KICK-OFF THE EXCITEMENT

Similar to this year’s FIFA anthem, ‘Light the Sky,’ the UAE is ready to embrace football fever, with these larger-than-life fanzones

It officially starts. The FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar will not just sweep the host country Qatar, but the entire world. The UAE, which is divided into action-packed zones, has everything to offer every football fan, including seating options, food, beverages and retail establishments. Here is a list of fanzones that will be showing the FIFA World Cup for your ultimate viewing experience.

Abu Dhabi Fanzone, Yas Island

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched the ultimate watch-spot in the UAE Capital, the Fanzone - Fifa World Cup Viewing Experience at Yas Links, Yas Island. The 10,000 sq m dedicated fanzone, constructed in collaboration with Miral and AB INBEV, has a daily hosting capacity of 2,000 and was made for locals and tourists from all over the globe who wish to support their teams during the football competition from November 20 to December 18.

One of the biggest outdoor screens in the nation, spanning 16 x 9 metres, will be located in the main viewing area. All games will be broadcast live, and the accompanying fanzone programme is jampacked with family-friendly activities and football-fever-inducing activities, including expert commentary, crowd and community competitions, and non-stop entertainment. Off-screen, a stream of musical and performing artists will be delighting audiences with live performances, DJ sets, and wandering artists.

The DIFC Football Park

The Football Park at DIFC will be the premier venue to showcase the world’s greatest football tournament and will be located in Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destination. The Football Park will have Michelin-starred restaurants, a butler service, and a concierge for those who wish to watch the game in elegance. It will be situated in front of a large screen on the podium level of Gate Avenue.

Live @ the Lake at Dubai Digital Park

If you reside in Silicon Oasis or the nearby neighbourhoods, this familyfriendly outdoor football facility is the ideal gathering place. The 1,500 sq m stadium features two enormous screens, a stage for entertainment, sitting and standing possibilities, as well as a gaming zone with football jumble and other activities. You can refuel at a selection of restaurants in Dubai Digital Park.

Press Play Fanzone at Jebel Ali

Multimedia platform Press Play is taking over the state-of-the-art facility at Ibn Batuta Mall’s Precision Football and transforming it into a massive fanzone that can accommodate up to 3,500 guests. Want to feel like you’re in the midst of the action? Kick-off the footballing season here from 20 November to 18 December.

Fans seated on plush sofas will create an electrifying environment as they support their preferred players. The facility will include a huge 250 sq m screen that will show all 63 games, as well as a variety of mouth-watering culinary options to suit every taste and VIP areas for those seeking an upscale experience. Not just that. Additionally, there will be 14 live performances by notable artists.

Jumeirah Emirates Tower

The outdoor space can accommodate up to 500 people against the backdrop of the Museum of the Future. The FIFA World Cup will be broadcast on enormous, cutting-edge screens, and there will also be VIP spaces and live entertainment.

The Plaza Terrace at Jumeirah Emirates Towers will provide areas for business hospitality as well as gatherings of friends who wish to watch the game. It is intended to draw affluent football enthusiasts.

Budx FIFA Fan Festival, Dubai Harbour

The 22-day fan festival, one of six official FIFA events taking place across the world, will be held at Dubai Harbour and feature thrilling activations, live performances, activities, and a cuttingedge watching experience with 4D surround sound. The purpose-built stadium experience will be available at Dubai Harbour from November 20 to December 18, commencing two hours before kick-off and lasting till three in the morning. General admission tickets cost Dhs78.75, while premium tickets, which include access to the Premium Zone, cost Dhs131.25. Tickets are currently available online.

Fan City, Expo City Dubai

The World Cup fanzone at Expo City, which coincides with Expo’s joyous Winter City, will provide a tumultuous atmosphere, complete with jumbo screens and an impressive lineup of entertainment, including tabletop games, agility courses, foot volley courts, penalty kick activations, face painting, and DJS spinning decks during halftime. Children under 12 are admitted free, and there are VIP options available. The general entrance is Dh30. Expo City Dubai welcomes football lovers of all ages to its two distinct zones, Jubilee Park and a more opulent experience at Al Wasl, promising a festival-like family environment. Al Wasl Plaza will open on December 3 with the first round of the knockout rounds, while Jubilee Park will open when the event starts on November 20. Along with team anthems, a flag-raising ceremony, pre-and post-game entertainment, and in-game graphics projected throughout the Al Wasl dome, Al Wasl Plaza will provide an immersive gaming experience.