Where to watch

The question is not who will win the Cup (let’s not get started on that, shall we?) but where we’ll be going to watch it.

Here are some prime spots Abu Dhabi Week recommends for catching the games.

All Grand Cinemas across Abu Dhabi
What better way to see all 64 games than on the silver screen? Surroundsound, popcorn, comfy seats with cup holders, impressively large and unobstructed views all around, lots of giveaways, prizes and promotions – and they hope to bring you ten of the last 16 games in 3D. Three shows a day with tickets from AED 35 per game for the early rounds, rising to AED 100 for the final – buy them at the cinema or from www.grandcinemas.com.

Info: 04 232 8523

Al Ain Rotana
Escape the hustle and bustle of Abu Dhabi city for a more a relaxed setting – either the specially set-up arena with LCD screens and surroundsound, or the gorgeous outdoor terrace and garden areas featuring flavoured shishas and bean bags. Lots of prizes and promotions, too.

Info: 03 754 5111

Amerigo’s, Park Inn Abu Dhabi
Warm nachos with fresh salsa goes oh so well with football, and anyway this wallet-friendly Mexican joint has a great social atmosphere. The Yas location means less of a crowds, more legroom, better screen views and quicker service. No alcohol, of course.

Info: 02 656 2222

Brauhaus, Beach Rotana
Everyone’s favourite German restaurant will provide an authentic and lively atmosphere for the Cup, complete with a wide range of specially-imported international beverages for the duration.

Info: 02 644 3000

Le Boulanger, on the Breakwater towards Marina Mall
Free popcorn, decent grub and shisha for just AED 30 while lounging under the stars to watch the Cup. Take your eyes off the screen and you’ll see one of the best views of Abu Dhabi city. Perfect for anyone looking for an alcohol-free World Cup.

Info: 02 441 8000

Cooper’s, Park Rotana
Live broadcast of all games on four big plasma screens with special beverage offers and lucky draw prizes. And from the quarter finals on, the Grand Park Ballroom will be transformed into a footie arena with multiple screens and special seating. Also running: a Mega World Cup Raffle to win a pair of airline and corporate hospitality tickets for a Manchester City home game, courtesy of Etihad Airways.

Info: 02 657 3333

The Dome @ Rawdhat
What better place to watch the matches than in Abu Dhabi’s only purpose built football facility? All matches will be aired on a 60in TV at the new (and alcohol-free) Extra Time café – and the football doesn’t have to stop when the 90 minutes are up: you can book one of the Dome’s five-a-side pitches (two indoors and two outdoors) and keep the ball rolling. Rental starts at AED 150 per hour.

Info: 02 449 8480

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
All matches will be shown at Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar on two 50in plasma screens, but sleek nightspot Chameleon will also be transformed into a sophisticated sports lounge with two 50in TVs, seating for over 60 (and standing room for 40 more), and an exclusive 30-person VIP Lounge with extra perks. Cultural-bites menus for food and beverages coincide with the countries playing at the time. Raffles during each match will include prizes of vouchers for Fairmont’s restaurants.

Info: 02 654 3238

Hemingway's, Hilton Abu Dhabi
Hemingway’s regulars will be calling the place their World Cup home for the month – catch every match while chowing on huge portions of food and enjoying drink specials. There’ll also be tons of fabulous FIFA prizes and exciting competitions too.

Info: 02 681 1900

Heroes, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi
Freebies and promotions galore. Not only will viewers receive free noise packs and a World Cup anthem CD mixed by DJ Adam Graca, all house beverages will be just AED 15. A superb lunch deal offers main course, the soup of the day and two house beverages for a mere AED 65.

Info: 02 616 6122

Mai Cafe, Aloft Hotel
Mai Cafe makes outdoor fun and dining in Abu Dhabi summer seem doable. And even if you can’t fathom it, they’ll be showing the matches (live and recorded) across several big screens in the hotel throughout the day, including in a fully equipped air-conditioned marquee. Fans even have the opportunity to win World Cup prizes after every match like team jerseys and hotel stays. And the first drink is on them if you turn up in your national team’s gear.

Furthermore, ladies can take part in their various fitness classes such as Fit Ball and Sculpt classes, muscle training, aqua aerobics, swimming classes, and even special rates on yoga sessions, all of which will be going on during the matches. Children are also spoilt for choice with a range of activities. There’ll be a Wii games station, kickers, a mini football grass field, ping pong and basketball.

Info: 02 654 5131

PJ O’Reilly’s, Le Royal Meridien
The no-fuss no-frills watering hole promises to show every goal, every game, on every screen, every day. There’ll be big screens upstairs, downstairs and out on the lawn (cosy bean bags included) – plus a table football tournament and half-time prize quizzes, with resident live act Junction 21 rocking the joint between games. A special VIP area will also be available for booking.

Info: 02 674 2020

Sevilo’s, Millennium Hotel
Overlooking the Capital Gardens, the terrace at Italian eatery Sevilo’s would make a quaint spot for Cup celebration (especially for Italy fans). Cheer on your team, enjoy tasty bites, and enter fun quizzes between matches – winners get drink and meal vouchers, and FIFA fever CDs.

Info: 02 614 6000

Stills Bar, Crowne Plaza Yas Island
A chilled-out atmosphere and laidback crowd plus the longest bar in Abu Dhabi – and three winning World Cup packages to choose from. The Bronze deal (AED 600) offers 30 drink and five food vouchers and discounted room rates. Silver (AED 1,000) has 40 drink and eight food vouchers with discounted room rates including one night’s stay in a suite and swimming pool access. Gold (AED 1400) gives you 50 drink and 12 food vouchers, discounted room rates plus one night’s stay in a suite, swimming pool access and celebration bubbly. All packages include World Cup goodie bags.

Info: 02 656 3053

Thirty 1st Bar, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi
Catch all the games live at the swanky Thirty 1st Bar and choose from indoor and mist-cooled outdoor seating. With a special football-themed snack menu as well as numerous beverage promotions, plenty of parking and a great atmosphere, Thirty 1st really is the place to be for all football fans. For larger groups, the Holiday Inn are offering the Ballroom as a private venue, complete with two large screens, wide selection of beverages and a food menu that can be tailored to request. Furthermore, if you spend more than AED 150 per person in any of the hotel’s outlets, you can get a room for the same night at the amazing price of just AED 199.

Info: 02 657 4888

The Village One to One Hotel
The hotel’s back garden has always been a treat to sit in with plush seating, tasty bites and great shisha. Guests can enjoy the games in a special tent housing four big screens, with PS3 games and foosball tables for half-time hits. Entrance fees will apply from the quarter finals onward.

Info: 02 495 2000