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Time of India
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
From Al Hilal to Al Nassr: The top 10 football clubs in the Gulf you should know in 2025
Top Gulf football clubs like Al Nassr are attracting global attention with star players and major investments/Image Credits: X The Gulf's football scene is heating up, driven by investment, continental ambitions, and growing local passion. These ten clubs lead the charge: 1. Al‑Hilal (Saudi Arabia) Saudi's elite club/Image: Wikipedia Elite status: Record 19 Saudi Pro League titles and 11 King's Cups. Most successful club in Asian history with 4 AFC Champions League trophies (1991, 2000, 2019, 2021) Recently knocked Barcelona off its pedestal by beating Manchester City at the Club World Cup, showcasing the Saudi Pro League 's rise. Impact: Backed by Saudi's Public Investment Fund, they're blending legacy with world-class stars like João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Yassine Bounou, and Rúben Neves. This strategy has transformed them into a global brand and continental benchmark. 2. Al‑Ahli (Saudi Arabia) Recent AFC title/Image: Wikipedia Revival story: After being relegated in 2022, they swung back with the 2025 AFC Champions League Elite title, overcoming Japan's Kawasaki Frontale. Key factor: S trong investment post-2023, landing stars like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney; their journey 'completes a crazy journey', says coach Matthias Jaissle. 3. Al‑Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) Jeddah's champion club/Image: Wikipedia Champion pedigree: Two-time AFC Champions League winners (2004, 2005) Nine Saudi Pro League titles; current title contenders Momentum: Garden of strong local support and renewed ambition—set to be a major rival in continental competitions. 4. Al‑Nassr (Saudi Arabia) Star-studded club/Image: Wikipedia Global draw: Nine league titles, Arab Club Champions Cup winners Injected star power with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, and clinched their place in the 2025 ACL Elite quarter-finals Regional role : They're a high-profile brand attracting global sponsors, but performance expectations remain high. 5. Al‑Ain (UAE) Famous for ending unbeaten streaks/Image: Wikipedia Domestic power: 14 UAE Pro League titles and two ACL trophies (2003, 2024) Famous for eliminating Ronaldo's Al‑Nassr in the 2024 ACL quarter-finals ending Al‑Hilal's 34-match unbeaten streak Legacy: Well-structured academy, disciplined management, and consistent performance have cemented their influence. 6. Shabab Al‑Ahli (UAE) Dubai's powerhouse club/Image: Wikipedia Dubai's powerhouse: Nine Pro League titles, multiple domestic cups, and an IFFHS ranking among Asia's top clubs Influence: Strong grassroots development, youth systems, and a fan-centric model maintain their elite status. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo 7. Al‑Wasl (UAE) Dubai's Club of the Century/Image: Wikipedia Cultural icon: Seven Pro League titles and a revered legacy since the 1960s Local impact: "Club of the Century" in Dubai, nurtures homegrown talent and inspires local support and identity. 8. Al‑Nasr SC (UAE) One of the UAE's oldest clubs/Image: Wikipedia Foundational strength: One of the UAE's oldest clubs, founded in 1945, with multiple league successes Role: Maintains firm grassroots presence, develops local talent, and contributes heavily to Dubai's football narrative. 9. Al‑Sadd (Qatar) Qatar's continental club/Image: Wikipedia Continental star: Qatar Stars League leader with 64 domestic trophies Twice Asian champions (1989, 2011) Significance: Boosted by post‑World Cup infrastructure and deepened regional appeal, Al‑Sadd remains Qatar's dominant force. 10. Al‑Rayyan (Qatar) Known for consistent performance and legacy/Image: Wikipedia Traditional heavyweights: Eight league titles, six Emir Cup wins, and home of Ahmad bin Ali Stadium Presence: Deep local roots, fan-based momentum, and consistent top-tier performance define their legacy. Why These Clubs Matter in the Gulf Today Continental dominance: Saudi clubs lead with multiple ACL medals and Club World Cup breakthroughs Financial firepower: Backed by PIF and big names, Gulf leagues now attract stars away from Europe Cultural engines: UAE clubs to Qatar's post‑World Cup momentum, football is shaping national identity Tourism & youth impact: Clubs are key to sports tourism and building youth engagement across the Gulf
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Top 10 football clubs in the Gulf
The Gulf's football scene is heating up, driven by investment, continental ambitions, and growing local passion. These ten clubs lead the charge: 1. Al‑Hilal (Saudi Arabia) Saudi's premium club/Image: Wikipedia Elite status: Record 19 Saudi Pro League titles and 11 King's Cups. Most successful club in Asian history with 4 AFC Champions League trophies (1991, 2000, 2019, 2021) Recently knocked Barcelona off its pedestal by beating Manchester City at the Club World Cup, showcasing the Saudi Pro League 's rise. Impact: Backed by Saudi's Public Investment Fund, they're blending legacy with world-class stars like João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Yassine Bounou, and Rúben Neves. This strategy has transformed them into a global brand and continental benchmark. 2. Al‑Ahli (Saudi Arabia) AFC champions/Image: Wikipedia Revival story: After being relegated in 2022, they swung back with the 2025 AFC Champions League Elite title, overcoming Japan's Kawasaki Frontale. Key factor: S trong investment post-2023, landing stars like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Ivan Toney; their journey 'completes a crazy journey', says coach Matthias Jaissle. 3. Al‑Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) Jeddah's champion club/Image: Wikipedia Champion pedigree: Two-time AFC Champions League winners (2004, 2005) Nine Saudi Pro League titles; current title contenders Momentum: Garden of strong local support and renewed ambition—set to be a major rival in continental competitions. 4. Al‑Nassr (Saudi Arabia) Riyadh's high-profile club/Image: Wikipedia Global draw: Nine league titles, Arab Club Champions Cup winners Injected star power with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mané, and clinched their place in the 2025 ACL Elite quarter-finals Regional role : They're a high-profile brand attracting global sponsors, but performance expectations remain high. 5. Al‑Ain (UAE) UAE's domestic powerhouse/Image: Wikipedia Domestic power: 14 UAE Pro League titles and two ACL trophies (2003, 2024) Famous for eliminating Ronaldo's Al‑Nassr in the 2024 ACL quarter-finals ending Al‑Hilal's 34-match unbeaten streak Legacy: Well-structured academy, disciplined management, and consistent performance have cemented their influence. 6. Shabab Al‑Ahli (UAE) Dubai's powerhouse/Image: Wikipedia Dubai's powerhouse: Nine Pro League titles, multiple domestic cups, and an IFFHS ranking among Asia's top clubs Influence: Strong grassroots development, youth systems, and a fan-centric model maintain their elite status. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Most Successful Way of Intraday Trading is "Market Profile" TradeWise Learn More Undo 7. Al‑Wasl (UAE) Dubai's Club of the Century/Image: Wikipedia Cultural icon: Seven Pro League titles and a revered legacy since the 1960s Local impact: "Club of the Century" in Dubai, nurtures homegrown talent and inspires local support and identity. 8. Al‑Nasr SC (UAE) One of the UAE's oldest clubs/Image: Wikipedia Foundational strength: One of the UAE's oldest clubs, founded in 1945, with multiple league successes Role: Maintains firm grassroots presence, develops local talent, and contributes heavily to Dubai's football narrative. 9. Al‑Sadd (Qatar) Qatar's continental star/Image: Wikipedia Continental star: Qatar Stars League leader with 64 domestic trophies Twice Asian champions (1989, 2011) Significance: Boosted by post‑World Cup infrastructure and deepened regional appeal, Al‑Sadd remains Qatar's dominant force. 10. Al‑Rayyan (Qatar) Famous for consistent performance and legacy/Image: Wikipedia Traditional heavyweights: Eight league titles, six Emir Cup wins, and home of Ahmad bin Ali Stadium Presence: Deep local roots, fan-based momentum, and consistent top-tier performance define their legacy. Why These Clubs Matter in the Gulf Today Continental dominance: Saudi clubs lead with multiple ACL medals and Club World Cup breakthroughs Financial firepower: Backed by PIF and big names, Gulf leagues now attract stars away from Europe Cultural engines: UAE clubs to Qatar's post‑World Cup momentum, football is shaping national identity Tourism & youth impact: Clubs are key to sports tourism and building youth engagement across the Gulf
Time Out Dubai
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time Out Dubai
Where to watch the FIFA Club World Cup final in Dubai: Chelsea vs PSG on Sunday July 13
Following a month of upsets, great goals and outstanding football, it all comes down to two worthy finalists. The FIFA Club World Cup is an expanded 32-team tournament featuring continental champions of Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania. In 2025, it is being played in the United States, so football fans living in Dubai will need to be wary of the difference in time zones when making plans. There have been some shocks along the way with Saudi club Al Hilal knocking out Manchester City and Brazilian side Fluminense defeating Italian giants Inter. The final will be held on Sunday July 13 at 11pm GST and sees English giants Chelsea take on the reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain. Below, we let you know which teams qualified for the tournament and where to watch the FIFA Club World Cup in Dubai. What is the FIFA Club World Cup? In short, this is the club version of the quadrennial international knockout competition that makes football beloved across the globe. It means that instead of the likes of Spain and France, you'll see Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Previous editions of the Club World Cup have just featured the previous year's winners of every continental competition – such as the UEFA Champions League – but in 2025 the tournament will expand to 32 teams. The expansion has meant that qualification is slightly more complicated with four slots set aside for Asia, Africa and North America, six slots for South America, 12 slots for Europe and a slot each for Oceania and the tournament hosts. How Chelsea and PSG reached the final Chelsea have had an impressive tournament, facing teams from the USA, Brazil, Tunisia and Portugal during their run to the final. Comfortable wins against LAFC and ES Tunis in the group stage came either side of a humbling defeat at the hands of Flamengo. The English club then swept aside Benfica, Palmeiras and Fluminense en route to Sunday's final. PSG have continued their sensational form which saw them come into the tournament as favourites. The French and European champions have won 4-0 three times so far, brushing aside Atletico Madrid, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and, perhaps most impressively, Real Madrid. A routine 2-0 win against Seattle Sounders secured their place in the knockout rounds, following a surprise defeat in the group stage to Botafogo. In the quarter final, they were comfortable 2-0 winners over Bayern Munich despite getting two men sent off. So, who is actually playing in the FIFA Club World Cup? The official FIFA Club World Cup groups (Credit: FIFA) The FIFA Club World Cup will have Emirati representation in the form of the 2024 Asian Champions League winners Al Ain of Abu Dhabi. Saudi club Al-Hilal, who have the likes of João Cancelo and Sergej Milinković-Savić in their team, qualify as 2021 Asian champions. The two GCC regional sides will be joined by 2022 Asian champions Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan and the best-ranked remaining Asian club Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea. Africa will be represented by Egyptian club Al Ahly – who won the African Champions League in 2021, 2023 and 2024 – and the 2022 champions Wydad Casablanca. Espérance de Tunis of Tunisia and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa take up the remaining two slots as the next best-ranked clubs in Africa. Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City qualify as recent UEFA Champions League winners and the remaining European slots are taken up by the best-ranked eligible teams from the past four years. (Credit: VOX) These nine clubs, coincidentally, include the most recent UEFA Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain and Internazionale. The other European clubs are Bayern Munich, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atlético Madrid and Reb Bull Salzburg. South America will be represented by the four most recent Copa Libertadores winners – Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo – who all hail from Brazil. Argentinian giants River Plate and Boca Juniors take up the remaining two slots. North America will be represented by three recent winners of the CONCACAF Champions League – Monterrey and Pachuca of Mexico plus Seattle Sounders – and play-off winner Los Angeles FC. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami take up the host slot. Auckland City, an amateur team from New Zealand, will represent Oceania having won the last four editions of the OFC Champions League. Where to watch the FIFA Club World Cup in Dubai As a result of the tournament being held in the United States, kick-off times for viewers in the UAE will be a little later than usual. Matches will be broadcast live on DAZN across Dubai – but if you want to enjoy the action while out and about, check out our list below. 71 Sports Bar This bar is a go-to venue for any sport-lover in Dubai, particularly if you've got a big group. Somewhere to take the whole gang, you've got the option of the pool table if the match isn't going to plan. Open 9am – midnight. Trump International Golf Club Dubai, DAMAC Hills. (04 245 3988). Barasti Head to Barasti to watch the UEFA Champions League final in Dubai (Credit: Barasti) Barasti is a fail-safe option if you're looking for a lively spot to watch the match. High tables and lounging areas face the humongous screen that sits up front and centre outside, while smaller screens are dotted around inside if you can't find space. Open daily 9am-3am. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina, (04 318 1313). Bedrock (Credit: Bedrock) Bedrock is a modern sports bar with a fun twist. You'll be able to watch the FIFA Club World Cup on their 20 TV screens across the bar. Happy days. What's more, you'll also find darts boards and a golf simulator to blow off some steam should your team lose. Win-win. Open daily noon-2am. Pier 7 in Marina Promenade, Dubai Belgian Café (Credit: Belgian Cafe) Celebrate all things from Belgium here with special drinks and bites offers available throughout the season. Giant screens will show the FIFA Club World Cup action throughout the summer and you can expect a lively atmosphere. No minimum spend. Grand Millennium Dubai, Barsha Heights, (04 423 4100). Brighton Rock (Credit: Brighton Rock) This lively spot in JBR offers classic British fare. Usually broadcasts a wide variety of sports with the Club World Cup taking prime spot during the summer. Special deals include a daily happy hour until 8pm and daily two-for-one deals. Mon – Thu (2pm – 3am), Fri – Sat (noon – 3am), Sun (noon – 1am). Hilton Dubai The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residences (058 552 7017). Brooklyn Bar Dubai Credit: Brooklyn Bar Dubai There are loads of screens so you'll always have a good view, the draught hops list is decent and there are top deals on all the time. You'll find a daily happy hour until 9pm and daily deals on food. Open daily noon – 3am. Elite Byblos Hotel, Al Barsha, @brooklydubai (04 455 4800). Chalco's Cantina Credit: Chalco's Catina Located in the heart of Dubai Marina, this Mexican restaurant will have multiple big screens showing all the action. Football fans can tuck into buckets of hops from Dhs125, short measures for Dhs25 and a selection of Mexican bites for only Dhs35. Marina Gate, Dubai Marina, (052 112 8923). CLAW BBQ (Credit: Supplied) With a seven-hour happy hour, both CLAW locations in Dubai (JBR and the Palm) have become havens for football fans. For those who want a break from the action, there's pinball, air hockey, pool, a Bucking Bronco and more. Open Mon-Thu, noon-2am, Fri noon-3am, Sat 8am-3am, Sun 8am-2am. Pavilion at the Beach, Dubai Marina (04 577 4357). Open Sun-Thu noon-2am, Fri-Sat noon-3am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah (04 230 0054). Coterie Social With 19 high definition screens, this modern venue is worth considering as a place to watch the FIFA Club World Cup. The food is modern British comfort food. Think fish and chips, savoury pies, sticky toffee pudding and more. You'll also find UK-style mixed drinks here. Open 8am-2am. Level 2, IBN Battuta Mall (04 570 8072). Courtyard Elevate your match day further with delicious bites from the Courtyard's a la carte menu, featuring an array of modern Mediterranean dishes accompanied by refreshing sips. With its stylish décor and vibrant surroundings, Vida Creek Harbour provides the perfect setting to not just watch the game but to experience it in style. Vida Creek Harbour. (04 428 8888). Ernst Biergarten & Wirtshaus (Credit: Ernst) Any fan of hops will know all about Ernst. Located at 25hours Hotel One Central, two large screens will show the FIFA Club World Cup. Open noon – 1am. 25 Hours Hotel One Central, Trade Center Street (04 2102 51). Fibber Magee's Screens are dotted everywhere around this much-loved Irish pub, making it a perfect venue to watch the FIFA Club World Cup. If you're expecting to be able to enjoy the football in a quiet setting look elsewhere – because Fibbers seems to be a perennial home to a lively, Irish atmosphere. You'll find a six-hour happy hour between 2pm and 8pm with drinks starting from Dhs25, a Sunday to Friday happy hour between 1pm and 7pm as well as a Sunday roast from Dhs99. Open daily 8am-3am. Saeed Tower One, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 332 2400). Open Mun-Thu 9am-2am, Fri-Sat 9am-3am. Social Hotel, Barsha Heights. (04 332 2400) garden on 8 Credit: Garden on 8 With loads of screens (and two huge ones) dotted around the terrace area, you needn't look further for a top place to watch the FIFA Club World Cup in Dubai. The food menu offers classic pub fare – think burgers, pizzas, and some of the best chips about. Count us in. Open noon-2am. Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City (04 427 1000). Goose Island Tap House Where to watch the FIFA Club World Cup in Dubai (Credit: Goose Island Tap House) Goose Island is not just a sports bar for those who like to watch sport, it's also a popular choice for fans who want some friendly competition of their own as they eagerly await kick off. There are now two Goose Island venues in Dubai and they're both well worth checking out. Happy hour is between noon and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, extending until 8pm on weekdays at both venues. Open Sun-Wed noon-2am, Thu-Sat noon-3am. FIVE Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Village Circle, (04 455 9989). Open Mon – Thu noon – 2am, Fri – Sat 10am – 3am, Sun 10am – 2am. FIVE LUXE, JBR, (04 275 9999). H Bar H Bar, located in The H Dubai Hotel, is a top spot to catch the football. Boasting an all-day drinks promotion where guests can avail tasty discounts on hops, plus a happy hour until 7pm for those that want to get warmed up early, H Bar will be sure to keep you refreshed from kick-off to the final whistle. With the match playing on all three big screens in the bar, you won't miss a second of the action. Open 12.30pm-2am. Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre. (04 501 8620). Huddle Sports Bar & Grill Credit: The Huddle Bar This sports bar in Bur Dubai will be screening the big games during the tournament on massive screens. Expect deals on drinks and bites. Grab a pint and a bite to eat during the FIFA Club World Cup. Open daily until 3am. Huddle Sports Bar & Grill, Citymax Hotel, Kuwait Street (050 100 7065). ICON Bar & Lounge (Credit: Icon Sports Bar) This British-style bar is one of the most chilled-out spots in town to watch sport – and the FIFA Club World Cup is no different. What's more, the menu's stacked with bar bites and drink specials. Open daily noon-3am. Radisson Blu Media City, Dubai Media City ( 04 366 9111). Logs & Embers Jam-packed with plenty of screens showing the action from stateside, this American smokehouse looks to combine sport with slow-cooked meat and seafood. Open Mon-Thu 11am-midnight, Fri 11am-1am, Sat – Sun 10am-1am. Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah (052 109 6802). McCafferty's No matter which location of McCafferty's Irish bar you visit (they have one in JVC and another in Al Furjan) you can watch the tournament on the giant LED screens on the terraces. Whether moving about the venue or staying inside, HD TVs streaming the games are dotted throughout so you won't miss a thing. Craving Irish comfort food? Pick one of the belly-busting items on the menu. Open daily 10 am-2am. Circle Mall, JVC. (058 599 3623). Open Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-2am. Jebel Ali Village, Al Furjan. (04 422 1491). Open Mon-Thu 11am-1am, Fri 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 9am-2am. Pyramids Wafi, Oud Metha. (058 507 3623). McGettigan's Credit: McGettigan's There aren't many better places to watch sport in Dubai than at one of the city's McGettigan's branches. With screens dotted around every bar, these staple Irish pubs will be showing the football. You'll find a happy hour offering between Sunday and Friday at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the Factory on The Palm until 8pm. Open Mon – Thu noon – 2am, Fri noon – 3am, Sat – Sun 10am-3am. Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster J, JLT (04 356 0470). Open Sun-Thu noon-2am, Fri-Sat noon-3am. Dubai World Trade Centre (04 262 0407). Open Mon-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sun noon-2am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah (04 230 0062). Open Mon-Thu noon-2am, Fri 12pm-3am, Sat 10am-3am, Sun 10am-2am. Souk Madinat Jumeirah (04 447 0219). Open Mon-Fri 12.30pm-3am, Fri-Sat 10am-3am. The Walk, JBR (04 318 2580). Open Mon – Wed 4pm – 1am, Thu and Sun noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon – 2am. Dubai Science Park, Al Barsha South. (04 567 1400) McGettigan's Factory Credit: McGettigan's McGettigan's Factory at Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah has special group and individual packages throughout the tournament. Get unlimited drinks for two hours and front-row views for a minimum of 10 guests at Dhs199 per person or grab an individual package at Dhs219 for a solo trip. Bites include an Irish spice bag, steak sandwich and creamy shellfish risotto. Various packages. Sun Jun 15 – Sun Jul 15. Mon – Thu (4pm – 2am), Fri (noon – 2am) Sat – Sun (noon – 2am). McGettigan's Factory, Palm Jumeirah. (04 230 0063) @mcgettigansfactorythepalm. Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen With 12 screens, two levels, live music and a Friday brunch, Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen is a top venue to watch football in Dubai. It's an affordable spot where you can sit back and enjoy the Premier League in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Happy hour is every day between noon and 7pm with drinks starting from Dhs29. Open daily 10am-3am. Souk Madinat Jumeirah, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street (058 599 4659). Nell Gwynne If you're after affordable pints and a chilled-out spot to watch football, Nell Gwynne could be the place for you. In Dubai Marina, it's a prime location with a price list that's not overbearing. There are deals on hops buckets costing Dhs136 daily from 1pm and a happy hour from noon until 8pm every day. Open Mon-Fri 11am-3am, Sat-Sun 9am-3am. Marina Byblos Hotel, Al Hubob Sreet, Dubai Marina (04 448 8222). Nelson's If a traditional pub vibe is what you are after while watching the FIFA Club World Cup in Dubai then Nelson's at Media Rotana could work for you. With a wide array of hops on tap, it's a winner. Open Sat-Wed noon-2am, Thu and Fri noon-3am. Rotana Media, Barsha Heights, (04 435 0000). Offside Want to see kick-off on a 200-inch screen? Check out Offside in Dubai Marina. There is an additional eight screens and it's good for groups with lots of long tables and plenty of things to do before the games begin. Open noon-3am. JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR. (056 522 0219). Origins Don't miss out on the action with these fantastic opportunities to watch the Club World Cup in style at Vida Hotels and Resorts. Gather your friends, embrace the football fever, and enjoy every moment of the action in a very pretty setting. Deals include combo offers starting from just Dhs35 on drinks and bites. Vida Emirates Hills (04 872 8888). Phileas Fogg Happy hour anyone? Credit: Phileas Fogg's At Phileas Fogg you can watch the FIFA Club World Cup with a gorgeous golf course as your backdrop. If you want company, head over to the 33,000 sq ft space complete with a restaurant, pub, garden and a covered amphitheatre that can host up to 1,000 people. You will not be short of an atmosphere. Open Mon-Thu 11am-2am Fri-Sun 8am-3am. Montgomerie Golf Academy, Emirates Hills, (04 572 4477). Seven Sports Bar If you haven't been to Seven Sports Bar at NH Collection The Palm yet, now could be your time. With 13 big screens and spacious seating, it's as good a venue as any to watch the FIFA Club World Cup in Dubai. Open noon-2am. NH Collection Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (056 687 6319). The Blacksmith Where to celebrate watch the FIFA Club World Cup: The best treats, deals and things to do (Credit: Supplied) This Southern-style smokehouse is packed with big screens and will be putting on some not-to-be-missed drinks deals. Happy hour runs from 2pm until 8pm and again from 10pm until 1am with grape priced from as little as Dhs28. Open daily 2pm-2am. Wyndham Dubai Marina. info@ (04 4078 873). The Irish Village (Credit: The Irish Village) A favourite among sports-lovers in Dubai, this popular Irish pub is a cracking place to watch football. Having operated at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium for more than 20 years, it's a Dubai institution – and its Studio City venue is just as good. Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud (04 282 4750). Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-2am. Studio One, Dubai Studio City (04 241 8444). The Nine Gastropub (Credit: The Nine) There's a whole host of big screens, extended happy hours during all events, and more. Throughout the season the Friday, Saturday and Sunday kick-offs will all be covered with classic British food including a traditional Sunday roast and a lovely fry-up on Saturdays. Happy hour is every day between 4pm and 7pm with three beverages priced from Dhs129. 11.30am – 1am daily. Wafi, Sheikh Rashid Rd, Umm Hurair 2. The Stables (Credit: The Stables) With one large screen and multiple LED screens placed throughout this British gastropub, you won't miss a single moment. It serves up classic British fare from hearty pies and fish and chips. noon – 3am (Sun – Thu). noon – 3.30am (Fri – Sat). The Stables Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre 1. @thestablesdubai (054 417 7028) The Underground Pub Credit: The Underground Pub The Underground Pub will be showing the big game on HD screens. Expect drinks deals and tasty bar bites throughout the tournament. Open daily noon-3am, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection (04 399 500). UBK – Urban Bar & Kitchen Credit: UBK Expect regular special promotions throughout the season with new additions to the menu and drinks deals aplenty. With multiple screens, plenty of space and a lively vibe, it's set to be a fun place to be when it all kicks off. noon – 2am. Mövenpick Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Cluster A, JLT, @ubkdubai (04 438 0000). Other things to do in Dubai Dubai's 10 best sports bars, with great beverages and banging food Catch all the big games at these brilliant sports bars in Dubai Dubai happy hours: Best bar deals, offers and discounts Cheap drinks every night of the week? You've come to the right place Dubai ladies' night list: absolutely brilliant deals, offers and discounts Grab your girls for a fabulous Friday night
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rúben Neves serves as pallbearer at Diogo Jota's funeral after Al Hilal's Club World Cup match
Rúben Neves and João Cancelo flew to Portugal following Al Hilal's 2-1 defeat to Fluminense in the Club World Cup quarterfinals for the funeral of former teammate Diogo Jota. Neves served as a pallbearer for his close friend who died in a car crash with his brother André Silva in Spain on Thursday. Jota was 28 years old, Silva was 26. Advertisement Prior to the match with Fluminense, Neves posted a tribute to Jota on social media. "Wherever you are, I know you're going to read this, we've never been one for this sort of thing and maybe now I'll regret it a little," Neves wrote on an Instagram post. "But you know what you mean to me just as much as I know what I am to you." "When I go to the national team, you'll still be by my side at the dinner table, on the bus, on the plane... you'll always be there with me, as usual," he continued. "We'll keep laughing, making plans, sharing our lives with each other. I'll make sure you're always there and I'll make sure your family never lacks anything while you're there, far away but thinking of us, waiting for us..." During a moment of silence before the Club World Cup match began, Neves and Cancelo broke down with emotion for their former teammate. Players and staff from Liverpool, for whom Jota played in the Premier League, also traveled to Portugal for the funeral. Among those in attendance were captain Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slot. Jota originally joined Liverpool in 2020, scoring 47 goals with 15 assists in his 79 starts with the team, which won the Premier League title for the 2024-25 season. Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson of Liverpool FC, carry floral tributes for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at their funeral in Gondomar, Portugal. (Photo by) (Octavio Passos via Getty Images) Jota's death inspired tributes throughout the world on Friday. During Chelsea's Club World Cup match with Palmeiras, Jota's Portugal teammate Pedro Neto brought a jersey with the names Diogo and André onto the pitch. Advertisement Portuguese tennis players Nuno Borges and Francisco Cabral wore black ribbons during their matches at Wimbledon on Friday, as the All-England Club relaxed its all-white dress code to allow the players to pay tribute. At the first show of their reunion tour in Cardiff, Wales, the rock band Oasis had an image of Jota in his Liverpool jersey projected behind the stage. The cause of the crash that killed Jota and Silva is still ongoing. Police do not know who was driving the car and whether or not a blown tire caused the crash. The vehicle, a Lamborghini, was in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene. Advertisement The Spanish Civil Guard later confirmed to the Associated Press that Jota and Silva were killed in the crash, and their bodies were returned to Portugal for the funeral.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rúben Neves serves as pallbearer at Diogo Jota funeral after Al Hilal's Club World Cup match
Rúben Neves and João Cancelo flew to Portugal following Al Hilal's 2-1 defeat to Fluminense in the Club World Cup quarterfinals for the funeral of former Diogo Jota. Neves served as a pallbearer for his close friend who died in a car crash with his brother André Silva in Spain on Thursday. Jota was 28 years old, Silva was 26. Advertisement Prior to the match with Fluminense, Neves posted a tribute to Jota on social media. "Wherever you are, I know you're going to read this, we've never been one for this sort of thing and maybe now I'll regret it a little," Neves wrote on an Instagram post. "But you know what you mean to me just as much as I know what I am to you." "When I go to the national team, you'll still be by my side at the dinner table, on the bus, on the plane... you'll always be there with me, as usual," he continued. "We'll keep laughing, making plans, sharing our lives with each other. I'll make sure you're always there and I'll make sure your family never lacks anything while you're there, far away but thinking of us, waiting for us..." During a moment of silence before the Club World Cup match began, Neves and Cancelo broke down with emotion for their former teammate. Players and staff from Liverpool, for whom Jota played in the Premier League, also traveled to Portugal for the funeral. Among those in attendance were captain Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slot. Jota originally joined Liverpool in 2020, scoring 47 goals with 15 assists in his 79 starts with the team, which won the Premier League title for the 2024-25 season. Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson of Liverpool FC, carry floral tributes for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at their funeral in Gondomar, Portugal. (Photo by) (Octavio Passos via Getty Images) Jota's death inspired tributes throughout the world on Friday. During Chelsea's Club World Cup match with Palmeiras, Jota's Portugal teammate Pedro Neto brought a jersey with the names Diogo and André onto the pitch. Advertisement Portugese tennis players Nuno Borges and Francisco Cabral wore black ribbons during their matches at Wimbledon on Friday, as the All-England Club relaxed its all-white dress code to allow the players to pay tribute. At the first show of their reunion tour in Cardiff, Wales, the rock band Oasis had an image of Jota in his Liverpool jersey projected behind the stage. The cause of the crash that killed Jota and Silva is still ongoing. Police do not know who was driving the car and whether or not a blown tire caused the crash. The vehicle, a Lamborghini, was in flames when firefighters arrived on the scene. Advertisement The Spanish Civil Guard later confirmed to the Associated Press that Jota and Silva were killed in the crash, and their bodies were returned to Portugal for the funeral.
