England vs South Africa: the best places to watch the Rugby World Cup final in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

England take on South Africa in Saturday's Rugby World Cup final

epa07932346 England rugby supporters react prior to the Rugby World Cup match between England and Australia, in Oita, Japan, 19 October 2019.  EPA/HIROSHI YAMAMURA EDITORIAL USE ONLY/ NO COMMERCIAL SALES / NOT USED IN ASSOCATION WITH ANY COMMERCIAL ENTITY
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Saturday marks the end of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, with England to take on South Africa in what is set to be an exhilarating final.

With large fan bases in the UAE for both competing countries, there is set to be a buzzing atmosphere in the country's many sports bars.

Kickoff is at 1pm on Saturday, November 2. With plenty of deals on offer, here are our top places to watch the game:

DUBAI

Barasti

Barasti is a fan favourite for sporting events in Dubai. Courtesy Barasti 
Barasti is a fan favourite for sporting events in Dubai. Courtesy Barasti 

Catch the final on the beach and enjoy special food and drinks deals throughout the live action. A dedicated fan zone is set up at the beach club with a face painting station for those that want to support their team and truly put their game face on for the tournament’s conclusion.

Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, 04 318 1313, www.facebook.com/barastibeach

McGettigan’s

Like with Abu Dhabi, McGettigan’s Dubai is a popular choice amongst sports fans in the emirate. With four locations across the city, plus one at the airport, enjoy the final on screens around the rooms while also enjoying great pub grub and top atmosphere. There will be happy hour during the match, as well as deals on food and drink.

Locations in JBR, JLT, DWTC, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, www.mcgettigans.com

The Rose & Crown

Traditional pub The Rose & Crown in Al Habtoor City will be showing the live final on its multiple screens on Saturday. It will also be offering customers a deal, giving them five drinks tokens and one main meal from a specially curated menu for Dh150.

The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, 04 437 0022, www.roseandcrowndubai.com

Dhow and Anchor

For the last time this tournament, take part in the Beat the Boss challenge, in which the bar manager, Alex, will declare his choice to win each game, and if he is wrong, everyone in the venue will get a free drink on him. There are seven indoor screens, food and beverage offers, and classic menu items such as fish and chips and chef’s roast.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, 04 432 3232, www.facebook.com/DhowAndAnchor

Bidi Bondi’s

Bidi Bondi’s is a longstanding favourite among sports fans in Dubai. For Saturday’s final, it will be offering deals that include four drinks and a meal or five drinks for Dhs150 between 12pm and 7pm. They will also be hosting a special breakfast brunch between 9am and 12pm, with house beverages and unlimited breakfast staples for Dh240.

Shoreline Building 8, Palm Jumeirah, 04 427 0515 www.bidibondi.com   

ABU DHABI

Blu Sky Lounge

With 14 HD screens on the walls all around the venue to enjoy live rugby action, as well as immersive sound, this Abu Dhabi sports bar will offer prime views of all the action on Saturday. It will also be offering customers a number of deals, including happy hour from 11am, and three hours of unlimited drinks and sharing platter for Dh169.

Southern Sun, 02 818 4888, www.facebook.com/BluSkyBarAD

Stars ‘N’ Bars

There’s not a bad seat in the house, with 76 televisions there is a screen everywhere you look, including the terrace and by the bar. Enjoy specials on food and beverages during the game, including combo deals of a beverage along with a burger, wings, or roast from Dh59. They’ll be open for the early matches, too.

Yas Marina, Yas Island, 02 565 0101, www.facebook.com/StarsNBarsAbuDhabi

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Catch the games at Hawksbill Restaurant daily from 9am, with big screens showing all the action. Enjoy beverage bucket deals from Dh120, as well as burgers and drinks from Dh85.

Saadiyat Island, 02 499 8000, www.facebook.com/SaadiyatBeachGolfClub

Heroes

The popular Abu Dhabi institution serves classic pub grub and has plenty of screens for all the action. Throughout the Rugby World Cup it has been offering customers who spend Dh100 or more the chance to enter a raffle to win free drinks for a year, and the winner will be drawn during Saturday’s final.

Crowne Plaza, Hamdan Street, 02 616 6132, www.facebook.com/HeroesAbuDhabi

McGettigan’s

Enjoy pub grub and attentive service throughout the Rugby World Cup at McGettigan's Abu Dhabi. Courtesy McGettigan's
Enjoy pub grub and attentive service throughout the Rugby World Cup at McGettigan's Abu Dhabi. Courtesy McGettigan's

Located off the island in Al Raha, the popular venue is known for its match-day atmosphere. It has plenty of screens dotted around, and will be offering anyone wearing their rugby jersey a free drink. There will also be happy hour throughout the game, as well as breakfast special deals.

Al Raha Beach Hotel, 02 652 4333, www.facebook.com/McGettigansAUHAlRaha