As the excitement of the Fifa World Cup reacher fever pitch with the final eight games, the Weekend team give a first-hand guide of the finest venues to catch the games in the Emirates.
Barasti, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai – Kevin Hackett
Atmosphere: Impressive. Goals and near-misses are met with deafening roars – everyone in good spirits. About two-thirds of the fans wore team shirts. The venue has made a huge effort – it's the place to be if you're in the Dubai Marina vicinity. There are competitions and free hats, plus floodlit volleyball on the beach and a virtual-reality "Robokeeper" game for punters to try out their footy techniques.
Food: No free snacks, but the quality of the food is passable (eg, nachos and burgers), although it takes a while to arrive.
Cost: General admission is free; VIP admission is Dh150 (including three beverages). There's valet parking at the Méridien or free parking at Barasti's entrance. It's possible to pre-book seats, but not for the dome area unless it's a VIP ticket.
Comfort: The air-conditioned Dome is standing only but there are plenty of options open for seating. Barasti has drained its entrance pool and filled it with reclining seats facing a large screen; you can watch the match in the restaurant area; and the beach has another large screen and loads of wooden benches. Midweek, the external areas were at about half capacity, but the Dome was heaving. It holds up to 1,200 people.
Screen: Views are excellent; the main screen in the Dome is 12 metres wide, the size of 100 television sets, and picture and sound quality are crystal clear.
Contact details: 04 399 2313
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: Robin van Persie – the Dutch wonder-header scorer has fans the world over.
Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi – Rosemary Behan
Atmosphere: Lively without being rowdy, the hotel's World Cup zone feels appropriately festive and sits outside at the back of the hotel between Brauhaus and Prego's. The clientele is mixed, but Brauhaus draws an especially strong German crowd. Outside cooling fans and the air con from Brauhaus's open door keep things relatively cool.
Food: The hotel has laid on a special World Cup barbecue for people sitting outside of Brauhaus's immediate sphere, from which you can order things like barbecue chicken wings for Dh40 (cash only). Inside and immediately outside Brauhaus, you can order from its menu.
Cost: No entrance or cover charge. Customers of Brauhaus can use their Rotana Rewards card.
Comfort: The wooden seats outside Brauhaus aren't especially comfortable while turning sideways to watch the screen, so arrive early or book in advance. General seating in the central area is a little ad hoc, so again, arrive early to avoid discomfort. It can be difficult to find a seat after 7.30pm.
Screen: Two large outdoor screens and a handful of large TV screens inside and outside Brauhaus.
Contact details: 02 697 9000
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: Thomas Müller – Germany's sophisticated, line-leading attacking midfielder.
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Belgian Café, InterContinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi – Rob McKenzie
Atmosphere: It was noisy, and difficult to get a server's attention, and the big screen was on Portugal versus Ghana while our group watched the US against Germany on a smaller screen in the corner – but you would expect it to be hectic during the World Cup. The main bar/restaurant had wee flags from each World Cup country hanging from the roof. Overall, the crowd leaned pro-Germany.
Food: Fries with mayonnaise are hard to beat, especially when served in a paper cone. Strong selection of refreshments.
Cost: There was no entrance fee.
Comfort: We stood, which was fine, but there are various tables that can be pre-booked.
Screen: Honestly, it's not the size of the screen with the game; it's the size of the game on the screen that matters. There were about a dozen of us and we found a good vantage point near the bar, though we might have been blocking the view of people who had made reservations and secured seats.
Contact details: 02 666 6888
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: Vincent Kompany, the talismanic Belgian captain.
Du Forum, Abu Dhabi – Rosemary Behan
Atmosphere: An indoor, alcohol-free, family environment, the space holds several hundred people sitting in front of the screen on bean bags and behind on tiered platforms. The high ceilings have been decked out with flags and there are huge inflatable footballs and various football-related games for both adults and children. Wristbands must be obtained for entry.
Food: Mostly deep-fried items such as falafel, chicken wings, calamari, Camembert nuggets, chicken strips and French fries, priced from Dh20.
Cost: Free entry to sit in front of the screen; from Dh100 for reserved, tiered, majlis-style seating – this includes a Dh50 food voucher.
Comfort: Book a majlis seat directly in front of the screen, rather than to the side, or arrive early for general seating.
Screen: The 10 metre by six metre LED screen is Abu Dhabi's biggest, and the picture and sound quality are excellent. There are added lighting and sound effects at key points in the game such as bookings and goals. The commentary is entirely in Arabic.
Contact details: www.abudhabisummerseason.ae
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: France’s Karim Benzema – as a Muslim, he would be all for this dry, family-friendly venue.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi – Charlie Whebell
Atmosphere: By 10.45pm, nearly every seat in the marquee had been taken – but, unlike many restaurants and bars showing the games, there were enough staff to cater for your every need. Whether you wanted food, drink or shisha, you didn't have to wait long. Daily competitions are offered during each match, such as "Guess the score", with prizes from the hotel. And the Fairmont has done its bit for family relations and laid on plenty for children to get involved in, including mini football games.
Food: Bar snacks, barbecued food and burgers are available, complemented by a variety of beverages.
Cost: A minimum spend of Dh100 will grant access to the tent, with three beverages. For Dh1,500, groups upwards of five people can enjoy premium table seating along with 20 complimentary beverages and food platters to share.
Comfort: For an 11pm kick-off, I had to make sure that my five friends and I secured a decent seat and view. The 8pm kick-off, Colombia versus Ivory Coast, had already started, but there was hardly anyone there watching, so we had the pick of the seats. However, even if the place had been packed to its 600 capacity – as it was by the time England kicked off against Uruguay – there were enough large screens scattered around for anyone to see clearly. If you're going to see your team lose, you may as well do it in comfort.
Screen: One big screen and 12 flat-screen LED TVs with good-quality sound.
Contact details: 02 654 3238
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: Lionel Messi – a touch of genuine class.
Football Central, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai – Steve McCombe
Atmosphere: Swiss fans turned out in numbers for their match against Argentina and used the bench seating as a means of bringing the atmosphere of an old terraced stadium to the venue. Strangely, no Argentina shirts were on show, but at least 25 per cent of the Swiss fans were kitted out, with many going as far as having their faces painted with their national flag. The venue has gone all out to bring a samba feel, with flags of the competing nations hanging from the ceiling and draping the walls, as well as several giant official Adidas World Cup balls dotted around the place. There are a few activities to keep fans entertained at half-time, including a game where participants test their goalscoring abilities, a PlayStation football game and an Adidas shooting accuracy game.
Food: There's a full food menu that includes platters to share, hot mains and light bites, although no free snacks. Service was prompt but the platters were nothing to write home about; typical pub grub.
Cost: No entrance fee, however a supposedly optional deal for two drinks, a snack and a football fan T-shirt for Dh75 on arrival was more obligatory. Still, it's not a bad deal. Free parking.
Comfort: There's plenty of parking just a stone's throw from the venue and plenty of outdoor seating available at all times, though indoor seating could be a bit harder to come by. Tables can be reserved with various table packages ranging in price from Dh3,000 to Dh5,000 per table of 10. Several large air-conditioning units make the outdoor experience more tolerable.
Screen: With 21 wall-mounted screens on offer, as well as two large projector screens, fans won't miss a kick. The two larger screens can safely be described as gargantuan – six metres by four metres. The picture was perfect, but there was an obvious delay, so fans heard the commentary a couple of seconds before the action took place on screen.
Contact details: 04 417 9999
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: Neymar – a premium performer who illuminates games.
Harvesters Pub, Sands Hotel, Abu Dhabi – Emma Tracey
Atmosphere: Colourful bunting hangs from the roof and the staff are wearing different national kit tops. There was an even mix of US and German fans when we visited, but only the German fans were in shirts. The general atmosphere from guests and staff is friendly, and there's an even mix of men and women. Entertainment is on offer between games from a DJ and live band.
Food: Free bar snacks are offered on top of the normal menu selection. There are also daily promotions on beverages.
Cost: Entrance is free; valet parking is Dh30.
Comfort: There's a good turnout, and even though the bar is at full capacity, there's still space to move.
Screen: There are two large projection screens and six smaller screens.
Contact details: 02 615 6666
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: England's mercurial Wayne Rooney – a no-messing-around, man's man venue.
Nahaam, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi – Nick Leech
Atmosphere: Cool, calm and elegant, what Nahaam lacks in fan paraphernalia and terrace-style atmosphere, it makes up for in the effort that's been made to make sure that you can actually see the match.
Food: Nahaam's World Cup menu features bar-snack standards served with a five-star twist: the beef is Angus, the fish snapper and the calamari even comes with cucumber kimchi. Food and drinks arrive courtesy of the restaurant's table service but you need to be something of a midfield general to make sure these come as quickly and as often as you'd like.
Cost: There's no entrance fee. Food prices range from a justifiable Dh45 for salad Niçoise to Dh80 for a steak sandwich "Philly's Style". Valet parking at the hotel is free. Every match enjoys happy hour prices during the World Cup.
Comfort: Roy Keane would definitely not approve of the tempura prawns, soft sofas and polished marble floors, but for those who like their football served up in style, Nahaam is definitely the place. There's no dress code, so you're as likely to rub shoulders with an after-work crowd in flip-flops and shorts as you are hotel guests in diamonds and pearls. Nahaam doesn't take table bookings, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Screen: With two enormous cinema-style screens, four widescreen HD TVs inside and two more for diehard smokers out by the pool, it's impossible not to have an excellent view of the game. The sound is also set at a sensible level, making it possible to banter along with the commentary without disturbing your neighbours.
Contact details: 02 811 5666
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: Cristiano Ronaldo – for pampered demanders of five-star luxury.
Pavilion/19th Street Bar, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Abu Dhabi – Adam Workman
Atmosphere: The City Golf Club's underrated main bar and adjoining Pavilion terrace are nearly always packed for big football and rugby matches. We caught Brazil versus Chile there, and while the majority of kitted-up supporters were sporting yellow and green, there were plenty of Chilean cheers, too. Extra rows of tables/seating are assembled in front of the main bar's big screen.
Food: Both bars share the same extensive, value-for-money menu, with extra, themed World Cup snacks. The fun titles seem rather nominal (eg, we couldn't tell you why tandoori-masala-marinated batter-fried chicken fritters are called the "Off Side") but the range is good, also featuring calamari, bratwurst, Wagyu beef burgers and an eclectic finger-food platter. The City Golf Club's service can often be a little variable, but everything arrives fast and hot on this visit. Bar nuts are the only free snacks. Alongside the special menu, for Dh100 you can get four selected house beverages.
Cost: Free entry. The à la carte prices won't have you crying into your drink whatever the result, either – the snack menu ranges from Dh35 to Dh60. There's plentiful free parking on-site.
Comfort: Pre-booking a table is a wise idea for big matches, although some cheeky rearranging of the plentiful furniture eschews most vantage-point problems.
Screen: There are two big projector screens – one inside and one out – with several other screens of varying sizes indoors. The commentary could have been louder during our visit, though.
Contact details: 02 445 9600
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: The German captain Phillipp Lahm – an unsung champ.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi – Emma Tracey
Atmosphere: This venue should win a prize for effort alone. Full-sized flags hang around the tent, with a mock grave containing the teams that have been knocked out. Multiple foosball tables are offered as well as table tennis, target golf and "foot golf" outside. There's a massage chair if the penalty shoot out gets too much to bear. It's the perfect venue for those who are after something a little quieter or a place that suits the family.
Food: When there's a large crowd, canapés are served and there's a barbecue on offer on top of the regular menu, which includes the likes of Welsh rarebit. Impressively, there's also at least one beverage available from each of the 32 World Cup 2014 counties.
Cost: Free entry and a large car park with no added cost.
Comfort: There are several areas to choose from: the large lawn, in the clubhouse restaurant or in the tent – although the latter does get a little humid despite being air-conditioned. Bookings are available.
Screen: There's one supersize projector screen on the lawn with seating areas and tables for standing. Two large screens are set up inside the tent.
Contact details: 02 499 8107
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: James Rodriguez – the Colombia star and the current World Cup top scorer has surprised many.
Special Cafe and Cafeteria 3, Abu Dhabi – Saeed Saeed
Atmosphere: A 24-hour Abu Dhabi institution in central locations, Special Cafe boasts many branches. The one opposite the Hilal Bank on Corniche Road is the ideal pick courtesy of its large outdoor area (complete with industrial-strength fans for ventilation), comfortable seats and numerous staff dressed in different team jerseys. The venue is alcohol-free and all matches are broadcast in Arabic.
Food: Mostly a Middle Eastern affair, with a chicken and meat shawarma spit available. The best choices, however, are the cold mezzes with hummus and baba ganoush served fresh.
Cost: A Dh50 cover charge, which comes with a generous fruit platter easily serving three people. The dishes range from Dh15 to Dh25, the latter price being a deluxe hummus plate sprinkled with pomegranate.
Comfort: The laid-back atmosphere allows one to grab an empty chair to rest your feet without fear of offending anybody. An air-conditioned indoor area is also available, but it’s best avoided, as it’s dense with shisha smoke. The less said about the squalid toilets the better – only use them if you really must.
Screen: This branch of Special Cafe has a giant screen flanked with speakers spaced strategically around the outdoor area. Two smaller flat screens can be found on the other side, serving an intimate party of up to three tables. Book early, as these tables are often reserved.
Contact details: 02 681 7991
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: Costa Rica's unexpected star striker Bryan Ruiz – cheap and cheerful.
Stars 'N' Bars, Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi – Ellen Fortini
Atmosphere: Decorations include a banner of flags. Some fans dress up with team jerseys, flags and face paint, making for a festive atmosphere.
Food: There's no special menu for the games, but since Stars 'N' Bars generally reduces its menu for Ramadan, it's a treat to have the full American and Tex-Mex menu available this month, plus a BBQ on Thursday and Friday nights for iftar. Food is very good quality and promptly delivered. There's a discounted beverages deal while there's no score in any game.
Cost: No entrance fee. Parking is plentiful and free, as is valet parking.
Comfort: Parking is good during the week – it's easy to find spots and valet is available at all times. Seating is available per game or for the whole evening. Pre-booking is possible for Dh200, which is redeemable as a voucher upon your visit. It gets uncomfortably cold in the restaurant area, so consider bringing a jacket.
Screen: There are large screens in the smoking section and smaller screens in the non-smoking and the glassed-in smoking patio. The projector isn't as sharp as the TVs.
Contact details: 02 565 0101
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: The heroic United States goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Thirty 1st Bar & Lounge, Holiday Inn, Abu Dhabi – Adam Workman
Atmosphere: Not everybody wants a raucous atmosphere while watching their team in the World Cup – and the Holiday Inn's rooftop bar provides a more chilled-out spot to catch the match. The only noticeable team jerseys were the uniforms of the unfortunate serving staff, who were wearing England shirts on the night that we visited. Every table had a copy of the bar's football-themed (and shaped) menu.
Food: Three words: Sepp Blatter platter. Named after the much-maligned Fifa president, the pinnacle of Thirty 1st's World Cup menu is far less controversial. A ring of 12 conjoined mini-burgers with toppings loosely based on the cuisine of 12 countries competing at the World Cup, it's a tearing-and-sharing leviathan that also comes with a stack of fries in the centre. Some make more sense (Spain's chorizo topping) than others (a fried egg for, err, Australia). For those not quite up to that guzzling, the mini-burgers are also available as individually customisable slider sets. It arrived in double-quick time – but do try to avoid our valiant attempt at eating it all between just two people. Free snacks came in the form of the ubiquitous bar nuts.
Cost: Free admission. The platter was a fittingly large Dh149, but other prices are much more pocket-change-friendly. Valet and free self-parking are available.
Comfort: Parking at the Holiday Inn is simple. Seating was plentiful, making viewing a carefree experience, but pre-booking is available.
Screen: Inside has several screens for easy viewing, while the outdoor terrace is less well-endowed, but is nicely air-conditioned.
Contact details: 02 657 4888
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: At 31 floors up, it has to be Belgium's 6-foot 3-inch midfielder Marouane Fellaini – a sky-scraping choice.
Sahara Tent, InterContinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi – Laura Koot
Atmosphere: It was a full house, with the United States versus Germany on all the screens. There were a smattering of jerseys supporting Germany, but the fans made themselves heard when Germany scored. The Americans were also out in force (as evidenced by the groans at a failed scoring opportunity). A fragrant haze comes from the shisha-smoking guests who've made the many sofas their living room for the evening.
Food: Extensive for a tent, much of it lifted from the Belgian Café's popular menu items. Among the snacks are prawns in garlic butter (Dh40); Belgian fries (Dh35); and chicken wings (Dh40). The mains include everything from grilled salmon (Dh160) to grilled tenderloin (Dh180).
Cost: There's an entrance fee of Dh55 that includes one beverage (during Ramadan, the drink will be replaced by snacks on the table). If you come for the first game, you can stay all night.
Comfort: It seems that even with about 300 patrons, everyone has a clear vantage point. The temperature is perfect and the service staff are careful to duck when they pass the screens so an important moment is never blocked.
Screen: There are eight small screens around the seated area and one big, big screen. The sound engineers ensure the audio is loud and clear. The staff make an extra effort to accommodate us by adding a table in front of one of the small screens.
Contact details: 800 423 463
If this venue were a footballer, it would be: Brazil's Hulk – a sizeable presence on the World Cup landscape.
All match commentaries are in English unless otherwise stated.
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