From the thrill of the 100m dash to the super-human field events, the Olympic Games is the biggest sporting event on the planet, and no doubt you want to know the best places to watch all the Paris 2024 action unfold here in Dubai.
Don’t settle for the silver and bronze options of sitting at home on the sofa, get yourself out to one of the city’s premier sport-centric establishments.
Here are the top places to watch the Olympics in Dubai this summer.
The Olympic flame will get things officially underway on Friday July 26 with events across multiple sports lasting until Sunday August 11.
23rd Street Sports Bar
A javelin’s throw from the Mall of the Emirates rests a lavish four-star hotel. And, in that, the 23rd Street Sports Bar. Happy hours turn into happy days pretty much every day. Enjoy a pint or continental bite as the sounds of Olympic cheers, pool balls and lively atmosphere fill your ears.
Open noon-3am. Grandeur Hotel, Al Barsha (056 273 8306).
Brooklyn Bar Dubai
A top sports bar in Dubai that’s a little more off the beaten track, Brooklyn is a popular shout for sports fans who want something a smidge quieter, and with more chance of securing a seat (that’s not to say it doesn’t get busy, mind). There are loads of screens so you’ll always have a good view, the draught hops list is decent and there are good drinks deals, too.
Elite Byblos Hotel, Al Barsha @brooklydubai (04 455 4800).
Coterie Social
This relative newcomer has made plenty of noise since opening in April 2023, not least for its lip-smacking roast dinners and live sport. As the weekend rolls round, sports fans around the city flock here to enjoy the match on one of many screens plastered around the bar. A central bar area serves drinks deals, while the kitchen plates up proper pub grub from Marmite roasties and scotch eggs to fish and chips and pies. The vibe is cosy-cool and it’s a top place to watch the football. One of the best new sports bars in Dubai, and well worth checking out next time you want to catch the match.
Ibn Battuta Mall, coteriegroup.com (04 570 8072).
Fibber Magee’s
With a pint of the black stuff in hand, your mates around the table and screens dotted all over the shop, Fibber Magee’s is a pretty perfect place to watch the sport. With everything from football to rugby, F1 and more on TV here, you’re likely to see whatever sport you’re a fan of. Being an Irish pub Fibbers also shows the horse racing, too. There are top deals and the vibe is always friendly, making this one of the best sports bars in Dubai.
Saeed Tower One, Sheikh Zayed Road, fibbersdubai.com (04 332 2400).
Goose Island Tap House JBR
With 19 screens you’ll never be far from the action at this cool new bar in JBR. Enjoy top grub, hops on tap and fun bar sports, too.
No minimum spend. FIVE LUXE, JBR, gooseislanddubai.com (04 275 9999).
Goose Island Tap House JVC
Goose Island is not just a sports bar for those who like to watch sport, it’s also a popular choice for fans who want some friendly competition of their own as they eagerly await kick off. There are pool tables, plus even a golf simulator to have a go on. But aside from that there are heaps of screens to get your eyeballs fixed on, as well as as more than 20 types of hops on tap, a decent happy hour deal and some tasty grub to fuel you as you cheer on your team.
FIVE Jumeirah Village, JVC, gooseislanddubai.com (04 455 9989).
ICON Bar & Lounge
A popular watering hole in Dubai’s Media City, Icon is a place for post-work drinks and for watching a wide range of sport. Having recently been revamped it’s better than ever, and the amount of screens in the petite space make it a prime space to view the games.
Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City, radissonhotels.com (04 366 9111).
McGettigan’s DWTC
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McGettigan’s DWTC will be showing the Olympic games and have a special promotion of Dhs30 on drinks all summer long.
Dubai World Trade Centre, Ground Floor, Convention Tower, mcgettigans.com (04 262 0407).
McGettigan’s JLT
A previous winner of Time Out Dubai’s Best Sports Bar award, McGettigan’s is a brilliant place to be for live sport. With an energetic vibe and heaps of loyal fans, you’ll feel right at home here. The bar lays on deals and events around the big tournaments, and with a solid pub grub menu McGettigan’s is one of the go-to places for sports fans in JLT and beyond. You’ll find a happy hour every day (except Saturday) until 8pm.
Cluster J, JLT, mcgettigans.com (04 356 0470).
McGettigan’s Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Known for its live entertainment, top deals and lively atmosphere, this Irish chain has become a staple in Dubai. Guests can enjoy shooting pool, listening to the daily live music or taking a well-earned trip to the hops garden outside. The bar is also home to some of the emirate’s most beloved pub grub. The summer madness offer will run during the Olympics which includes Dhs149 for three hours of unlimited beverages and half off selected food. Why not make the most of all that while cheering on your country during the Olympics?
Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Open noon-2am, mcgettigans.com (04 447 0219).
Olympics Sports Bar
It’s all in the name, really. Located in the Capitol Hotel, this venue is a must for sports lovers. With bargain pints of hops and tried-and-true British bites as you watch records being set. There’s nothing quite like watching some of the world’s quickest runners over a plate of fish and chips.
Capitol Hotel, Al Mina (04 346 0111).
Reform Social and Grill
The early bird really does get the worm at Reform. Nestled in the Lakes with a lush green backdrop rests this vibrant venue. Who’s to say you can’t enjoy a traditional early-morning British bite while watching some of the top athletes compete?
Open daily 8am-12am. The Lakes Club, The Lakes (04 454 2638).
The Nine Gastropub at The Sofitel Dubai Obelisk
There’s a whole host of big screens, extended happy hours during all events, and more. You can get behind your country with a selection of themed burgers. Drink promotions during the summer start from Dhs75. A note if you’re looking to catch the late kick-offs that this establishment does close at 11pm.
Wafi, Sheikh Rashid Rd, Umm Hurair 2, Dine.Dubaitheobelisk@sofitel.com
Time Out Market Dubai
Big screens will show all the big events at the Olympics at Time Out Market Dubai. And you’ll be able to grab some of the best European bites in the city with Portuguese fare at Lana Lusa, French flavours at Odeon and Italian food at Onda by Alici.
No minimum spend. Fri Jun 14 – Sunday July 14. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com
The Underground Pub
With its quirky décor, inspired by the London Underground, and live entertainment every night, it’s no surprise that sports shine here. There’s homemade British comfort food to accompany you during your Olympic viewing as well. So if you suddenly crave a nice, big shepherd’s pie during the shot put, you’re more than able to enjoy some.
Open noon-3am. Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection (04 399 5000).
Spartan Sport Café
There will be plenty of screens at this Al Barsha venue showing all the action during the tournament. Expect special offers on drinks including discounts during Happy Hour and hops bucket deals.
No minimum spend. Sheraton Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, @spartan_sportsbar (04 377 2356).
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