The FIFA World Cup is less than a week away as fans around the world are ticking off the days for its official kick-off on Nov. 20. A whopping 2.9 million fans have already bought tickets and are ready to make their trip to Qatar for the global event. Across the region, there are also fans who are eager to witness the long-awaited spectacle from the comfort of their homes. On the other side of the coin, there are fans who want something else entirely and that is where this article comes in.
From massive 10,000-meter fan zones to live sports lounges, we have put together a collection of the region’s top spots to watch the matches that will up your viewing experience without having to need to buy a ticket and hop on a plane to Qatar.
Dubai, UAE
BudX Fifa Fan Festival
Set along the Dubai Harbor, the BudX Fifa Fan Festival will be a specially designated space planned to host 10,000 people who can enjoy the matches on the venue’s gigantic 330 square meter screens that are equipped with 4D audio. BudX will also be home to live performances and DJs as well as food, drink, and many games and activities throughout the World Cup season.
This fan zone will be one of six other International Fifa Fan Festivals alongside ones that are staged in London, Seoul, Mexico City as well as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
Every day, the venue will open two hours before the start of the matches and will welcome fans aged 21 and above.
To buy tickets, you can head to the plantinum list website .
The Beach Stadium
The Hilton Dubai Jumeirah will be dedicating four special areas for football fans to watch the coveted event. These four areas will include The Beach, Tiger Bar, Wave breaker, and a private garden. With a capacity of over 1000 guests, each area will offer fans a unique experience whether it’s a mega screen perched on the beach or a full-fledged grill party at Wave breaker.
Entry is free to all areas but you will need to pre-book a spot prior to visiting the venue.
You can book a spot by calling this number: 00971 4 318 2319.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Fanzone – Fifa World Cup Viewing Experience
Neon-themed with stadium lights brightening up Abu Dhabi’s skies, this gigantic 10,000 square meter fan zone will give visitors a chance to cheer for their teams in a vibrant, exciting venue. Located at Yas Island, the fan zone is home to four zones that include the main viewing zone, activation zone, F&B zone, and VIP lounge zone, with each one offering guests a unique experience.
With the main viewing zone, there will be a large 16×9 meters LED screen considered the largest outdoor screen in the country. When it comes to seating, guests get to choose between bean bags, standing stations, and communal tables. Beyond the matches, there is a big lineup of musical performances and artists as well as crowd and community competitions. To get fans in an even more competitive spirit, the zone will host daily and weekly Fifa 23 tournaments on the PS5.
For tickets, options range from general admissions costing Dh50, All Game Access passes for Dh95, and Season passes costing 950.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh Season’s Fan Festival Zone
Riyadh Season has already kicked off, the Gulf country’s annual entertainment and sports festival; and so far, more than 2 million people have hit up its different zones that housed jam-packed entertainment including various music concerts, plays, a Cirque du Soleil performances and even several WWE matches.
With the upcoming World Cup, Riyadh Season’s roster of entertainment will even extend to the global sporting event as an entire zone will be dedicated to the games. Dubbed the Fan Festival Zone, throughout the World Cup season, 20,000 fans can head to this special venue at Mrsool Park that will house three mega screens as well as several live concerts and live shows.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Sky Lounge
Standing tall above Jeddah’s glistening waterfront corniche is the stylish dining spot known as Sky Lounge. Housed on the roof of the Rosewood Jeddah hotel, this special lounge not only boasts panoramic views of the sea, but also houses one of the biggest screens in town to enjoy the World Cup. While watching the games, guests can chill on the lounge’s soft and relaxing sofas while trying out their gourmet bites and special drinks. To cap off the evening, guests can then do a whole photoshoot to capture and remember the night.
For information and reservations, you can call them using this number: +966 55 031 3255
Cairo, Egypt
Buffalo Wings and Rings
If you are the kind of person who loves a bustling, loud setting as well as saucy, delicious wings, then Buffalo Wings and Rings will be the ultimate go-to spot to watch your favorite teams hit the football pitch. This sports bar is usually jam-packed with people as they devour wings slathered in crowd favorites. Whether it’s the infamous Bourbon barbeque or their classic sweet and sour sauce. Known to host some of the biggest football matches, especially their very recent live stream of the Premier League matches, the World Cup will definitely be making its way to this special venue.
When it comes to the special offers, due to high demand you will need to book a table using this number: 0020120 646 6668
Casablanca, Morocco
Tiger House
Set within a neon green-lit room packed with large pool tables and several TV screens, this special sports bar is one of Casablanca’s finest when it comes to live sports entertainment. Whether it’s the Champions League or Premier League, you’ll find every soccer-fueled event streamed at this sports bar, and starting from Nov. 20, the World Cup will be joining the lineup. While watching the matches, you can get competitive and play a fun game of pool with your friends. You can also enjoy their delicious menu items with everything from tapas to burgers and pizza.
To learn more, you can call them on +212 522 220 095
Ready for the exciting event? We hope these special spots will help give you a unique football experience and make you feel as though you are in the actual stadium, cheering on your favorite team.
