Dubai gives sports fans plenty of reasons to watch the big game away from home, with lively venues combining giant screens, crowd energy and satisfying food. Whether football, rugby or cricket is on the agenda, spots such as Coterie Social, McCafferty’s JVC and The Underground Pub turn match day into a full social experience.
Building a strong reputation since opening in April 2023, Coterie Social at Ibn Battuta Mall has become a popular destination for weekend fixtures. Earning the winning spot in Time Out Dubai’s 2026 selection of the city’s best sports bars, the venue combines live sport with a relaxed, modern pub atmosphere.
Covering the venue with multiple screens allows fans to follow the action while catching up with friends. Serving classic pub favourites also makes staying for the entire game easy, with the menu featuring fish and chips, pies, scotch eggs and Marmite roasties alongside its popular roast dinners.
Adding a central bar and regular drinks deals completes the social experience, making Coterie Social particularly appealing for football fans looking to combine the match with a proper meal.
Bringing classic Irish pub energy to Jumeirah Village Circle, McCafferty’s JVC takes match day to another level with its rooftop sports bar at Circle Mall.
Spanning an impressive 29,831 sq ft, the expanded rooftop garden provides plenty of room for larger groups. Filling the space with LED screens also means fans can keep an eye on the action from different areas, while 148 beverage taps add to the lively match-day setting.
Earning a Highly Commended mention from Time Out Dubai, McCafferty’s JVC works especially well for groups who prefer big crowds, plenty of atmosphere and the shared excitement that comes with watching an important fixture together.
Taking inspiration from the London Underground, The Underground Pub at Habtoor Grand Resort in JBR delivers one of Dubai’s more distinctive settings for catching live sport.
Featuring more than 20 television screens throughout the venue makes following different sporting events straightforward. Adding a giant projector and several oversized TVs further enhances the experience during major games, while staff can help guests find a dedicated screen for a particular fixture when possible.
Combining its unconventional London-inspired interiors with extensive sports coverage gives The Underground Pub plenty of personality. Offering an energetic alternative to watching at home, the venue suits fans looking to catch football and other major competitions while enjoying the atmosphere of JBR.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.