This list is based on three key things; comfort levels when the bar is full, (like if it’s really busy are you still going to get a good view of the TV screen?) drinks and meal deals, (we love a good bargain) and the sort of the crowd that the bar pulls in. (OF COURSE we want supporters of the opposing team there…what’s the point in winning if you can’t throw it in the face of the losing team?) 

Anyway, we’ve narrowed it down and here are our favourite places to go for a pint while watching a match.

Did we leave your favourite bar off the list? Let us know in the comments, maybe it just didn’t make the cut (most likely) or maybe we still need to check it out. 

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Barasti Beach Bar – Al Sufouh Road

This mega beachside bar boasts more TV screens than nearly all of the other sports bars in Dubai, and also one giant LED screen…so even if you arrive late you’ll still have a decent view of the match. Broadcasting everything live from Premier League games to the Rugby championships and lots more in between this it the go-to sports bar in Dubai. They also happen to serve up some great pub grub too; we recommend their bangers and mash washed down with a pint of your favourite hops or if you’re sharing with friends, go for a bucket or two of their wings. 

Any offers? Happy hour Tuesdays to Sundays 4pm – 7pm

Read next: 18 things you’ll know if you’ve ever been to Barasti Beach Club

McGettigan’s – Cluster J, JLT/ DWTC

You’ll find everything from football, cricket and rugby to GAA (these are Irish sports; like hurling and Gaelic football) at this typical Irish pub. Sit indoors or outdoors (there are TV screens EVERYWHERE) and order from their award-winning menu (we love their classic full Irish breakfast, oh and the cottage pie and the fish and chips) and settle in for the match. Known as one of the top sporting bars in Dubai, McGett’s always pulls in a busy crowd, so expect lots of people and a lively atmosphere.

Any offers? Happy hour Sundays to Thursdays, 2pm – 7pm

Girders – The Walk, JBR

This typical British sports bar always draws a great mix of people; it’s handy location at the Walk, budget bustin’ drinks deals and lively terrace garden are all part of the reason why. The bar features a 103 inch screen TV as well as five 42 inch screens which showcase all major international sporting events. It’s not massive, so come early to get a good spot and a bite to eat; the Girders nachos or the trilogy potato dippers with sour cream and tomato salsa are perfect match day nibbles. 

Any offers? Happy Hour from 4pm until 8pm and 12am until 2am every day of the week. 

Kickers – Sports City

This American sports bar is situated beside Fit Republik, the huge sports complex out in Sports City, and it’s got plenty of TV screens throughout the bar to keep you entertained. The bar is usually filled with rugby players or footballers who train at the complex, but recently it’s getting a name for it’s laid-back, fun filled Friday brunch. On top of showing all the latest live international sporting events, they also have pool tables, foosball and the bar itself looks out onto some outdoor football pitches so you can catch a glimpse of some real live sports action too. 

Any offers? There’s something going on every night of the week but all you really need to know is that Happy Hour runs from 3pm till 7pm every day. 

Bidi Bondis – Palm Jumeirah

Not the type of joint you expect to find on The Palm, this laid-back Aussie surf bar is a world away from the usual luxurious, over the top offerings on The Palm. Enjoy pints of draught, a fine selection of grape, some freshly barbecued grub along with a varied menu that covers nibbles like calamari and nachos, and mains like burgers, salads and pizzas…we recently had the Thai green curry and we were blown away at how good it was; a definite recommendation if you venture out.

Any offers? Try the famous Bidi Bondis brunch; AED 150 for dinner and four drinks. (Friday or Saturday 1pm-7pm.

Barrel 12 urban sports bistro – Palm Jumeirah

This English sports bistro on the Palm is perfect for sports fans who want to sit indoors or outdoors and enjoy stunning views of the Marina…if you have a second to peel your eyes away from any of the seven TV screens. If you arrive early treat yourself to the four cheese burger, triple cooked chips (which basically means they’re extra crispy) and the buttered mash…yep, that’s two sides…but these ones are particularly good and we reckon you deserve it. 

Any offers? Match days offer: A pint and burger of your choice for AED 99. Happy hour daily from 4pm – 7pm.

The Underground Pub – JBR

This bustling pub below the ground level (the name was the giveaway) of the Habtoor Grand Beach resort is a favourite drinking hole among the Brits here who love footy…probably because you’ll find more club football being played at this spot than any other sport. With big comfortable booths, darts, pool tables and classic English pub grub, this is a home away from home for many, and a go-to spot for Premier League football. Order the bangers and mash, watch the football and reminisce about good old Blighty at this authentic, lively pub. 

Any offers? Happy hour daily, 4pm – 8pm.

Original Wings & Rings – DIFC

This cool little bar tucked away in the Liberty House in DIFC is popular with fans of after-work drinks (guilty) and with sports fans alike. Expect everything from the Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Champions League, NFL, Bundes Liga and Serie A to take over the screens at this American bar, their chicken wings also happen to be incredible, so we recommend arriving hungry to be able to squeeze in these American-sized portions. 

Happy hour? Their mega happy hour deals offer discounts on grape, hops, shots, pitchers and even discounts on some of the bar food. 

Now read: 13 of Dubai’s best evening brunches