Escape it or embrace it: How to watch or avoid the World Cup while in Dubai

When the FIFA World Cup 2018 kicks off on 14 June, football fans in Dubai will be keeping their eyes peeled on where to watch the games. But we know not everyone is excited about the football frenzy – so we’ve got both bases covered.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia is barely a week away and it’s yay or nay for the football-crazy who go mad in support of their favourite teams or the indifferent who just want to avoid the rowdy scenarios.

Now, it’s summertime in Dubai and it’s the ideal season to visit whether you’re in the city or in the desert. To capitalise on these (with the World Cup season in mind), we’re giving you some tips on where to go while in Dubai.

Embrace it

Watch the World Cup at Emaar Group’s hotel brands

If you’ve got World Cup fever and you’re looking for a hotel, Emaar Group’s hotel brands will be your medicine. Emaar Group’s brands Rove Hotels, Address Boulevard Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts will show the tournament’s best games on big screens. The will be in dedicated areas within their restaurants so you can grab a beer, order some grub, and you’re all set.

There’s also a dedicated website created to let visitors quickly search for their locations and meal options. Book it with a click and enjoy exclusive benefits by becoming a ‘U By Emaar’ member.

For more information, visit www.mydubaifootball.com

Watch the games at Fairmont The Palm’s World Cup Tent

Built especially for the games, Fairmont The Palm has its own World Cup Tent at its Palm Courtyard. It’s fully air-conditioned, has multiple TV screens, and offers a range of food choices – making it a cool hangout place for football fans from all over the world. Bartenders will be dressed as referees and special deals will be offered every night.

For more information, visit www.fairmont.com/palm-dubai

Escape it

Dubai Parks and Resorts

For families who want to avoid World Cup madness, they can spend time at Dubai Parks and Resorts. It’s the Middle East’s largest theme park, spread over 2.3 million sqm, with more than 100 rides and attractions.

Dubai Parks and Resorts is divided into four theme parks: Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks, Legoland Dubai, and Legoland Water Park and guests can stay at the Polynesian-themed Lapita Hotel.

For more information, visit www.dubaiparksandresorts.com

Desert Safari

You’ll barely notice the World Cup is happening when visiting the Arabian desert, a stone’s throw away from Dubai. There are desert-themed activities for adventure seekers – from sundowners, dune drives, falconry, camel trekking, and stargazing. Platinum Heritageoffers a range of authentic and luxury desert safari tours.

For more information, visit www.platinum-heritage.com

La Perle

Summertime in the desert will be hot and dry – the ideal time to visit an aqua-themed show. La Perle by Dragone features a fusion of immersive artistic performances, imagery and technology, created by the artistic director, Franco Dragone. La Perle is influenced by Dubai’s rich heritage, vibrant present and aspirational future. The shows feature awe-inspiring stunts and special effects, a spectacle for all ages.

For more information, visit https://laperle.com/en

IMG Worlds

IMG is the world’s largest theme indoor park. It’s the ultimate leisure and entertainment destination in Dubai, spanning over 550,000 sqm. While on the park, guests can experience the worlds of Cartoon Network, Marvel, IMG Boulevard, and the Lost Valley-Dinosaur Adventure. IMG features an array of roller coasters, thrill rides, and attractions based on popular Cartoon Network characters, iconic Marvel Super Heroes and hair-raising dinosaurs.

For more information, visit www.imgworlds.com