Football mania takes hold in Dubai – and not just for the World Cup

Fans are finding that Dubai is a football-focused destination, as they flock to the emirate to be close to the FIFA World Cup taking place in Qatar. Dubai World Central (DWC) airport is operating up to 120 shuttles a day to Qatar. A neighbour of the UAE, flights to Qatar take just an hour or so, however, many fans are happy to remain in Dubai and watch the tournament there.

Dubai has invested heavily in vast football fan zones, erecting stadiums with VIP seating and high-tech sound systems to make viewers feel like they’re in the heart of the action.

One of only six official FIFA Fan Festival stadiums in the world, BudX FIFA Fan Festival at Dubai Harbour is welcoming up to 10,000 fans a day. Hosted by local events company BRAG, CEO Ramzi Nakad believes that the high standard of the facilities led FIFA to select Dubai as an official fan zone destination.

“We’re very proud to host an official FIFA Fan Festival. Dubai is a city of the future. It’s got all the infrastructure and it’s got the hospitality,” says Nakad. “Dubai Harbour is an iconic new development where the new cruise terminal has been built. It’s perfectly located for the Fan Festival. You have the beautiful backdrop and the stunning view of JBR [Jumeirah Beach Residence], as well as the beach and Bluewaters Island. You can even watch the games from a yacht.”

In Dubai, an emirate with a population of around 80 to 90% expats, football fans can find like-minded followers by locating their dedicated supporters’ club; almost all major teams are represented in Dubai’s burgeoning fan club arena.

Kieran Lindsay is the chairman of England in Dubai, the supporters’ club for England fans. “For a number of years, I’ve been looking after the England in Dubai supporters’ club,