If you’re a die-hard Red Devil who fancies swapping the Manchester drizzle for a bit of Middle Eastern sunshine, Dubai might just be your next stop. Picture this: you’ve sorted yourself a weekly rent a car Dubai deal, you’re cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road in something that makes heads turn, and you’re heading off to catch Manchester United in action – all while living like absolute royalty. Sounds lush, right? Well, let’s have a chinwag about how to make it happen.
Swapping the Pub for Palm Jumeirah
Back in Blighty, we’re used to nipping down to the local, pint in hand, and catching the match with a few mates. But in Dubai, it’s a different kettle of fish. Here, you’ve got luxury sports bars with massive screens, plush seating, and service that’s a cut above. Imagine watching United smash in a late winner while lounging on a terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf – it’s proper posh, but still has that buzz you get at Old Trafford on a matchday.
Top tip: head to Barasti Beach Bar or McGettigan’s JLT. Both spots are lively, packed with expats, and have that rowdy footy atmosphere we all know and love – minus the freezing walk home after full-time.
The King’s Road… Dubai Style
Now, about getting around – Dubai’s not the sort of place you want to be faffing about with public transport. If you’re going all out, bag yourself a motor that makes you feel like a Premier League player. The beauty of a weekly rental is you can swap between something flash for the weekend – think a Lamborghini Huracán or a Rolls-Royce Wraith – and something more subtle for cruising the city.
Driving in Dubai is an experience in itself. Wide, spotless roads, jaw-dropping skylines, and a real sense that you’re somewhere special. It’s not just about getting from A to B; it’s about making the journey part of the adventure.
Matchday in the Emirates
Kick-off times can be a bit awkward with the time difference, but that just means more reason to make a proper evening of it. A lot of venues in Dubai cater specifically to the British expat crowd, so you’ll find plenty of places that stay open late or open early for those crucial games.
Fancy watching United while having a cheeky dip in a rooftop pool? Zero Gravity has you covered. Want something more refined? Check out The Scene by Simon Rimmer at Pier 7 – cracking grub, top-notch views of the marina, and all the live football you can handle.
Off the Pitch Adventures
Of course, you can’t spend your entire trip glued to the telly. Dubai’s got plenty to offer when United aren’t playing. Take your rented wheels out to the desert for a dune-bashing session, cruise along the coastline to Abu Dhabi for a day trip, or go full tourist and check out the Burj Khalifa.
And here’s the beauty – with a proper set of wheels, you’re not tied to anyone else’s schedule. You can wake up when you fancy, hit the road, and make the most of your time in the Emirates. None of that standing around waiting for a cab nonsense.
Final Whistle
For Manchester United fans, Dubai offers something you simply can’t get back home – wall-to-wall sunshine, luxury at every turn, and the chance to watch your team in style. Add in a swish motor for the week, a few pints in a buzzing sports bar, and a bit of desert adventure, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate football getaway.
So pack your shirt, bring your banter, and get ready to swap the Stretford End for a seat with a sea view. The desert is calling – and it’s time to answer in true United style.
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