Where to Stay in UAE during World Cup 2022

As visitors get ready to experience the World Cup in Qatar in November, finding the right accommodation is essential. Neighboring countries like the United Arab Emirates have a range of top-notch hotels, world-class restaurants, and stunning attractions, providing visitors with an exhilarating city base from which to travel further afield. Find where to stay in UAE during World Cup 2022 by browsing these hotels, which feature essential amenities that make your stay more comfortable. Alongside hotel offerings, visitors should also consider their transportation options to and from the airport as well as around the metropolitan city of Dubai where most top-tier hotels and apartments are situated.

Need-to-Know Transportation Essentials

Dubai International Airport, is the busiest international airport in the world. Fortunately, Doha is just a short hop away from Dubai thanks to a flight time of approximately one hour and 10 minutes. Airlines like Qatar Airways and flydubai have direct flights between the cities, making it easy for football fans to get to and from matches.

For guests flying in and out of Dubai International Airport, there are a few options for getting from the airport to a hotel. Taxis are considered one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways of getting around Dubai. A taxi ride from the airport takes about 15 minutes to get to the city center. A helpful tip: pink-topped taxis are driven by women for women passengers and families.

Travelers can also choose to take the metro from the airport. The journey takes about 24 minutes. Dubai‘s metro system features two lines: a red line and a green line. The red line travels along the main highway, Sheikh Zayed Road, and it stops at many popular tourist attractions, including the Mall of the Emirates and Burj Khalifa. The metro is divided into seven zones and the fare will depend on which zones a passenger travels through.

In addition to the taxi and the metro, Dubai features a few other ways to get around, including its waterways. The Dubai Waterbus takes visitors and residents at points around the Dubai Marina. The Dubai Water Taxi is more extensive and boasts 44 locations across two zones from which travelers can hop on and off. Finally, visitors can take a step back in time by traveling across Dubai Creek by way of a traditional wooden boat, called an abra. The journey only takes five minutes, but the experience is well worth it.

Travelers planning on spending some extra time around Dubai may wish to purchase a NOL pass. This pass allows travelers to pay for their travel across Dubai Metro, Buses, Dubai Tram, and Waterbus.

Where to Stay in UAE During World Cup 2022

The UAE is well-known for its luxurious hotels. Many of the best hotels can be found near Dubai‘s city center and are well situated near local transportation stations, like the tram or the metro.

Suha JBR hotel apartments

Located in the Dubai Marina, Suha JBR hotel apartments offers 4-star accommodation and plenty of amenities. Apartments feature a kitchenette, toiletries, bathrobes, and a separate dining and living area. Guests can wash clothes with the included washing machine. While the beach is mere steps from the apartments, there is also a swimming pool on-site for guests to enjoy. The nearest Metro stop is DMCC Metro.

Number One Tower Suites Hotel

North of Burj Khalifa, the newly renovated Number One Tower Suites Hotel is conveniently appointed near both the Financial Center Metro Station and Sheikh Zayed Road. Rooms vary in size from a suite to a four-bedroom, all with views of the city. Room amenities include free wi-fi, slippers, a mini bar, a refrigerator, and an in-room safe box. Guests who’ve stayed at this three-and-a-half-star hotel note its excellent breakfast.

Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai

Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai, a five-star hotel next to the Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall, has it all including a fitness center, spa, and several restaurants, plus 24-hour room service. There’s a rooftop terrace complete with a bar and a pool too. Room styles include both apartments and suites. Guests will enjoy the separate shower and bathtub as well as a balcony/terrace, flat-screen TV, blackout curtains, and a free welcome drink.

Emirates Grand Hotel

The four-star Emirates Grand Hotel offers travelers quick and easy access to the nearby Financial Center Metro Station stop as well as the main highway Sheikh Zayed Road. Along with an option for an airport transfer, this hotel features luggage storage, 24-hour front desk service, a fitness center, and a sauna. Select rooms include a separate living room and a balcony or terrace. Guests traveling in groups might consider a two-bedroom apartment that comes with two bathrooms. Breakfast is available each morning and the hotel can make accommodations for special dietary needs, such as halal.

Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments

The four-star Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments is conveniently located near the Barsha Heights area and it’s close to the Dubai Internet City Metro Station. Guests will appreciate its 24-hour check-in, free car parking, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Airport transfer is available. Select guestrooms offer a sea view, blackout curtains, and air conditioning. Some rooms include a dining table, microwave, and refrigerator, while apartment-styled rooms feature a full kitchen. Breakfast options are available at additional cost. Guests will also find on-site restaurants as well as an outdoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and a hot tub.

Top Attractions & Things to Do in UAE

Dubai‘s most famous attraction is the Burj Khalifa. It’s the world’s tallest building at 829.8 meters tall. Visitors can get a sweeping panoramic view of the city from the building’s outdoor observation deck which is located on the 124th floor. It’s highly recommended that visitors wishing to visit the observation deck book tickets online in advance.

Just outside of the Burj Khalifa is the Dubai Fountain, a choreographed fountain that features thousands of lights as well as colored projectors. Performances occur during the afternoon and at night.

There are numerous aquariums in Dubai, but perhaps none as well-known as the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Located at Dubai Mall, (itself a noteworthy attraction, being the largest mall in the world), the aquarium features a 48-meter tunnel for visitors to walk through. Above the tunnel is the aquarium, filled with fish, sharks, and stingrays. The Underwater Zoo includes three distinct areas: the Rainforest area, the Rocky Shore area, and the Living Ocean. At the Underwater Zoo, guests will find sea animals like otters, penguins, and jellyfish.

Visitors who wish to take in some history during their stay will do well to explore Bastakia Quarter for a taste of old Dubai. Situated along Dubai Creek, this area was first populated by merchants in the late 1800s. Now it’s frequented by tourists who come to see its old architecture and meander through its winding streets. Art galleries abound here, as do cafes and hotels. The Arabian Tea House Cafe is a popular spot for refreshments and food.

Jumeirah Beach Residence hosts both residents and tourists alike. It’s home to plenty of apartments and hotels as well as a mile-long sandy beachfront. A retail space aptly named The Beach features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. This area is also within easy walking distance from transportation options, including the Waterbus and Metro.

Desert adventures await just on the outskirts of Dubai. Visitors can take a desert safari that features a traditional-inspired Bedouin camp for tourists to dine at after a day of exploration. High-adrenaline ATV rides are a must for the daring, as these excursions allow guests to take the wheel of their own vehicle. For nature lovers, a tour through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a must. Plus, there are other ways to get around aside from Land Rovers and ATVs. Sandboarding, camel rides, hot air balloon rides, bikes, and even paramotors are all possibilities here.