If you left booking your Fifa World Cup final plans until the last minute, chances are you’re already too late.
As Spain and Argentina prepare to battle for football’s biggest prize on Sunday night, July 19, fans across the UAE have been scrambling to secure tables at sports bars, restaurants and fan zones, only to discover that many venues have been fully booked days before kick-off.
For many supporters, finding somewhere to watch the final became almost as competitive as the match itself.
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“I started looking on Friday,” said Dubai resident David Fakhouri. “Every place I called was either fully booked or had a waiting list. We weren’t even looking for anything fancy. We just wanted somewhere with a good atmosphere.”
David said what began as a simple plan quickly turned into a group effort, with friends splitting up the search and calling different venues across the city.
“At one point, everyone in our group was calling somewhere different. Every time someone found a place, it would already be full by the time we called.”
Sahar Shihab had a similar experience.
“We thought we’d have plenty of time because there are so many places showing football in Dubai,” she said. “Instead, every venue we wanted was already reserved.”
After exhausting several options, the group widened its search to venues operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Even then, people were telling us to arrive hours before kick-off because they expected huge crowds,” Sahar said. “It wasn’t just about getting a table anymore. It became about getting through the door.”
For Ralph Hadchiti, the search highlighted just how much excitement the tournament has generated across the UAE.
“You could really feel that everyone wanted to be part of the final,” he said. “Normally, we’d decide on the day where to go, but this time that wasn’t possible.”
The group said they had been messaging friends, checking social media and refreshing booking platforms throughout the weekend in the hope that a cancellation would appear.
Their experience reflects the growing popularity of communal sports viewing in the UAE, where football fans from dozens of nationalities gather to watch major international tournaments together.
With Argentina chasing another World Cup title and Spain hoping to lift the trophy, many supporters said watching the match at home simply wasn’t an option.
Across the city, sports bars and restaurants have transformed into football hubs throughout the tournament, offering giant screens, themed menus and match-day experiences that have drawn thousands of fans.
The rush has been particularly intense for the final, with many venues reaching capacity well before match day as supporters rushed to secure the best seats.
For Shihab and her friends, the search is still on.
“We’re determined to find somewhere,” she said. “Even if we have to queue early or end up standing, we just want to experience the final with other football fans. That’s what makes nights like this special.”
As kick-off approaches, anyone without a reservation may have to rely on cancellations, arrive several hours early at walk-in venues, or prepare for an unforgettable night from the sofa instead.
Source: Khaleej Times