Dubai – A Footballer’s Paradise?
Let’s face it, Dubai is the ultimate destination for the rich and famous – particularly Instagrammers, Reality TV stars – and football stars.
Dubai is the biggest name in luxury… and if you’re scrolling through social media, there won’t be a time when some famous person is posting a sunbathing pic, drink in hand, as they take in everything the place has to offer. But that then begs the question… ‘What does it have to offer?’ and ‘Why is it so popular with so many of our top football stars?’
With serious luxury and world-class training facilities, tax-free shopping for the WAGS and as much privacy as they want, let’s take a look at why it’s the holiday hotspot for footballers.
The Most Luxurious and Exclusive Resorts
They have money… and a lot of it – which means that any Premier League footballer will expect to have unlimited access to the finer things in life – and Dubai caters to their every whim and wish, with some of the most impressively opulent hotels and resorts in the world.
You’ll find them hanging out at some of the most iconic destinations, like the Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, where they’ll be treated with utter luxury, the most gorgeous private villas, and ultimate service. If someone’s looking for an ultra-exclusive experience – as most millionaire football players are, then private islands and resorts like the Bulgari Resort Dubai are perfect.
The Best Training Facilities in the World
These guys work out hard – those players who are constantly striving to get their teams to the top of the Champions League betting odds need to make sure they are always in peak physical condition, even on holiday. And in Dubai, they have access to some of the best sports and training facilities in the world so they can always be in peak fitness even while they’re enjoying some downtime by the pool.
There’s the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex, which is hugely popular with athletes thanks to its state-of-the-art gym equipment, recovery centres – and for those who want to get some shooting and tackling practice in, it even has full-sized football pitches. So good are the facilities, that lots of top teams also organise training camps in Dubai!
Perfect Climate for Recovery Time
With sunshine and warm weather all year round, it’s a great place for a bit of R&R. It has a proper desert climate that’s really beneficial for relaxing your muscles and recovering from injuries, so it’s a great place to heal if they’ve had a tough season. With high-end wellness spas, massage therapies, and cryotherapy centres – it’s the ultimate recovery destination.
Party the Night Away
Let’s face it, Footballers like to play as hard as they work – and Dubai is well known for its seriously extravagant nightlife, Sandboarding on the dunes and exclusive clubs and lounges that are there for big-money football stars. And there’s no denying that they’ll get to enjoy some serious VIP experiences at some of the most renowned venues. Places like WHITE Dubai, Billionaire Mansion, and Soho Garden are always places that attract the big names. The top clubs and bars offer private booths, bottle service, and a discreet environment so megastar footballers can do what they like without any unwanted attention.
Tax-Free Shopping
OK, footballers don’t need to save money – but who says no? And Dubai is a literal paradise for footballers – who spend a lot of money on high-end fashion, watches, and jewellery. They can enjoy as much tax-free shopping as they want at world-famous malls like The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
They are packed with designer boutiques – you can get things like exclusive limited-edition trainers and custom-made suits – and it’s a shopping experience for those who have a lot of money to spend!
A Real Football Culture
Football is also super popular in Dubai – and it’s a city that loves hosting football-related events, training camps, and even a few of the pre-season friendlies for some of the top European clubs.
The UAE Pro League and various local football academies also add to the footballing culture. Footballers who holiday in Dubai can chat with fans, take part in charity matches, or even train with local teams, making it another big attraction for footy players.
Dubai is hot and happening… and if you’re a footballer, it’s definitely the place to be!
