Thousands will watch on giant screens

The fully air-conditioned Mega Dome stadium at Barasti beach is set to host 1,200 fans for the World Cup opening ceremony.

Almost 1,200 fans can watch the World Cup at Mega Dome on Barasti beach in Dubai.

DUBAI // At Mina Seyahi hotel, the fully air-conditioned Mega Dome stadium erected at Barasti beach is set to welcome almost 1,200 fans for tonight's opening ceremony and similar numbers are expected throughout the World Cup. "We've had an overwhelming response to the Dome, we're expecting a full house on most days, although of course some matches are more in demand than others. The VIP and corporate packages for the two semi-finals and the final are sold out already," said Derryn French, the hotel's director of marketing and communications.

The Mega Dome is a semi-circular half sphere more than five storeys high with 12-metre screen. "Individual entry is free and it is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Dome is open from midday until 2.30am and we suggest fans arrive well before kick-off to guarantee entrance. We have no strict dress code so you can come in shorts and T-shirt, and if the Dome is full you can still watch the games in Barasti in the outdoor areas, the upstairs deck and beachside," she added.

The Palladium at Dubai Media City is gearing up for one of the more high-tech World Cup experiences in the Emirates, with almost 1,500 fans expected to watch on the venue's 16mx9m HD screen. Chris Abou Samah, of Broken Stone Productions, the organisers of The Palladium's Football Frenzy promotion, said: "We have a number of promotions lined up for the opening and for the rest of the tournament. VIP table bookings are available and you'll get a three-course themed menu relating to the countries playing on that particular day."

Football Frenzy offers beanbag seating, fan zones, and performances by local DJs, with entry costing Dh60. "We will also have a virtual goal competition, and for selected matches there will be performances by Dubai Drums and cheerleaders at half-time and full-time," Abou Samah added. "The Stadium at The Walk" at Jumeirah Beach Residence, will be showing all the matches on a 7mx4m HD screen as well as 34in plasma screens. The venue will hold a capacity crowd of 350.

A number of shisha cafes and restaurants in Jumeirah 1 have decked out their premises with the colours of the participating countries. Fadel Saghir, the marketing manager of Castello Restaurant and Coffee Shop, located behind Jumeirah Plaza, said: "We've decorated our restaurant with flags, scarves and posters of players and we're offering meal promotions and raffle prizes to help create a great atmosphere for the customers."

Commuters travelling on Sheikh Zayed Road will be able to keep track of the latest results thanks to two large LED screens that hang from The Galleries, part of Downtown Jebel Ali, near Jafza. @Email:[e-mail]