It's all about to kick off: the best Abu Dhabi venues to watch Euro 2012

1. Team: Y-Bar

Formation: eight television screens ranging from 42 to 50 inches, plus a 1.2-metre projector.

Vibe: a modern and chic setting, with an array of lounges and stools and spruced up with football merchandise, with the staff wearing football shirts.

Venue: Yas Island Rotana at Yas Island. 12pm-1.30am. Free entry. 02 656 4000.

2. Team: NRG

Formation: seven projector screens of various sizes, indoor and at the outdoor garden.

Vibe: fun, loud - patrons can square off on the Fifa Championship PlayStation competition with funds going to charity

Venue: Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi Tourist Club. Open according to match times. Free entry until the quarter-finals, then Dh75 fee applies. 02 644 6666.

3. Team: Cristal Bar

Formation: 45-inch screens.

Vibe: the anti-sports bar - for those wanting to view the matches in elegant, intimate surroundings. An in-house jazz pianist will be there to soundtrack the joys and sorrows of the matches.

Venue: Millennium Hotel, Al Markaziyah. 5pm-2am. Free entry. 02 614 6000.

4. Team: Plaza Bar

Formation: over a dozen 42-inch screens and two projectors in a fully air-conditioned tent.

Vibe: the tent can hold over 400 people. Shisha will be available, as well as live DJ performances and a daily raffle.

Venue: Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain. 6pm-3am. Entry fee Dh75, with group packages from Dh1,000. 02 509 8888.

5. Team: Brahaus

Formation: 32-inch and 47-inch screens, plus a 16ft projector, indoors, at the courtyard and on the terrace.

Vibe: "It's a lively crowd," says the manager Carl Peters. "People come in wearing different jerseys. It's a lot of fun." As well as the rich Bavarian cuisine on offer, specials includes burgers and hot dogs for Dh40.

Venue: Beach Rotana, Tourist Club. Free entry. 4pm-1am. 02 697 9000.

6. Team: Stars 'n' Bars

Formation: 40-inch screens.

Vibe: the most down to earth option in Yas Island, where one can go in his jersey, jeans and team hat. "We have a multicultural crowd," says the manager Ahmed El Saeed. "It's friendly, a good place if you're a sports fan."

Venue: Yas Island. 11.30-2.30am. Free entry. 02 565 0101.

7. Team: The Clubhouse

Formation: 46-inch screens.

Vibe: "It's a very sporty atmosphere," says The Clubhouse's Maria Gedeon. "We will screen all the games so nothing will be missed."

Venue: Zayed Sports City. Doors open half an hour before kick off. Free entry. 02 403 4200.

8. Team: Gardenia

Formation: 42-inch screens.

Vibe: lively - a great place to hang out with football-crazy youngsters. PlayStation consoles can be hired to play in private booths.

Venue: 12th Street, Khalidiyah, close to the Etisalat Tower and behind Lebanese Flower. Free entry. 02 632 3255.

9. Team: Crazy Horse

Formation: two large screens.

Vibe: a charming ramshackle of a venue, where old-timers catch up for a game of cards, with 1950s Egyptian ballads playing from a scratchy radio.

Venue: Tourist Club, 3rd Street. Behind the Russian Embassy. Open till late.

10. Team: The Village Club

Formation: two 5ft projectors in an outdoor air-conditioned tent.

Vibe: "Because it's outdoors, it has its own natural ambience," says The Village Club's Julia Jachowicz. "It's very laid back." A meal deal is offered, including a drink, shisha and finger food for Dh85.

Venue: One to One Hotel, Al Nahyan. 5pm till late. Entry fee Dh25-50. 02 495 2000.

11. Team: InterContinental Abu Dhabi

Formation: three large screens in both the Belgian Cafe and the Aquarius Pool Bar on the 3rd floor.

Vibe: the Belgian Cafe is always a popular option for football matches, with monitors inside and outside the restaurant. Those wanting more tranquil surroundings can check out the action by the pool deck at Aquarius.

Venue: InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah. Free entry. 02 666 6888.