Euro 2016 fever has hit Dubai. What better antidote to the rising temperatures and the quest for something indoors to keep us occupied during the month ahead than a major international tournament. As ever, residents of Dubai are spoiled for choice, with many of our favorite establishments creating special football environments and special offers for us to enjoy the matches. 

Many places don’t start serving alcohol until 8pm, but some like Lock, Stock and Barrel start at 4pm and the Dhow & Anchor starts at 12pm. Here is a list of the best places to watch it, as if they were named after footballers!

1. Zlatan Ibrahimović = Barasti, Legandary

Ok Barasti has made this list twice (see 7 below), although it is an expensive option, it’s the go to place to watch football in Dubai, all year round. They have a special tent for the big matches too. For everyone who attends the Barasti Stadium they could win a trip to France for the Final. 

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2. Dimitri Payet = Media One ON42, Specialist Bar

Dimitri Payet is a specilaist at taking free kicks. Whether direct goals or assists, he was a threat all last season with West Ham and he looks like repeating that form for France. Similarly, Media One hotel, know how to put on a show. They have lots going on for this tournament. They are inviting people to ‘Kick Up A Storm’ with lots of activities on level 42 through out the tournament. 

3. Alvaro Morata / Antoine Griezmann = Lock, Stock and Barrel, Impressive, New On The Scene And About To Make An Impact

Lock Stock and Barrel in Barsha Heights is the new kid on the block, first on everyone’s list of where they want to try out for the football. Much like Morata and Griezmann, in demand and the expectations are high. You’ll be able to catch all the action on 10 screens and also avail of their house roast on Saturday and Sundays for 129 AED. You may even bump into a footballer, Ryan Giggs and Diego Maradona have been spotted there recently. 

4. Jamie Vardy = Kickers, Having A Party

So if you don’t know that Jamie Vardy’s life has turned into one big party then you really should. He has just won the premier league, is starting up front for England, he is leaving Arsenal sweat on a decision for a proposed 20 million pounds summer transfer and they are making a movie about him.

If he was a bar he would probably be Kickers. Very down to earth and perfect for football. They like to call them selves ‘your friendly neighborhood sports bar’, and Jamie Vardy is like the guy you would invite over to watch the match with. 

They’ve also got lots of offers on and chances to win. 

5. Gianluigi Buffon = McGettigans, An Old Reliable

Buffon is going to retire from Italy after this tournament and the game will miss the legendary goal keeper. However, McGettigans is going from strength to strength with a new premises due to open this year. For the EURO’s they kicked off with a Q&A this week with Jason MacAteer and Didi Hamman. 

The JLT bar has 2 giant screens, a fully-air conditioned tent and over 20 TVs in the bar, while the DWTC bar has three giant screens and over 20 screens in the bar and happy hour will run 8-9pm Sunday to Thursday. McGettigan’s AUH boasts over 20 huge screens and happy hour running from 8pm-10pm daily.

6. Delli Alli = Barrel 12, Value For Money

England are very pleased with Delli Alli’s progression this season for Spurs. The midfielders emergence at a time when Lampard and Gerrard are no longer around is very timely. He was a snip at five million pounds from a lower league side, much like the value you will get at Barrel 12 on the Palm, running two happy hours from 8pm to 10pm and again at 12am to 2am. 

7. Wayne Rooney = Barasti, Overrated & Overpriced 

Rooney is England captain, but he has been playing top level football for almost 15 years and it’s beginning to take it’s toll. Some say he’s overated, some can’t imagine England without him, Barasti is a bit like that. Well, it’s a bit expensive but, see No. 1, above, it’s also legendary. The stadium has free entry, giant screens and full air con. It’s also open from 7pm to close. 

8. Mesut Ozil = Dhow & Anchor, Provides Excellent Assistance

Mesut Ozil was in Dubai recently, but he’s now in France preparing to win the European Championships for Germany, a tournament they haven’t won since 1996. He’s had a remarkable season finishing as top of the assists chart in the English Premier League. 

The Dhow and Anchor has also grown in popularity over the past year or so. Like Ozil, you will get great service here. They have seven screens and air conditioned area with a view of Burj Al Arab for the Euro’s and have special permission to serve beverages from noon every day. Watch our for ‘beat the boss’ promotions and win complimentary beverages every time England win!

9. Paul Pogba = Velocity, Flashy & Stylish

Pogba has built up his reputation as one of the world’s best midfielders with Juventus in Italy over the past few years. His future after this tournament remains in doubt, however he is sure to shine for France. 

Velocity, in JW Marriott Marquis looks just as slick. It’s 50 AED entry and fully redeemable. It’s open when the matches are on but only serves beverages after 8 during Ramadan. 

10. Robbie Keane = Nelsons, Old & Not Much Use

Robbie Keane is captain and all time leading scorer for the Republic of Ireland. He is also not 100% fit and has been playing in the US for the past few years. Not much is expected of him, but you would be disappointed if he wasn’t there. The same can be said for Nelson’s at Media Rotana in Barsha Heights. 

11. Marcus Rashford = JB’s Gastropub, New & Upcoming

Marcus Rashford hadn’t scored a professional goal when the fire happened at the Address Downtown on New Year’s Eve. To say his rise to prominence has been fast is a massive understatement. Like any true talent, he seems to be made for the big occasion. In 1998 Michael Own waltzed through the Argentinian backline as an 18 year old to score a memorable goal, don’t be surprised if young Rashford does something similar. 

Equally, JB’s Gastropub on JBR wasn’t with us at the turn of the year, however it’s built up a loyal following over time. It’s service levels could be improved, but it is no doubt with a try for one of the games this tournament. 

12. Andreas Iniesta = Casa De Tapas, Classy & Reserved

This guy has won it all. He scored the winner in a World Cup final and has won this tournament before. There is no song and dance about it with Iniesta. He quietly goes about his business. Much like the popular Spanish restaurant in Dubai Creek Gold Club, Casa De Tapas is showing all the matches. You have have your own private table and TV. You can get a bucket of 5beers for AED99 and a jug of Sangria for AED90 during the 90 minutes of the game.

13. Gareth Bale = Emirates Golf Club, Classy Choice

Emirates Golf Club have Football Central, a bespoke tent for the Euro 2016 Championships. The venue is arguably the best sporting tent in Dubai. Spacious, great views of the Marina and good atmosphere. It can be a bit pricey, which is why we went with the Gareth Bale comparison, but actually, if you book one of the http://dubaigolf.com/emirates-…http://dubaigolf.com/emirates-…, you will get a lot of value for money. 

• Table of Four
  Members AED 600
  Visitors AED 676
  Inclusive of one snack platter and 16 beverage vouchers
• Table of 10
  Members AED 1,500
  Visitor AED 1,640
  Inclusive of two snack platters and 40 beverage vouchers

14. Jack Wilshire = Girders, Back From The Dead

Wilshire, like Girders, has got it all, great food, good atmosphere and has been great for sporting events in the past. But with so much injuries / competition, you would be forgiven for forgetting about it for the Euro’s. Wilshire is a favourite of England coach Roy Hogdson, just like Girders is a favorite of those who have been watching sport in Dubai for the past few years. Wilshire didn’t feature all season for Arsenal, but he could well start for England. Expect a steady loyal crowd here. 

15. Cristiano Rolando = Football Fanfest Dxb, The Complete Package

Ronaldo knows no bounds. Recently crowned Champions League Winner for the 3rd time with Real Madrid, he came so close in the final of Euro 2004 with Portugal only to lose by a single goal to Greece, oh how much he would love to achieve International Glory with Portugal. Ronaldo has it all, and this Fanfest in Dubai Sports City is his equivalent for venues in Dubai. 

People won’t be that familiar with it, but it is the best place to watch the football in Dubai, it has it all. Happy hour from 10:00pm to 11:00pm every night. Through out the course, it will operate two hours before the first match and close 30 minutes after the last match has ended. Here are the packages on offer

• Regular: AED 60 (Includes AED 10 Entry Ticket & AED 50 on food & soft drinks
• VIP Exclusive Lounge: AED 3,240 (Includes an exclusive lounge with a table for 12 (at AED 270 per person), food & beverages and with your own private 60″ HD television screen
• Season Pass: AED 1,380 (Includes for 23 game days AED 50 of food & soft drinks per day + AED 50 credit per day to be redeemed for exciting competitions at the Sports Village)

16. Kyle Lafferty = Warehouse, Never Played At This Level Before 

The Warehouse, in China Grill at The Westin is well known for ladies nights or Catboy’s Dubai Quiz. Much like Lafferty, they’ve never done it at this level, but they have good form going into the tournament. No mention of deals or offers, keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates. 

17. Robin Van Pierse = Rather Stay At Home, Time To Order The Du Package

Whether you didn’t qualify for an invite our with the lads or you simply didn’t want to be there,Du are offering a complete Euro 2016 football package for 250 AED. 

What’s in store on the pitch?

24 teams from Europe travel to France to take part in the once every four years tournament, a bit like the Copa America. Previous winners Spain will be looking to retain the trophy, as will reigning World Cup Champions Germany, not to mention a strongly fancied home nation. The last time France hosted a major football tournament, the FIFA World Cup in 1998, they won it!

People will look to see if Belgium can fulfill their promise and eyes will also be on Wales as they place in their first international tournament since the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Here at Lovin Dubai, we think that Germany and England will go a long way in the tournament. Enjoy, and be sure to tag your photos at the venues with #LovinDubai.