Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Doha: World Cup in the Middle East

The Experience

For the 2022 FIFA World Cup, we packed up the family and set off for a three-city journey through the Middle East — starting in Dubai, venturing into Abu Dhabi, and finally landing in Doha, Qatar, where the tournament came to life. Along the way, we met up with friends Scott and Xavier Lozen, shared unforgettable meals, rode Ferraris, and cheered on the US.

We kicked things off in Dubai, staying at the iconic Atlantis The Palm. If you’re traveling with kids, this place is a dream. Super family-friendly and packed with everything you could want — restaurants, waterpark, aquarium, and luxury across the board. Dubai itself is flashy and spread out, with massive attractions like the Burj Khalifa, which we toured VIP-style. It feels a lot like Vegas without the alcohol — a little goes a long way. Our favorite experience was a 4x4 desert safari and BBQ dinner, tearing through the dunes and dining under the stars. The kids absolutely loved the snow boarding down the sand dunes.

We even tried camel’s milk, just to say we did. It tastes exactly like it sounds — and it’s safe to say that was a one-and-done experience.

From there, we made our way to Abu Dhabi, which quickly became one of our favorite stops. It didn’t feel touristy like Dubai or Doha. Instead, it felt like the real playground of UAE’s wealth. We stayed at the WB Hotel, which was decked out with Warner Bros. characters and immersive design — great for families. The highlight? Ferrari World, where my wife and kids drove a Ferrari through the streets of Abu Dhabi. The roller coasters were world-class — a total thrill.

Finally, we headed to Doha, the heart of the World Cup. We stayed aboard the MSC World Europa, a cruise ship docked in the harbor. It was beautiful, with impeccable service and even a great slide onboard — a surprisingly fun and comfortable home base. We caught two key matches:

• USA vs. England at Al Bayt Stadium — a tense 0-0 draw that left the USA needing a win.

• USA vs. Iran at Al Thumama Stadium — where we watched the U.S. pull off a clutch 1-0 victory on November 29, 2022, and move on to the knockout round.

The stadiums were impressive, the fan energy was strong, and while Doha felt more like a business destination than a true vacation city, it still knew how to show up for the world stage. One of the absolute highlights was a low-key dinner at Shujaa Restaurant in Souq Waqif, where we waited patiently for some of the best grilled meat I’ve ever had. The place was humble, but the food was unforgettable.

What to Expect in the Cities

Dubai is clean, futuristic, and ultra-modern. It’s built to impress, with towering skyscrapers, over-the-top malls, and sprawling layouts. Getting around isn’t hard, but traffic can be brutal — especially when trying to leave the Palm. It’s an experience city: waterparks, safaris, skyscrapers, and curated luxury.

Abu Dhabi feels more grounded. It’s where you can feel the wealth without the crowds. The city felt more authentic and livable — calm, spacious, and incredibly clean. It gave off the sense that it was built for the people who actually live there, not just for tourists.

Doha was incredibly well-organized for the World Cup. It was polished, easy to navigate, and friendly. But even with all the lights and stadiums, it felt more like a corporate hub than a cultural destination. Still, with the energy of the games and the global crowd, it held its own.

Where We Stayed

• Atlantis The Palm – Dubai

Super family-friendly, super convenient, and a true luxury travel dream. Everything you need is right on location — from fine dining to the waterpark and aquarium. Perfect for families looking to play and relax in style.

• The WB Hotel – Abu Dahbi

Whimsical and well-done. Loved the Warner Bros. theme, which added fun without feeling gimmicky. Located near Yas Island and Ferrari World, it was the perfect spot for this leg of the trip.

• MSC World Europa – Doha

A floating hotel docked in the heart of the city. The ship was beautiful, service was impeccable, and yes — it even had a great slide. Easy access to stadiums and city sights made it one of the smartest places to stay during the tournament.

Eat and Drink

Let’s be honest — Middle Eastern hospitality can range from impeccable to meh, but you’re not flying here just for the food. Prices can be steep, especially anywhere serving alcohol, and while the quality is mostly high, the food scene is a mixed bag depending on where you go.

Impressions:

• Al Beiruti at The Pointe at The Palm - Dubai

Delicious Lebanese food and a killer view of the fountain show. A must-stop — and don’t forget to snap a picture of the fountains with Atlantis in the background.

• Wavehouse at Atlantis - The Palm - Dubai

Great sports bar fare. Perfect spot to catch a game or chill with the kids.

• Shawafel - The Atlantis - Dubai

Quick, casual, and really tasty shawarma and falafel. Fast food done right.

• Shujaa Restaurant – Souq Waqif – Doha

Easily the best meal of the trip. No frills, just incredible kebabs and grilled meat, fresh off the fire. Be prepared to wait — it’s worth it

Pro Tip: In Dubai, Head to The Pointe for dinner one night. There are tons of 4- and 5-star restaurants, and the fountain view alone makes the trip worth it

Tips for Travelers

Tips for Traveling the Middle East (World Cup or Otherwise)

For All Cities:

• Stay near the water. It’s hot — especially in Dubai, and proximity to the coastline makes a big difference.

• Use plenty of sunscreen. The desert sun is no joke, even in the winter months.

• Plan for traffic. In cities like Dubai, traffic is heavy and distances are long. Always leave extra travel time.

  Cultural & Practical Tips:

• Expect to spend. Food, lodging, and transportation are all high-end — but the quality generally matches the price.

• Dress smartly. You don’t have to be formal, but modest, respectful clothing is important — especially in Abu Dhabi and Doha.

• Be aware of “sin taxes.” Alcohol is available in many places, but it’s heavily taxed and very expensive. You’ll find a bar if you want one, but it’s not a casual part of the culture like it might be elsewhere.

• Don’t skip Abu Dhabi. It might not have the glam of Dubai, but it’s clean, calm, and incredibly enjoyable — one of our favorite stops on the tri

Final Thought

We truly enjoyed our trip to the Middle East. The people were incredibly welcoming, and everything — even in the desert heat — was impressively clean and well-maintained. Yes, prices were high, but so was the quality. And the sheer amount of wealth on display made it feel like Miami — just without South Beach or the wild nightlife.

If you’re going for an event like the World Cup, the region does a phenomenal job hosting. Just don’t expect the bar scene of Europe or the chaos of South America. You can absolutely find a drink, but the “sin tax” makes it a quick one