If you’ve spent years shouting yourself hoarse from the Stretford End, it might be time to trade the drizzle of Manchester for the golden glow of the Middle East. Picture this – you’ve landed in the UAE, sorted yourself a 7 seater SUV rental Dubai deal, and you’re cruising past jaw-dropping skyscrapers on Sheikh Zayed Road with your mates in tow, all set for a week of football, sunshine, and a spot of luxury. Let’s face it – that’s the stuff proper away days are made of.
Trading Cold Pints for Sky-High Views
Back in Blighty, a pre-match pint down the local is almost law, but in Dubai, you’ll want to swap the sticky carpet and the bloke playing the fruit machine for a sleek rooftop bar with skyline views. From the beach bars at JBR to the buzzing terraces at Pier 7, the city’s got no shortage of places to watch United in style. Grab yourself a cold one, kick back in the warm evening air, and cheer on the lads while looking out over the marina – it’s a far cry from queueing at half-time for a lukewarm brew.
For a bit of atmosphere, check out McGettigan’s – it’s a proper expat favourite where you’ll find fellow Red Devils belting out chants like it’s a Saturday at Old Trafford. Fancy something more flash? Atelier M offers top-notch food and a seriously swanky setting, perfect if you want to impress.
Why a 7-Seater Makes Sense
Dubai isn’t the sort of place you want to be hopping on the bus with all your gear. With a 7 seater SUV rental, you’ve got the boot space for all your shirts, souvenirs, and shopping hauls – plus room for the whole squad. It’s perfect for piling in after a day at the beach or heading out for a night on the tiles. More importantly, you’ll feel like you’re in the Premier League yourself, rolling up in something that wouldn’t look out of place in a players’ car park.
And don’t think it’s all about the city centre. Having your own wheels means you can zip off to the desert for a bit of dune-bashing, take a day trip to Abu Dhabi to see the Yas Marina Circuit, or just cruise the coast with the windows down and the tunes up.
Matchday in the Emirates
The time difference means kick-offs don’t always land neatly in the evening, but that’s no bother – Dubai knows how to cater for its football-mad residents. Plenty of sports bars will keep the screens on whatever the hour. Whether it’s an early kick-off you watch over breakfast or a late-night Champions League clash, you’ll never be short of a spot to park yourself and catch every minute.
A cracking choice for big games is Barasti Beach Bar, where you can watch with your toes in the sand, or The Irish Village, which has been keeping expats happy for decades with proper hearty grub and a buzzing crowd.
Off the Pitch Fun
When the whistle’s not blowing, Dubai’s got enough to keep you busy for weeks. Hit the souks for a bit of haggling, take a speedboat tour around the Palm Jumeirah, or get your adrenaline pumping with a skydive over the city. And if you’re feeling flush, why not book a desert safari complete with a private dinner under the stars?
It’s the kind of trip that lets you mix your love of football with all the thrills of a luxury holiday – without having to sacrifice the camaraderie that makes the game so special.
Final Whistle
Swapping the Stretford End for Sheikh Zayed Road doesn’t mean giving up the matchday magic – it just means upgrading it. With a 7-seater SUV, you and your mates can explore the city, hit the best bars, and follow United’s every kick in serious comfort. Add in the sunshine, the beaches, and the unbeatable atmosphere, and you’ve got yourself a football fan’s dream trip.
So pack your scarf, dust off your best chants, and get ready to cheer the lads on from one of the world’s most glamorous backdrops. Dubai’s calling – and it’s got your name all over it.
Image Source: unsplash.com
