Where to watch World Cup 2022 matches in Abu Dhabi

Excitement is building as the World Cup in Qatar approaches. If you’re looking to catch a game in Abu Dhabi, many venues will be showing games live, while offering themed menus, entertainment, games and activities for children.

Here you can book your tickets for the World Cup, which runs from Sunday until 18 December.

Emirates Palace Fan Zone

The grand hotel will open a dedicated World Cup fan area at the Oriental Cafe with an open-air observation deck. Matches will be broadcast live on giant LED screens, while four gourmet huts and two bars will keep guests entertained. Large groups can choose to customize the shared menu, while those with children can zone out play areas and face-painting corners.

The hotel also offers the Stay Like a Champion package, which provides guests with a room or suite with sea view, breakfast for two at Vendome, access to the Fan Zone with food and beverage credit worth Dh200 per person, and 60-minute spa treatments for two at The Hideaway by Emirates Palace Spa , priced at Dh3,800.

F&B will be served in the fan area one hour before the first game of the day and one hour after the last game.

1pm to 1am; from AED 180; Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road; 02 690 8888

Shangri-La Football Village

Shangri-La’s Qaryat Al Beri will host a beachside football fan zone on its private Plaza Beach every day of the World Cup. The open-air venue promises a stadium-like setting with giant screens, pub fare, beachside barbecues and Sunday brunch, as well as game break quizzes, themed competitions, DJs and stand-up comedy. A day pass is redeemable for two drinks and free access to the beach. Soccer Village will be hosting a daily happy hour from 1pm to 5pm with 50% off all drinks.

Match day 1pm-1am; Dh100 day ticket, Dh268 brunch; Khor Al Maqta, Qaryat Al Beri; 02 509 8555; restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com

Cooper’s

Cooper’s at Park Rotana is a quintessential sports bar and pub, with nearly a dozen screens dotting its vibrant grounds. Watch all the football live, then head to the selfie booth, or take part in games and competitions, including spinner challenges and sweepstakes.

Cooper’s offers a more extensive menu, with options ranging from sausage by the meter and decadent truffle macaroni cheese to vegan falafel sliders and miso salmon.

Sat – Wed noon – 2am, Thurs & Fri noon – 3am; à la carte menu; Khalifa Park; 02 657 3325

Glo

The lounge at Rosewood Abu Dhabi will feature a giant inflatable screen next to the swimming pool on the palm-fringed open-air terrace. Glo offers a light menu during the World Cup, including fish and chips, chili nachos, shredded BBQ beef slices and sweet and spicy chicken wings. Minimum spend is Dh200.

Weekdays noon to 1am; Friday and Saturday noon to 2am; from AED 200; 02 813 5550

Loca

The vibrant Mexican restaurant and bar features two “jumbo” screens that create a festive atmosphere every day. Loca has introduced a football-themed menu and still serves its signature guacamole and tacos with a minimum spend of AED 150.

Noon to 2am daily; from AED 150; Amalia Island Plaza; 02 582 3639

Stock Burger Company

Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi’s burger joint has some delicious deals and a special menu for the World Cup. Try the Mexican burger and get eight soft drinks or juices; or order the Team World Cup sharing platter (with sweet potato fries, grilled parsnips, falafel, crab cakes and three dips) and get six hops, all for Dh150 . Other dishes include the Argentinian Jawbreaker Burger and Brazilian Nachos.

Games can be watched indoors on eight screens or on a giant outdoor projector. Children under 12 eat free and enjoy an activity book, while adults can enter games and contests to win free drinks, cutlery and hotel stays.

Daily from noon to midnight; à la carte menu; Embassy Row; 02 657 4864

Vaux Cinemas

Vox Cinemas in Abu Dhabi will provide a cinematic viewing experience through a state-of-the-art sound system and will stream all World Cup matches live on beIN Sports. Cinemas will remain open until the end of the last game of the day.

Enjoy popcorn and delicacies including gourmet burgers, parmesan truffle fries, hot dogs and Indian street food like onion bhaji, dal vada and samosa.

Vox is also launching three packages: get standard access to three matches for Dh135; five matches for Dh195; or a season pass for all matches for Dh495.

From AED 59; 600 599 905; uae.voxcinemas.com

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Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi’s lounge will feature live action on multiple large screens and offers packages such as happy hour daily from 4pm to 7pm and 30% off select cocktails.

Those staying at the hotel can watch the game from their room and enjoy a 20% discount during the World Cup season.

4pm-1am; à la carte menu; Al Maria Island; 02 333 2444; www.fourseasons.com

Abu Dhabi Fan Zone at Yas Links

Yas Island will install the capital’s largest outdoor screen in the Abu Dhabi fan zone, which opens at the Yas Links Stadium on Monday.

The sprawling arena will also host concerts and a video game area, while food and drinks are served from the emirate’s most popular food truck. The games will also be screened at many other locations on Yas Island, including Bushra at Buddha-Bar, Siddharta at Buddha-Bar, Cafe del Mar, La Carnita and The Lighthouse, all on the Yas Bay waterfront; Amici Terrace at W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island; The Overlook by The WB Abu Dhabi; and The Borough, Stars n Bars and Iris, are all in Yas Marina.

Pier71, Yas Bay’s 3km long boardwalk, will also open to the public with giant screens and outdoor seating; while Yas Mall will host events and games for fans to showcase their soccer skills on its Sports Avenue.

various times and prices; www.yasisland.com

Scroll through the gallery below to see Dubai’s dedicated fans zone

Updated: November 16, 2022 at 8:18 AM