7 Sports Bars in Downtown Dubai That Turn Every Match Into a Mini World Cup
There’s nothing like watching a close football match with a crowd that’s just as excited as you are. I remember one Champions League night a few years ago—I had just moved to Dubai and walked into a busy sports bar near the Burj Khalifa.
I didn’t know anyone, but by halftime, I was shouting at the screen and high-fiving strangers like we were old friends.
That’s what makes a good sports bar special. And lucky for us, Downtown Dubai has plenty of places just like that—with cold drinks, big screens, and fans from all over the world cheering together!
Here are the best spots to catch all the action.
1. Netz
Media Credit: netz_downtown
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/dining/restaurant-bar/dxbdz-the-heritage-hotel-autograph-collection/6965909-netz.mi
Address: The Heritage Hotel – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 428 5927
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 12 AM;
- Tuesday – 12 PM to 12 AM;
- Wednesday – 12 PM to 12 AM;
- Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM;
- Friday – 12 PM to 12 AM;
- Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM;
- Sunday -12 PM to 12 AM
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you’re in Downtown Dubai and want a fun place to eat, drink, and watch a game, Netz Grill & Bar is a great choice. It’s tucked away in a quiet corner of a hotel and it feels like a hidden spot that not many people know about.
The place feels easy and friendly. There are screens all around, so you won’t miss a minute of football, rugby, or golf. Even when it’s not busy, the staff are warm and helpful.
We went there to watch some football but ended up staying longer because the food was so good. We recommend the beef roast with vegetables and of course, the cold beers –they have about ten–on tap! It was just what we needed for game night.
Prices are a bit high, especially for coffee and soft drinks, which is pretty normal in Dubai. But happy hour beers are a better deal, and the big food portions help make up for the cost. If you’re part of Marriott Bonvoy, you also get a nice discount.
Pro Tip:
The fajitas and shrimp dishes are great options for a lighter choice if you don’t feel like eating heavy. They also have vegetarian options if you don’t eat meat!
2. The Tap House Downtown
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Website: https://thetaphouse.ae/souk-al-bahar/
Address: Souk Al Bahar – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 425 0009
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 2 AM;
- Tuesday – 12 PM to 2 AM;
- Wednesday – 12 PM to 2 AM;
- Thursday – 12 PM to 2 AM;
- Friday – 12 PM to 2 AM;
- Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM;
- Sunday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $$-$$$
The Tap House in Downtown Dubai is a great gastropub with delicious food, a large choice of beers, and an amazing spot by the Dubai fountains.
The best part is the view. Sitting by the windows, you can watch the Dubai Fountain show and see the Burj Khalifa shining at night. It makes the place perfect for a relaxed night out or a fun time with friends!
For sports fans, this is the place to be. Big screens show all kinds of live sports, from rugby to football. Beer refills are fast and the servers give good advice on what to order. The food is great too—the nachos are a must-try, and the watermelon gin cocktail is a refreshing alternative to beer.
The portions are big, so sharing food is a good idea unless you’re very hungry. The atmosphere feels like a mix between a relaxed pub and a really nice restaurant, so it’s still easy to feel comfortable while still enjoying the sports bar energy.
Pro Tip:
Get there early or book a table ahead to get the best seats by the fountain. These spots fill up fast, especially in the evening when the fountain show is on.
3. The Irish Vicker’s
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Website: https://theirishvickers.com/
Address: Souk Al Bahar – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 529 3401
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 1 AM;
- Tuesday – 12 PM to 1 AM;
- Wednesday – 12 PM to 1 AM;
- Thursday – 12 PM to 1 AM;
- Friday – 12 PM to 2 AM;
- Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM;
- Sunday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Price Range: $$-$$$
For a sports bar that feels like a classic British bar, The Irish Vicker’s at Souk Al Bahar is a great choice. It’s inside the Fountain complex, with lots of TVs showing your favorite games. It’s a nice place to relax with friends and family!
What makes this place special is the mix of things to do. You can watch football, play free darts or mini pool with your friends, or listen to live music and a DJ. The outdoor seating is great too, where you can enjoy the Dubai Fountain show while having a cold drink.
The food and drinks are good, with many Irish dishes and a wide choice of beers and ciders. Don’t miss their popular deal of 24 wings and a bucket of beer — it’s great value, especially for groups. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the bartenders make sure you have a good time!
If you’re looking forward to a big game, make sure to come early to get a good seat! Just remember that sometimes the music is loud and the sound for the games is low when there’s a DJ playing, so plan your visit if you want to hear the commentary clearly.
Pro Tip:
The bar is a bit hidden inside the Fountain complex, so if you’re unsure of the way, don’t hesitate to ask mall staff or locals for directions to avoid frustration.
4. Distillery Dubai Gastropub
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Website: https://distillerydubai.com/
Address: Souk Al Manzil – Shop 01 – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 58 282 8099
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 3 PM to 3 AM;
- Tuesday – 3 PM to 3 AM;
- Wednesday – 3 PM to 3 AM;
- Thursday – 3 PM to 3 AM;
- Friday – 3 PM to 3 AM;
- Saturday – 3 PM to 3 AM;
- Sunday – 3 PM to 3 AM
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you love sports and want a lively, comfy place to watch football or other big games, Distillery Dubai Gastropub is a great choice! It has many big screens and a fun crowd.
The place feels very cozy and a little dark, just like an English pub, but with lots of smooth jazz and rock music played by live DJs. If you want a quieter time, Sunday evenings are calm, with plenty of football and good music.
The food here is really good. We recommend the baby calamari, chicken wings, mini sausage rolls, or the absolute crowd favorite—the burger! The happy hour is also a great time to visit. You can get a Guinness for only 35 dirhams and try many craft beers and creative cocktails.
What really sets Distillery apart is the quality of the service. The team is friendly, efficient, and always ready to make your visit enjoyable. They offer great recommendations, and make sure everything runs smoothly—whether it’s a busy sports night or a laid-back Sunday evening.
Pro Tip:
Try something new from the menu, like their creative cocktails or the lesser-known, unique craft beers. Just ask the bartender for seasonal or house specials and you may just discover a new favorite!
5. Sports on 4
Media Credit: sportson_4
Website: https://www.gulfcourthotelbusinessbay.com/dining/sports-on-4-2/
Address: Business Bay – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 247 3334
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Tuesday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Wednesday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Thursday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Friday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Saturday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Sunday – 12 PM to 3 AM
Price Range: $$-$$$
For a good place in Downtown Dubai to relax, watch the game, or hang out with friends, Sports On 4 might be just what you need. You’ll find it on the 4th floor of the Gulf Court Hotel in Business Bay, and it’s more than just a regular sports bar.
Here, you can watch football, rugby, and other live games on big screens placed all around. No matter where you sit, you won’t miss any of the action. And when there’s no game on, there’s still plenty to do. You can play pool, darts, foosball, or even beer pong.
The food and drinks are just as good. The menu has all your favorite bar snacks and comfort food. You can’t go wrong with the burger and beer combo! There are also happy hour deals that give you great value.
And if you like cocktails, you can ask the bartenders to mix you something special!
The staff here are awesome! They’re always friendly and helpful. They remember faces, make you feel welcome, and help create a warm, easy-going vibe. That’s why so many guests come back again and again!
Pro Tip:
Sports On 4 isn’t open in the morning, so don’t go too early! It’s best to visit in the evening or later at night when the crowd is there and everything on the menu is available.
6. Double Decker Pub
Media Credit: doubledeckerme
Website: https://www.swissotel.com/hotels/dubai-al-murooj/bars/double-decker-pub/
Address: Swissôtel Al Murooj – Trade Centre – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 321 1111
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Tuesday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Wednesday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Thursday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Friday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Saturday – 12 PM to 3 AM;
- Sunday – 12 PM to 3 AM
Price Range: $$-$$$
Double Decker Pub is one of the best spots around for watching sports in Downtown Dubai. This British-themed pub is full of character and has become a go-to place for both residents and tourists.
It’s a great place to enjoy live football, eat delicious comfort food, and spend time with fellow fans.
The menu is full of classic British comfort food. We recommend the crispy fish and chips, burgers, and sliders. There are also lighter options, like fresh salads!
What really makes Double Decker special is the fun atmosphere. The music is always upbeat, there are themed nights like bingo and game nights, and big screens show all the top matches. The outdoor terrace is a great spot to enjoy the weather and views of Downtown Dubai.
The service is also a highlight. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and always happy to help. They keep the energy high and make sure guests have a great time from start to finish.
Pro Tip:
Watch for happy hour deals and combo offers on food and drinks! It’s a great way to enjoy more while spending less. Happy hour runs from 12 PM to 8 PM.
7. Funny Cat Lounge
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Website: https://www.sevenrooms.com/reservations/dreamfunnycat
Address: Ramee Dream Hotel – 2nd Floor – opp. Bay Square – Business Bay – Dubai
Price Range: $$-$$$
If you’re in Downtown Dubai and looking for a fun place to watch sports, eat tasty food, and relax, Funny Cat Sports Bar is a great choice. It’s located inside Raamis Hotel and has just the right mix of energy and comfort.
As soon as you walk in, you’ll see big screens showing live games like football, cricket, racing, and boxing. The seats are comfy, and you’ll always have a good view of the game!
The food here is a big hit. We recommend the wings, burgers, and especially the beef quesadilla—it’s one of the best things on the menu. You can also enjoy drinks, including great cocktails, and you can’t miss their happy hour from 12 PM to 10 PM every day!
There’s more to do than just watch sports. You can play pool or try some arcade games while you wait. And the staff? They’re amazing—friendly, welcoming, and always ready to help!
Pro Tip:
Watching a game alone? Funny Cat Lounge is perfect for solo visitors because the friendly staff give warm, personal service that makes everyone feel welcome and cared for.