As Spain and Argentina prepare for the battle for the main football trophy, thousands of workers across the United Arab Emirates are developing their own plans to watch the final that are not tied to stadiums or official fan zones, but rather depend on the availability of a screen.
Some workers follow the game while taking taxis, and couriers may watch the match while waiting for orders. Others only manage to see small segments during their shifts. In Jebel Ali, workers living in worker accommodations are turning this event into a community gathering by organizing a screening on a projector so residents can watch the final together.
In various parts of Dubai—in residential blocks, restaurants, common areas, and on work sites—alternative measures are being taken to ensure that workers do not miss this historic football event.
At Cafe Taxi in Garhoud, manager Nawaz Ahmad organized a viewing after numerous requests from regular customers, who are predominantly taxi drivers, couriers, and logistics staff. These individuals usually visit the cafe in the evening or late at night after finishing their shift.
Ahmad noted that customers previously watched football on their mobile phones. He decided that watching together would allow them to enjoy it more. According to him, the idea came directly from customers who were looking for a place to watch the game without having to go to an expensive fan zone or sports bar.
For Aderemi, a Nigerian taxi driver working the night shift, watching the football match rarely means sitting in one place for 90 minutes. Living near Al Quoz, he often watches games in short bursts while moving around Dubai. He might watch a match for 20 minutes in a cafe, then drive off to pick up a passenger or drop them off, and afterward stop at another restaurant to see the next part of the game.
During previous matches, he stopped at restaurants and cafes in Al Quoz, Garhoud, and Murrakabat. He also watched in shisha cafes when allowed to stay for a few minutes. He emphasized that many establishments throughout Dubai allow taxi drivers and other night-shift workers to watch major football matches. He expects the same pattern to be followed for the final—watching whenever his schedule allows a short break.
Couriers face a similar problem. Shahid Khan, a courier from Pakistan, reported that major football matches often increase the number of food orders, making them busier than usual. Instead of watching the entire match, they watch it wherever they stop. When picking up an order at a restaurant, couriers may wait 10–15 minutes, often standing near a television to watch the game.
Khan said that during matches, they usually have many deliveries, so they are constantly on the move. While waiting for food, they watch whatever part of the match they can. Some couriers mentioned that customers invite them to watch the game for a few minutes after delivery. The courier added that sometimes people allow them to watch the game at their homes, and they can stay for about 10 minutes before proceeding with the next delivery. When things slow down, couriers often stop at the nearest cafe where other drivers and workers gather. They sit together, order a cup of Karak, and watch until the next order comes in.
In Jebel Ali, workers from one worker accommodation complex are preparing for a larger community viewing. Sahel, who helps manage the camp, reported that they are organizing a screening of the final on a projector. Many workers are expected to gather after their shift. Unlike taxi drivers and couriers, who might only see parts of the match, those in the residential complex will be able to watch the final in its entirety together. This viewing is expected to attract fans of both teams: some will support the defending champions Argentina, and others will support Spain. Similar viewings are being organized in other worker accommodation complexes, where football matches provide an opportunity for workers from different countries to spend time together after work.
The FIFA World Cup final will take place on Sunday, July 19, and fans from all over the world will be watching to see who lifts the trophy. If you plan to watch the game in Abu Dhabi, there are many venues offering various options: from giant screens and fan zones to luxurious lounges and cinema screenings.
Various locations are available in the capital to watch the grand match. Among them is McGettigan's Fifa Fan Zone in Reem Mall, which offers a stadium atmosphere with large screens, live entertainment, and an immersive experience for fans. Entry starts from 100 dirhams, with funds fully usable for food and drinks, and VIP packages are also available.
For a more sophisticated setting, Broadway at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is suitable. Selected World Cup matches are broadcast on several screens here, including a large-format display. Guests can enjoy a special match day menu, featuring chicken wings, crispy calamari, lamb shashlik, smashed burgers, pizzettes, and general dishes, in addition to the standard menu. Broadcasts run daily from 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM throughout the tournament without entry fees or minimum spends.
Other popular spots include Belgian Café at InterContinental Abu Dhabi, which is expected to attract many sports fans due to its multiple screens and classic pub fare. The Sportsman's Arms in Zayed Sports City is also worth considering, as it is a popular venue for watching sporting events, offering numerous screens, hearty food, and seating. Porter's English Pub, a long-time favorite of Abu Dhabi football fans, combines large screens with British pub classics at Grand Millennium Al Wahda.
Stars N Bars, located at Yas Marina, is known as one of Abu Dhabi's best sports bars. Fans can watch the final on large indoor and outdoor screens while enjoying burgers, wings, and other American snacks at the Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island. If you want to watch the match with a view, Blu Sky Lounge & Grill in Al Zahiyah offers an indoor hall with multiple screens and a city skyline panorama. For family entertainment with more than just watching the game, Central in Yas Bay is suitable, where giant screens combine with bowling and arcade games.
Lock, Stock & Barrel at Yas Bay Waterfront promises to be one of the liveliest spots with its energetic atmosphere, offering large screens, live entertainment, pub food, and drinks. For those who prefer the biggest screen, VOX Cinemas and Reel Cinemas broadcast the World Cup final in dedicated Abu Dhabi cinemas, ensuring cinematic image quality and surround sound.
On Tuesday, fan zones and football viewing spots became arenas of boisterous cheers and disappointment as Egypt and Argentina played a very tense match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
Federico Escobar, a Dubai resident who was in a shisha cafe filled with Egyptian fans, supported his homeland. He noted that he was the only Argentine present, so he did not actively cheer when the opposing team scored. Nevertheless, he expressed concern during the first half, stating that Egypt had played exceptionally well and they should be proud.
The Egyptian couple Mohamed and Bushra watched the match from a restaurant on Sheikh Zayed Road, dressed in matching red jerseys. After the game, they expressed their disappointment but emphasized their pride in the team and its performance. Mohamed noted that the Egyptians completely dominated in the first half and added that some referee decisions were questionable, which led to a feeling of some disappointment.
Before the changes occurred, Egypt was leading by two goals and looked ready to pull off the biggest upset of the tournament. However, in the 79th minute, Romero scored the first goal for Argentina, after which Messi and Fernandez quickly added two more goals.
