Abu Dhabi: As football fever grips the planet, fans are drawing up plans and checking out the best places where they can cheer their favourite team. And most hotels, entertainment centres and clubs in the capital are playing ball by launching promotions and special menus to bring in a little of the World Cup flavour to Abu Dhabi. XPRESS ticks the best places to catch all the action from Brazil.
Yas Marina
Usher in the football feast with Samba dancers, Samba band, Samba workshop and a free Caipirinha welcome drink. Stars N Bars will kick off proceedings with a Brazilian-themed ‘Pre World Cup Carnival Night’ on June 6. Guests can also test their goal scoring skills with the Stars N Bars Coors Lite promotion. Net a goal at the bar and get a free pint! On Thursday and Friday evenings, fans can tuck into a delectable BBQ while catching all the sporting action.
At Yas Marina’s Lebanese restaurant Rrozanah, every match will be screened on a 100-inch screen to the accompaniment of sumptuous Lebanese delicacies right through the tournament (June 12-July 13). The fully air-conditioned outdoor terrace offers guests an exciting venue to watch the nail biting footy games, broadcast live from Brazil with great surround-sound facilities. Visitors and tourists can also take part in daily raffle draws and win a table reservation for five with a food and beverage voucher worth Dh1,000.
Yas Viceroy
At Rush, if your national team wins, you get a free drink. So take you passport with you to claim your freebie. And if you are a Brazilian, you get 20 per cent off on all drinks. There is a special Brazilian menu in place as your watch the game live on a super-sized screen. Open from 6pm to 2am. Call 02-6560600 for reservations. Call 02-6560600 for reservations.
Yas Beach
Yas Beach is the official venue chosen by the Embassy of Brazil. Enjoy the action on two huge HD projector screens on the sands of Yas Beach, with specials on food, drinks and sheesha. Screening starts 8pm on Thursday June 12. Admission to Yas Beach is free after 7pm. Just bring your shorts, flip-flops and some passion for your favourite team... and enjoy the game.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr has an air-conditioned tent that can hold up to 600 guests, making for a grandstand atmosphere. Games will feature on the big screen as well as 15 flat-screen LED TVs. Entrance is Dh100.
For reservations call: 02 654 3238
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
The hotel has set up a special World Cup Arabesque tent where fans can watch their favourite matches in an air-conditioned atmosphere. A superb surround system adds to the nail-biting experience. Guests who attend the weekly Friday brunch from June 13 onwards will have a chance to win a table for six in the tent including drinks and snacks worth Dh1,000.
For details call: 02 509 8888
du Forum Yas Island
The du Forum, Yas Island is among the biggest venues in Abu Dhabi complete with a themed fan zone, heritage zone and indoor bazaar. Every match will be shown on a giant 6x4 metre LED screen, with additional mega screens around the venue. The du Forum will be open from 7pm every day during the tournament. There are raffles and prizes to be won.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Nahaam restaurant will have an international food and beverage selection on their special menu. The large screen outdoors near the pool will offer a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy the matches.
For more details call: 02 811 5555
Le Meridien Abu Dhabi
Le Meridien sports café, NRG, has put together a special menu featuring food from the nations taking part in the World Cup this year. The sports bar also has 12 screens where fans can watch all matches. To add to a real life experience, the bar is decorated in Brazilian colours. For table reservations and more details call: 02 644 6666
Westin Abu Dhabi
Catch one of the most watched sporting events at The Retreat.
Guests can enjoy all the sporting action live on the wide screen at the fully air-conditioned Retreat Tent that overlooks the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Course. Enjoy Retreat specials with special brews. Matches will also be available on TV screens inside the Bar. Wear your favourite team’s jersey and win a complimentary drink.
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