Dubai Hammers
Chairman: Dave Leader
Founded: 2012
Based: Nelson Bar, Media Rotana Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai, UAE
Facebook: Dubai Hammers
Twitter: DubaiHammers
Website: dubaihammers.co.uk
How did your Supporters' Club begin?
The Dubai Hammers have grown year on year for the last ten years, since a group of lads who were disappointed not to be able to get home for the Play-Off final in 2012, decided to get together and watch it.
The club is sponsored by and based at Media Rotana Hotel and we can be found each week in Nelson's Pub where we have our own area – The Moore Room.
If you are in Dubai on a match day, jump in a taxi and ask for Media Rotana at Barsha Heights.
All Hammers are welcome, we have discounts and deals on drinks, souvenir t-shirts and we even pass round free chip butties at half time and our signature pie, mash & liquor is also on the menu!
Make us a point of call if you are on holiday in Dubai!
Have you always been a West Ham supporter?
I personally have been a West Ham fan all my life, am still a Season Ticket Holder now with my son and try to attend matches when I can.
West Ham is in the blood – even in Dubai.
How do you follow the Hammers on a matchday?
The normal routine is to set off for the Supporters’ Club about an hour-and-a-half before kick-off, meet with the other lads and the banter then starts.
I have met people at the Supporters’ Club who are now lifelong friends.
We see every single game, every kick, every week. There is normally a nucleus of around 40 to 50 guys who get together in the Nelson’s Pub and they deck it out in flags and memorabilia and every game is shown live here so we are very fortunate.
What is your matchday routine?
None of this lucky socks or pants lark – just get the Dubai Hammers shirt on and we’re done!
How can other supporters join your Supporters' Club?
Those who live in Dubai can come to any game and join, we have a small charge which we use for prize money for ‘Guess the time of the first goal’, which always goes down well especially when it rolls over to a fair amount of money.
Holiday makers are made very welcome and can see our little piece of the East End if in Dubai on holiday.
