge with food to match. The interiors feature various sporting paraphernalia and there is live sport being streamed practically everywhere you look. The food selection, meanwhile, will take you all over the world. Bar bites include the likes of truffle fries, popcorn chicken and duck cigar wraps, while there are various sharing platters for larger groups. Try the three nations platter, which features braai seasoned fries, sausages, spring rolls, peri peri chicken wings, fried calamari and chipotle mayo.
Where: Manzil Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
Book now: Nezesaussi Grill
Qube Sports Bar
What: Qube Sports Bar’s set-up is pretty unique. Along with 16 large LCD screens, pool tables, shuffleboard, table football and darts, there are also giant ‘Qube’ projectors for major sporting events. As such, you’re guaranteed a great view so you don’t miss a second of the action. Tuck into hearty dishes while you watch, including loaded burgers, ribs, grilled baby chicken, steaks, fajitas and more. There is an extensive selection of wines by the bottle, beers and spirits to choose from, ideal for celebrations.
Where: Meydan Hotel, Al Meydan Street, Nad Al Sheba
Book now: Qube Sports Bar
Bridgewater Tavern
What: Given it won the best gastropub in Dubai, you won’t be surprised to learn that Bridgewater Tavern is a great sports bar too. Footie fans flock here to watch the game, but it’s the delicious food they stay for. Share snacks like chicken tenders, buffalo wings and crispy calamari or tuck into personal mains like the fried chicken burger with slaw, chipotle mayo and fries. There are plenty of beers on draft to choose from, including Heineken, Asahi, Peroni and Amstel, alongside wines, cocktails and mocktails too. Swing by between 4-7pm for happy hour and enjoy a discount on beers.
Where: Sheikh Zayed Road
Book now: Bridgewater Tavern
Spike Sports Bar & Terrace
What: Spike isn’t just a sports bar, it’s actually the clubhouse for the Emirates Golf Club. As such, the bar is steeped in history and decorated with golf memorabilia. Live sport is broadcast from 16 screens dotted around, and the terrace boasts stunning views over the golf course itself, especially at sunset. The food selection, meanwhile, is enormous. Choose from sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, steaks, ribs, fish and chips and more. There are also lots of Korean dishes to try, including deep-fried kimchi balls with sriracha mayo and seaweed powder.
Where: Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2
Book now: Spike Sports Bar & Terrace
The 44
What: The 44 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City has a lot to offer, including amazing views over the city, a barbecue station, pool tables, dart boards, HD screens for live sport, pinball machines and even the world’s highest bowling alley. While you watch the game (or play your own), sip on classic cocktails or go boujie with some single malt Scotch or Champagne. The grill takes centre stage here, so be sure to try the rib eye, served with truffle mash, grilled vegetables and beef jus.
Where: Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, Habtoor City
Book now: The 44
If you're still hungry after wings and sliders during the match, head to one of these amazing buffets in Dubai.