There will be millions of people in the UAE crowding around screens over the next four days as fans of South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Australia, Pakistan, New Zealand and West Indies watch their countries in action in the quarter-finals of the Cricket World Cup 2015.
With numerous places to witness the drama unfold, Sport360 has selected our pick of where to watch the Cricket World Cup knockouts.
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DUBAI SPORTS CITY
The ICC Academy at Dubai Sports City is not just a global hub for the game, it is also a great place to watch the most prestigious tournament in cricket. The venue is showing the remaining eight matches on a giant 84-inch television located at the viewing gallery. Food and beverages are available all day and house beverages are on offer from 11.30am every day.
Perfect for: Fans of any nationality, especially those who fancy a quick nets session afterwards.
More info: www.iccacademy.net or contact 04 425 1111.
YESTERDAY PUB, SHERATON DOWNTOWN DUBAI
Cricket World Cup fever has gripped the Yesterday Pub over the past month and with six 47-inch televisions, it’s not difficult to see why. As part of the World Cup fun, the menu includes dishes inspired by cricketing terms (‘caught bowled’ and ‘third umpire’). What’s more, if customers wear their team’s jerseys they’ll get a 20% discount on their total bill. Keep an eye on Yesterdays Facebook page for upcoming competitions and potential prizes.
Perfect for: Indian and Sri Lankan fans who are both peckish and passionate.
More info: www.yesterdaypub.com or contact 04 316 9711
BIDI BONDI, PALM JUMEIRAH
An Australian sports bar located on Palm Jumeirah, Bidi Bondi has a great outdoor area and several flat screen TV’s with projectors to allow for a more cinematic view of the games. The nachos, chicken wings and ribs are highly recommended for hungry and drained fans. A lively atmosphere is guaranteed – particularly if Australia meet New Zealand in the final!
Perfect for: Australia, New Zealand and South Africa fans who prefer wickets in widescreen.
More info: Bidi Bondi on Facebook or contact 04 427 0515
TIME CAFE, RAMEE ROYAL HOTEL, KARAMA
With its dim-lighted ambience, Time Cafe is a must for Indian and Pakistan cricket fans. It’s reasonably cheap drinks and food makes for an economical afternoon while watching your team compete at the pinnacle of cricket. The Spread Lunch Buffet is Friday is the perfect boost at the end of a busy working week.
Perfect for: India and Pakistan fans minding the pennies but chasing a colourful atmosphere.
More info: www.rameehotels.com or contact 04 334 4088
HUDDLES SPORTS BAR, CITY MAX HOTEL, BUR DUBAI
Situated in Bur Dubai’s busiest hotel Citybox, Huddles is a pleasant sports bar with a big screen for sports enthusiasts. Chicken wings are a must, with different portion sizes available depending on your appetite. If the game stretches on longer into the afternoon, it is obliged to stay and watch the live band sing deep into the night.
Perfect for: India, Pakistan and Bangladesh fans with a penchant for post-match karaoke. ‘We are the Champions’ is sure to be a favourite.
More info: www.citymaxhotels.com or contact 04 440 9300
GRAND STAND, PARK REGIS KRIS KIN HOTEL, BUR DUAI
The Grand Stand is based in a great, central location in Bur Dubai and offers a fantastic setting that unsurprisingly draws big crowds. Large attendances were a regular feature throughout the group stages, and will surely continue should Pakistan, India and Bangladesh qualify for the last four. With reasonably priced food, the marinated chicken pita is a winner and will fail to disappoint.
Perfect for: Pakistan, India and Bangladesh fans hoping for a taste of victory to match the taste of Grand Stand’s grub.
More info: www.parkregiskriskin.com or contact 04 377 1111
KOYLA CAFE RAMEE ROYAL HOTEL, KARAMA
Located in the heart of the Karama, supporters from all eight teams are expected to follow the action at this accessible venue in the hope that their beloved country can lift the coveted trophy. The spacious bar area means fans can relax and enjoy the excitement, while the Chicken Tikka is a strong contender for the best dish in Bur Dubai.
Perfect for: Anyone and everyone who enjoys cricket and chicken in (perhaps not quite) equal measure.
More info: www.koyla.ae or contact 04 336 5655
COOPERS, PARK ROTANA, ABU DHABI
One of the capital’s top sports bars offers an excellent standard of service and great choice of food and drink. With four plasma screens, you’ll have a great view of the live action from down under. 'Coopers Nachos' and the 'Fried Calamari' are tasty dishes to enjoy between innings.
Perfect for: Fans of any nationality, especially those who like a mix of British and International dishes.
More info: www.rotana.com or contact 02 657 3333