When the game starts and the crowd roars, you don’t want to be stuck at home scrolling through highlights. In Dubai, catching a live match isn’t just about the score-it’s about the vibe, the beer, the chants, and the energy that turns a regular Tuesday night into something unforgettable. Whether it’s Premier League, NFL, or the Champions League, Dubai’s sports bars know how to turn a match into an event.
Where the Crowd Goes When the Ball Drops
Dubai’s sports bar scene isn’t just about big screens. It’s about community. Locals, expats, and tourists all show up with the same goal: to scream, cheer, and maybe even cry together when the final whistle blows. The best spots don’t just show the game-they amplify it. Sound systems that rattle your ribs, waiters who know your drink before you ask, and a crowd that turns every goal into a party.
At Sluggers a multi-level sports bar in Dubai Marina with 20+ screens, live DJs during matches, and a menu built for fans, you won’t just watch the game-you’ll feel it. The bar stays packed from kickoff to final whistle, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a surprise halftime performance by a local band playing football chants on electric guitar.
Sluggers: The Heartbeat of Dubai’s Match Nights
Sluggers isn’t just another bar with a TV. It’s a destination. Opened in 2021, it quickly became the go-to spot for Premier League fans, especially on Saturday afternoons when the Emirates Stadium and Anfield come alive on screen. They run special match-day menus: chicken wings with spicy harissa glaze, loaded nachos with feta and olives, and local craft beers like Al Nassma Lager and Desert Pearl IPA.
What sets Sluggers apart is the atmosphere. The staff don’t just take orders-they lead chants. When a goal happens, the lights dim, the crowd roars, and a giant screen flashes the scorer’s name in Arabic and English. They even have a loyalty card: five match visits get you a free bucket of draft beer. Over 12,000 fans have signed up since launch.
1919 Sports Bar: Where NFL Meets Desert Nights
If you’re a fan of American football, 1919 Sports Bar in Al Wasl is your home away from home. It’s one of the few places in Dubai that broadcasts every NFL game live, including Thursday Night Football and Monday Night Raw. The bar has 14 high-definition 8K screens, each angled so you can see the play from any seat-even the ones tucked in the back corner.
They host themed nights: Super Bowl Sunday has a $20 all-you-can-eat wings buffet and a halftime contest where fans guess the final score. Winners get VIP tickets to the next game. They also bring in NFL alumni for meet-and-greets during the season. In 2024, former Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews stopped by for a Q&A and ended up doing a dance-off with a group of Emirati fans.
Wet ‘n’ Wild: The Poolside Game Experience
Not everyone wants to be stuck inside. If you’re looking for a different kind of game day, Wet ‘n’ Wild at Jumeirah Beach offers something unique: outdoor viewing with poolside seating. Their giant LED screen overlooks the pool, and you can order burgers, cold drinks, and even cocktails while floating in the water with a floatie. It’s open until 2 a.m. on match days.
They’ve got a rule: no swimsuits after 9 p.m. So you trade your trunks for jeans and a jersey. It’s a strange mix-swimmers in towels sipping mojitos next to guys in Manchester United scarves-but it works. The crowd here is younger, louder, and more casual. It’s the place to go if you want to watch the Champions League with your feet in the sand and a breeze off the Gulf.
The Irish House: The Original Dubai Sports Spot
Open since 2007, The Irish House in Dubai Festival City is the oldest continuously running sports bar in the city. It’s got a worn-in feel-wooden beams, dart boards, and a wall covered in signed jerseys from teams around the world. The staff have been here over a decade. They remember your name, your favorite team, and whether you like your Guinness with a dash of lime.
They don’t do flashy tech. No 8K screens or DJs. Just clear, reliable broadcasts and a crowd that shows up for the love of the game. On match days, they bring out the big tables-12-seaters reserved for groups who book ahead. The menu is simple: fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and a selection of 20+ Irish and Scottish ales. It’s not the loudest bar, but it’s the most authentic.
Barasti: For the Party Crowd That Just Wants to Have Fun
Barasti, located in the heart of Dubai’s beachfront, is where the party starts before the game even kicks off. Known for its cheap cocktails and loud music, it’s the place to go if you don’t care who wins-you just want to dance. They show all major leagues, but the focus is on the energy, not the tactics.
They run “Half-Time Dance-Off” contests where fans compete for free drinks. The winner gets a bottle of champagne and their face on the bar’s social media feed. It’s not for purists. But if you’re with a group of friends who want to celebrate a win-or drown a loss-Barasti delivers. The crowd here is mostly expats in their 20s and 30s, and the vibe is pure, unfiltered fun.
What Makes a Great Sports Bar in Dubai?
Not all bars that show sports are created equal. Here’s what separates the good from the great:
- Screen quality: At least 65-inch 4K TVs, no pixelation or lag. Sluggers and 1919 use professional-grade broadcast systems.
- Sound: No muffled commentary. Bars like The Irish House use directional speakers so you hear every whistle without drowning out conversation.
- Drink deals: Match-day specials matter. Sluggers offers $5 pints from 6-8 p.m. on game nights. Barasti does $3 cocktails during halftime.
- Seating: Can you actually see the screen? Avoid places where the TV is mounted too high or too far back. Wet ‘n’ Wild and 1919 have tiered seating for clear views.
- Staff knowledge: If the bartender can tell you who scored last week’s hat-trick, you’re in the right place.
When to Go and What to Expect
Weekend games-Saturday afternoons and Sunday evenings-are the busiest. Arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff if you want a good seat. Weekday games (like Premier League Thursday nights) are quieter but still packed at top spots like Sluggers and The Irish House.
Expect to pay $15-$25 for a meal and two drinks. Most places don’t take reservations for game nights, but you can call ahead to ask about group seating. Dress code? Casual is fine everywhere except The Irish House, where some regulars still wear jackets on big match days.
What You Won’t Find
Dubai’s sports bars don’t show every single match. Some leagues, like the Brazilian Serie A or Japan’s J-League, are rarely broadcast due to licensing. If you’re looking for niche leagues, check out the expat-run clubs in Al Quoz or Dubai Sports City. They often stream matches on private servers and host small fan gatherings.
Also, don’t expect to find American-style tailgating. There’s no grilling outside bars, no team flags flying from balconies. The culture here is more about gathering indoors, sharing food, and celebrating together.
Final Pick: Where to Go Based on Your Vibe
- For serious fans: Sluggers or The Irish House
- For NFL lovers: 1919 Sports Bar
- For party vibes: Barasti
- For beachside chill: Wet ‘n’ Wild
- For a quiet night with friends: The Irish House
Whatever your style, Dubai’s sports bars have a seat waiting for you. No matter how your team plays, the real win is the company you keep when the lights go down and the crowd rises.
Do sports bars in Dubai show international matches like the Champions League?
Yes, most major sports bars in Dubai, including Sluggers, The Irish House, and 1919, broadcast UEFA Champions League matches live. They usually show all group stage and knockout games, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Some bars even host watch parties with themed food and drink specials for finals night.
Are sports bars in Dubai family-friendly during games?
Many sports bars allow families during early match times-typically before 7 p.m. Sluggers and Wet ‘n’ Wild have kid-friendly menus and high chairs. After 8 p.m., most places become adults-only due to alcohol service rules and crowd noise. Always check the bar’s policy ahead of time.
Can I watch UFC or boxing events at sports bars in Dubai?
Yes, major UFC and boxing events are broadcast at most top sports bars. 1919 Sports Bar and Sluggers regularly show Pay-Per-View fights, often with special ticket packages that include food and drink bundles. You’ll need to book early-these events sell out fast.
Do I need to pay to watch games at sports bars in Dubai?
No, you don’t pay an entry fee to watch games at most sports bars. You only pay for what you order-drinks and food. Some bars charge a small cover on major event nights like the Super Bowl or Champions League Final, but this is rare. Always confirm with the venue ahead of time.
What’s the best time to arrive for a game night?
Arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff on weekends, especially for Premier League or Champions League games. Popular spots like Sluggers and 1919 fill up by 5 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game. Weekday games are less crowded, but still best to come early if you want a good seat.
