In the multinational UAE, the Olympics offer the chance for all 120 resident nationalities to question their loyalties as they try and determine who to root for.
And of course, in our book, it's also the opportunity to gather round with your mates and score a round off their (losing) choices.
There are plenty of places to do that this month.
Break the tape at Champions, over at the JW Marriott, which is putting up Olympic flags and dressing its staff in keeping with the theme. Giant screens telecast the highlights of the day, and as you might expect, there's a menu to fit the occasion: try the Golden Leap onion rings or their Olympic salad.
"We expect the event to bring in a lot of business," says MS Bobby, cluster director of marketing communications and PR, Marriott Dubai.
"Sports events are always big draws, because people like to come in with their friends and watch the Olympic Games."
But if Deira is too far away for you, Barasti at Le Meridien Mina Seyhai has gold, silver and bronze food and beverage deals, with the major events screened on the lawn.
Scarlett's, at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, is showing the big events on a projector, while five screens bring the action to a corner near you.
Double Decker, Fibber Magee's, the Player's Lounge and good old Waxy O'Conners will all also be showing the 29th Games.
And if you would rather make a day trip of it, the Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah promises a live broadcast at Astro's, their outlet overlooking the Indian Ocean.
But for those who want their action less adulterated by the noise and smoke of your neighbourhood dive, there's always the telly and the comfort of your couch.
The Dubai Sports Channel and Abu Dhabi Sports Channels are both broadcasting the Olympic Games free, from this afternoon's opening ceremony until closing on August 24.
From tomorrow, Dubai Sports will air the Games from 8am to 8pm, with a midnight newscast.