5 European Styled Pubs for Sports and Beer in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide

Dubai's pub scene brings European authenticity to the Emirates, offering sports fans the perfect blend of hearty atmosphere, quality brews, and live action. Whether you're catching the Premier League or enjoying a casual evening with friends, these five European-styled pubs deliver the goods with traditional charm and competitive pricing.

1. Double Decker Pub - Swissotel Al Murooj, Downtown

This award-winning British pub captures the essence of England with its authentic character and lively sports atmosphere. Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai opposite Dubai Mall, Double Decker offers both indoor seating for 110 guests and an outdoor terrace for 80, perfect for Dubai's pleasant evenings.

Sports & Atmosphere: Multiple large screens and plasma TVs show live English Premier League matches and major sporting events. The pub maintains that quintessential British pub vibe with extended happy hours and DJ entertainment.

Food & Drink: The menu features culinary delights from England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, including traditional pub favorites like fish and chips. Business lunch deals start from AED 49 for a salad and main course, while their famous Golden Catch Friday special offers fish & chips with wine for AED 88.

Pricing:

• Happy Hour: Monday 12pm-9pm, Tuesday-Friday 12pm-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 12pm-6pm

• Bucket Deal: AED 135 for 4 bottles of beer

• Midnight Madness: AED 32 drinks from midnight till closing

• Average cost for two: AED 340

Hours: Daily 12pm-3am

2. McGettigan's JLT - Jumeirah Lakes Towers

This modern Irish gastropub has been taking Dubai's nightlife scene by storm since 2010. Located at Cluster J in JLT, it's walking distance from Dubai Metro and offers the perfect Irish pub experience.

Sports & Atmosphere: Ten large screens broadcast live sports from around the world, creating an energetic atmosphere perfect for match days. The pub is known for its loyal fanbase and brilliant energy during major tournaments.

Food & Drink: Their menu takes guests on a culinary world tour with international dishes inspired by Ireland and America. Classic Irish dishes, big burgers, and mouth-watering desserts dominate the menu. Daily Happy Hour features beers, wines, house spirits, and cocktails.

Pricing:

• Quiz Night: Every Tuesday from 8pm

• Grafton Street 2.0 Brunch: Saturdays 1-4pm with live music and unlimited drinks

• McGett-together: Wednesday specials from 6pm

Hours: Monday-Friday 12pm-2am, Saturday 10am-3am, Sunday 10am-2am

3. Belgian Beer Cafe - Grand Millennium, Barsha Heights

This authentic Belgian establishment transports you back to 18th-century Brussels with Art Nouveau-inspired interiors and over 40 types of Belgian beer. The venue features two indoor floors plus a rooftop terrace.

Sports & Atmosphere: Large screens throughout the venue broadcast international sporting events, making it perfect for sports enthusiasts. The warm, cozy atmosphere reflects authentic European pub culture.

Food & Drink: The menu pays tribute to Belgian culinary traditions with famous moules-frites, hearty stews, and authentic Belgian cuisine. Over 40 beer varieties provide the most extensive Belgian selection in Dubai.

Pricing:

• Ladies Night: Thursday 6pm-12am, AED 99 for 4 drinks and bar bites

• Business Lunch: Monday-Friday, 2-course AED 95, 3-course AED 110

• Monday Mussels Madness: 500g AED 99, unlimited AED 199

• Belgian Brunch: Saturday 1-5pm from AED 225

Hours: Open until 3am daily

4. Long's Bar - Towers Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road

Home to the Middle East's longest bar, this British-style pub offers a colonial atmosphere with modern amenities. Located in the basement of Towers Rotana, it creates an intimate underground pub experience.

Sports & Atmosphere: Twenty TV screens broadcast international football daily, making it a sports enthusiast's paradise. The casual dining venue combines great food with lively entertainment and in-house DJs.

Food & Drink: Specializes in tasty British pub favorites with great-value drinks. The menu focuses on traditional British fare in a colonial-style setting.

Pricing:

• Happy Hour: Daily 12pm-10pm

• Friday/Saturday Brunch: AED 199 with unlimited soft drinks, AED 269 with unlimited house beverages

• Average pricing: AED 110 and under per person

Hours: Daily 12pm-2:30am

5. Fibber Magee's - Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre

Dubai's oldest and most iconic Irish pub offers unmatched authenticity with fair pricing and world-class hospitality. This institutional boozer has built a reputation for the best Guinness in town.

Sports & Atmosphere: Multiple screens show football, rugby, F1, and horse racing. The pub maintains an authentic Irish atmosphere with live entertainment and traditional Irish folk music.

Food & Drink: Homely pub grub featuring traditional Irish comfort food. During happy hour, enjoy Hobgoblin and Goose Island IPA for AED 35-36 per pint. Their menu includes classics like Irish breakfast and shepherd's pie.

Pricing:

• Happy Hour beer: AED 35-36 per pint

• Business Lunch: AED 69 for main and house beverage

• Monday Madness: Special deals with great value for money

Hours: Daily 8am-3am

The Verdict

Dubai's European pub scene delivers authentic experiences that rival their continental counterparts. Double Decker leads for overall British authenticity and downtown convenience, while McGettigan's JLT offers the best Irish pub atmosphere. Belgian Beer Cafe provides the most extensive European beer selection, Long's Bar boasts unique bragging rights with the longest bar, and Fibber Magee's delivers unbeatable value with authentic Irish charm.

Each venue offers competitive pricing, typically ranging from AED 150-400 for two people, with extensive happy hour deals and special promotions throughout the week. Whether you're after Premier League action, craft beers, or traditional European pub fare, Dubai's European-styled pubs deliver the perfect blend of sports, suds, and atmosphere.