Winner
NRG Sports Café
NRG Sports Café has everything you’ll need and more for whiling away a lazy weekend afternoon – including some of the most succulent ribs in town. There are plenty of large televisions screens both inside and outside, plus pool tables if you fancy a game with your mates while the match is on. The walls are adorned with football shirts and flat-screen TVs, and during the brilliant daily happy hour pints of hops start from a rather reasonable Dhs25.
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah (02 644 0348).
Highly Commended
Blu Sky Lounge & Grill
Themed around Premier League champions Manchester City, who are owned by the UAE capital, the bar here is literally encased by a football-shaped dome. But really, if you’re going to go for a sports theme then you may as well do it properly, right? The walls of the long venue are plastered with screens showing different sports from around the world and there are loads of great promotions going on throughout the week.
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Mina Street, Al Zahiya (02 818 4888).
Velocity
Almost every inch of the walls at this slick venue are covered with big screens showing every possible type of sport from around the globe. The happy hour deals are fairly legendary, and you can also enjoy live music several nights a week and a popular quiz. It’s got plenty going for it.
Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 304 7777).
Nominees
Belgian Café Yas Island
Belgian Café is a reliable recreation of the European country’s cuisine and beverages and it consistently serves up a satisfying experience. Once you’ve chosen a beverage from the extensive menu, you can settle back and watch the games on the many big screens. The outdoor area is packed during the cooler months, and staff are ace.
Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2406).
Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant
Cooper’s is an old fashioned British-style pub, which of course means there is almost always a game of football on one of the bar’s television screens. While you’re watching you enjoy tasty bites like super cheesy quesadillas and burgers, and make the most of the long happy hours and frequent ladies’ nights.
Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park Area (02 657 3333).
McGettigan’s
Lively and spacious, McGettigan’s is one of the most popular pubs in Abu Dhabi, and with good reason. Drink deals keep the hops flowing, the food is some of the best pub grub in the city, and there’s plenty of sport on tap to keep patrons entertained. A dozen screens are placed all over the bar and there’s also a large main projector screen, so wherever you’re sitting you’ll always get a great view of the action. Whether you want British football or NFL, you’ll be able to watch it all here.
Al Raha Beach Hotel & Resort, Channel Street (02 652 4333).
Sports Café
This is an up-market sports bar with a prime location at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel on the grand canal. But it doesn’t take itself too seriously, and the walls are covered with sports memorabilia and plenty of big screens showing sports from across the globe. It’s a popular place for a post-brunch party, and the ladies can get three free drinks every Monday. The food is decent, too.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta (02 654 3238).
Stars ’N’ Bars
It might be themed around the USA, but this sports bar shows far more than just American football, basketball and baseball. The decorations are super cool too, with racing car seats and retro games to play while you keep one eye on the big screens. The fish tacos are unmissable and the bar often holds special nights in honour of the really big sporting events such as the Superbowl.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).
The Sportsman’s Arms
This cool gastropub is found in the International Tennis Centre at Zayed Sports City, meaning you’re close enough to the tennis courts and football pitches to watch some local sporting action. But if you would rather watch the professionals do their thing, there are eight screens spread throughout the venue showing all the biggest games. The barbecued meats and pizzas are worth your money, too.
International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City (02 403 4235).
Victor’s Pub & Restaurant
The fun-loving pub boasts a karaoke station and popular Friday and Thursday-night brunches. But it’s also got everything you need for an afternoon or evening out watching sport. The drinks offers are brilliant, and it will even put on special events for some of the world’s most popular sporting events.
Hilton Capital Grand Hotel, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 666 5508).
