The Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday, September 20 in Japan, and we have rounded up some of the top places to catch the action in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including venues with special fan zones, activities and offers on food and drinks. Action continues until the final on Saturday, November 2.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Open from 9am, enjoy the action on lots of televisions around the bar, as well as views of the golf course. Enjoy burger and drinks deals from Dh85 as well as offers on beverage buckets from Dh120.
Khalifa City, 02 885 3555, www.facebook.com/abudhabigolfclub
Appaloosa
Enjoy rugby action on the large screens as well as a special themed menu throughout the tournament with special offers on food and beverages, including burgers and steak sandwiches with two drinks from Dh100. There is a garden terrace, billiards and pong tables.
Marriott Al Forsan, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, 02 201 4000, www.marriottalforsan.com
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Blu Sky Lounge
Fourteen HD screens on the walls all around the venue to enjoy live rugby action, as well as immersive sound. Daily promotions and a grill menu available.
Southern Sun, 02 818 4888, www.facebook.com/BluSkyBarAD
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Heroes
The popular Abu Dhabi institution serves classic pub grub and has plenty of screens for all the action.
Crowne Plaza, Hamdan Street, 02 616 6132, www.facebook.com/HeroesAbuDhabi
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McGettigan’s
Located off the island, near Khalifa City, the popular venue has loads of TV screens, food and drinks specials and attentive staff.
Al Raha Beach Hotel, 02 652 4333, www.facebook.com/McGettigansAUHAlRaha
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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
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The Duck Hook
Head to The Duck Hook and sink into food deals for only Dh99. Options include Glazed Chicken Poppers, Duck Fat Roasties or Spicy Calamari.
Dubai Hills Golf Club, 800 666353, facebook.com/theduckhookdxb
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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 games, 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
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Dubai
Barasti
Catch the games on the beach and enjoy special food and drinks deals as well as giveaways through the live rugby action. A dedicated fan zone will also pop-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.
Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina, 04 318 1313, www.facebook.com/barastibeach
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Dhow and Anchor
Throughout the 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
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Havana Social Club
Live screenings and special offers on tacos, Cuban-inspired beverages and more during games.
Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, Bluewaters Island, 04 556 6666, www.facebook.com/havanasocialclubdubai
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The Irish Village Dubai
Dubai’s popular Irish venue has cosy indoor and comfortable outdoor seating overlooking the lake and gardens.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Al Garhoud; Studio One Hotel, Dubai, 04 282 4750, www.facebook.com/TheIrishVillageDubai
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McGettigan’s
A favourite spot with four locations across the city, plus one at the airport, enjoy watching the games on screens around the rooms, attentive staff, great pub grub and top atmosphere.
Locations in JBR, JLT, DWTC, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, www.mcgettigans.com
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Perry & Blackwelder’s
The southern-US smokehouse has 12 screens and offers promotions throughout all the matches, including the all-day all-American breakfast, the unlimited Band of Glory chicken wings from Dh199, and beverage deals from Dh99.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, 800 666 353, www.facebook.com/perryandblackwelder
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Urban Bar and Kitchen – UBK
Plenty of screens to watch the action around the terrace, plus a varied menu with dishes including salmon ceviche tacos and truffle and parmesan cauliflower, but the club sandwich is a must-try. The dedicated rugby fan zone for offers drinks specials throughout the tournament.
Movenpick Hotel JLT, Dubai, 04 438 0000, www.facebook.com/ubkdubai
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