Where can I celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the UAE?
St Patrick’s Day in the UAE brings events and celebrations that connect with Irish traditions. It’s an opportunity for the Irish community in the Emirates to showcase the food, culture, music and modern spirit of Ireland and share the experience with the wider community. In recent years, more places in the UAE have marked St Patrick’s Day with their own local celebrations.
Landmarks go green for St Patrick’s Day in the UAE
This year will be the tenth year of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative. Hundreds of famous landmarks and sites around the world will be illuminated in green to celebrate Ireland’s national day. St Patrick’s Day in the UAE will include special green lighting at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club.
A recent change in visa rules allows UAE nationals to visit the Republic of Ireland without a permit so increasing numbers of Emiratis are visiting Irish on vacation. There are now two daily flights to Dublin from Dubai. St Patrick’s Day in UAE is a chance to celebrate the connections between the two destinations.
St Patrick’s Day Party at McGettigans
The Irish population of the UAE has increased in the last few years with more people choosing to find work and live in the Emirates. McGettigan’s Irish Pub, next to Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, has become a home away from home for Irish living in Dubai. It’s known for live music, comedy, sport events and quality food and refreshments.
For the third year, McGettigan’s will host their annual Paddy’s Day Party at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah Amphitheatre on Friday 15th March. Irish music talent performing at the event with include Gavin James and The Coronas.
Concerts at The Irish Village
The Irish Village venue at Al Garhoud, Dubai, is planning three days of music, dancing and family activities to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the UAE with a colorful collection of performers. All events are free entry. Starting on Thursday 16th March, entertainment will be provided by Ruaile Duaile on stage alongside MapleJacks, supported by DJ MArky Mark and traditional Irish dancers.
On St Patrick’s Day itself, Friday 17th March there will be live music all day. The next day, there will be a family celebration with petting zoo, face painting and a bouncy castle.
St Patrick’s Day in the UAE: Go for an Irish Brunch
This year, St Patrick’s Day will be celebrated on a Friday, so there will be an Irish theme to brunch events. Saffron, the popular Dubai brunch restaurant will serve Irish inspired refreshments alongside five-star culinary options. There will be more celebrations at The Dubliner’s bar in Le Meridien hotel with live music and a lively atmosphere. A St Patrick’s Day brunch event will also be held at Copper Dog at the Double Tree by Hilton in Jumeirah Beach Residence.
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St Patrick’s Day in the UAE: Irish bars and venues in United Arab Emirates
The most popular Irish bars and community venues in United Arab Emirates to find entertainment and celebrations for St Patrick’s Day are:
- McGettigan’s Irish Bar, next to Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai.
- The Dubliner’s, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai
- Irish Village, Al Garhoud
- Fibber Magee’s, Saeed Tower One, Dubai
- Fado Irish Pub, Oryx Hotel, Abu Dhabi
- PJ O’Reilly’s Irish Pub, Le Royal Meridien, Abu Dhabi
- Dublin Arms Irish Pub, Nihal Palace Hotel, Dubai
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