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Dubai is party central for the Middle East. Expats here work hard and play hard, so there's no excuse for sitting in your hotel room watching reruns of Friends dubbed in Arabic. The city has action of every type—ultra-cool cocktail bars, beach clubs with day-into-night partying, desert terraces for sharing a glass of champagne,
Dubai is party central for the Middle East. Expats here work hard and play hard, so there's no excuse for sitting in your hotel room watching reruns of Friends dubbed in Arabic. The city has action of every type—ultra-cool cocktail bars, beach clubs with day-into-night
Dubai is party central for the Middle East. Expats here work hard and play hard, so there's no excuse for sitting in you
Dubai is party central for the Middle East. Expats here work hard and play hard, so there's no excuse for sitting in your hotel room watching reruns of Friends dubbed in Arabic. The city has action of every type—ultra-cool cocktail bars, beach clubs with day-into-night partying, desert terraces for sharing a glass of champagne, sports bars and pubs with monumental flat-screen TVs, and designer-label nightclubs where you can dance until dawn.
You may have to refinance your mortgage to pay for a serious night out in Dubai. Alcohol is served only on licensed premises—usually attached to international hotels—and the prices are often exorbitant. You have to be 21 to order drinks or stand in bar areas where alcohol is being served, and an ID will often be demanded. In addition, some popular clubs restrict entry to clients based on their appearance. People love to dress up in Dubai, so be sure to follow suit for your evening of clubbing; otherwise you may be left on the curb. Sandals are not allowed in clubs.
Live music is popular in the city, and tends to sit at extremes of the spectrum—cover bands perform in dive bars and mainstream international artists play for tens of thousands. Classic performance arts have had a thin presence, however recent years have brought welcome change thanks to the growing population, opening of the Dubai Opera House and the increasing quality of acts at venues like Madinat Theatre.
Movies have always been popular in the Middle East. Large multiplex centers show the latest blockbusters from Hollywood and Bollywood, as well as films from around the Arabic-speaking world. Here, going to the movies is a luxurious experience; theaters with food designed by Michelin-starred chefs, kids-only zones, and of course the latest in high-tech viewing, such as 4DX and IMAX.
This place is exactly what it says on the cover, no pretense or broken promises. It's a laid-back venue, full of grunge princesses and old rockers from all nationalities. There is a menu, but most come later for the music. Rather than being mainstream, the lineup usually consists of the best artists from their respective cities, and loyal fans will fill the room.
Mankhool Rd., Mankhool, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This Arabesque nightclub is a huge hit with the local crowd, with a range of music that is both contemporary and decidedly Khaliji (Emirati). The large space is lined with leather booths and benches, and although there is a packed dance floor, most like to hole up at one of the VIP tables (which always have a minimum spend). The crowd is Arab and Eastern European in the main, well dressed, and ready to party.
Sheikh Rashid Rd., Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Until Meliá opened in Bur Dubai, it was hard to find any semblance of "new Dubai" within this venerable district. Estrella’s might be in Old Dubai, but it definitely looks forward, and even has the new Dubai view of spiky skyscrapers to complete the image. The lounge centers on the rooftop pool, and is bathed in pink ambient light. Come for a sundowner, enjoy tunes mixed by a DJ, (often with a subcontinental flavor), and stay for some very decent bar food and shisha.
21st St., Mankhool, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Come early and tuck into some of the best vindaloo in the city, and watch the crowds fill in as it gets later in the evening. This place draws all types: expect couples and families, young and old, and for music, Bollywood tunes or '80s anthems. The venue has a ramshackle feel, but the food is decent, the drinks well-priced, and it has a singular atmosphere.
Khalid bin waleed Rd., Bur Dubai, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Definitely a Dubai original, many overlook Karama Rock Bottom for its newer sibling in Barsha Heights. It's completely shabby and dated, but still well patronized due to the happy hours, ladies' nights that involve free drinks all evening, and half-priced drinks offered to Emirates staff. For most, Rock Bottom's draw is its simplicity; it lacks the pretension of the rest of Dubai. There is a pool table, live music, and basic pub grub with a Tex Mex leaning.
Sheikh Khalifah Bin Zayed Rd., Karama, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
As with most of the popular bars in this part of the city, Seville's is no newcomer. Luckily the decor has held up well over the years, and the whole space exudes rustic Iberian charm, paired with a menu that sticks with Spanish classics. Most come here for the sangria however, which is downed by the pitcher by a convivial and laid-back crowd. There are happy hours most nights (around 4--7 pm), and the rooftop is a lovely place to have a couple of quiet beverages before the entertainment starts (usually salsa classes or live music).
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