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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.
Eight thousand square meters of retro-garage-industrial space spread over two floors make up one of Dubai residents' favorite music venues. Local bands and acoustic sets occur at least three times a week, usually until late. Sometimes it's fairly relaxed—think sports on TV screens, pool tables, the roast of the day with a glass of red, or IPAs and buffalo wings. Most other times it's packed, either during their messy Friday brunch, riotous ladies night, or raucous game night. Service is not known to be the most attentive in Dubai, but just go with the vibe and you'll have a good time.
Sheikh Zayed Rd., Barsha Heights, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
No other club in Dubai can compete with Privé when it comes to elegance. Where many of the clubs in the region are flashy, bold, and intense, Privé hones it all down to a classy point, without losing any of the fun. It's a high-end night out, as you would expect, and the crowd will expect you to look as well-heeled as they do. Like the rest of the hotel, decor is monotone, sleek, and minimal, meaning the beauty of the clientele stands out. Tech is supreme; no expense has been spared when it comes to sound and lighting. Music genres range from night to night (e.g., R&B, hip-hop, house), and there are often international DJs bringing their own style to the decks.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Blvd., Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4-888--3308
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: No door charge, but table bookings require a minimum (3000 dirhams for a table of 6), Very strict door policy regarding dress code and gender (large groups of males are likely to be turned away)
True to its name, BSC keeps it sporty, casual, and very, very laid back. There are plenty of TV screens to catch live action, and an indoor "courtyard" with token greenery to give this place the feel of a Melbourne suburban pub and beer garden (Brunswick is an inner suburb of Melbourne, home town of the owners). The place is too small to host bands, but they do have a few DJs who tend to stick to soul and hip-hop, and their movie nights (complete with popcorn and bean bags) are fun way to spend an evening.
Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Providing a five-star aspect to after-work beers, Cafe Belge is a classier option for those who just want a simple drink without a rambunctious crowd or hipster leanings. Interiors are classically Belgian, with high-polished brass and coffered wood offset by gleaming floors and chandeliers. There is an excellent range of beer from all over the world, but there's also plenty of champagne and wine by the glass to wash down with your oysters or moules-frites. The courtyard is bright and airy, despite being enclosed within the Ritz Carlton box that surrounds it, and has the wonderful ability to stay cool, even in the Dubai summer.
Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Not for the timid, Cavalli club displays all the opulence, glamour, and materialistic notions that most people expect of Dubai. It's the kind of place you need to buy a new designer outfit for, just to blend in. The ceilings billow with Swarovski; the soft furnishings growl with the prints and textures of the world's most exotic animals, and the crowd mewl and guffaw with the secrets and lies of Dubai society. You'll find a DJ here on most nights, but there are special events and live music; check their Facebook page for details.
Sheikh Zayed Rd., World Trade Center area, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
4-332--9260
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Varies depending on night; usually includes food and/or beverage
Pronounced the French way, "cahve," this sleek venue takes its name from the wine cellars of France. The wine list often has more than 35 offers by the glass, and there is also an excellent selection of ports, sherries, and cognacs, perfect for vinofiles. The interior is modern bordello in style, with bedlike sofas and romantic nooks bathed in ambient green light. Rare for Dubai, the pork selection is excellent—there is always jamon Iberico being carved on the counter, along with other excellent charcuterie.
Sheikh Zayed Rd., World Trade Center, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
From the moment you spot the suits of armor and red telephone box, you'll know where you are. Premier League soccer games are broadcast on the big screens and accompanied by pints from the U.K. There's a beer garden to soak up good weather and conversation. Later in the evening expect live music or DJs spinning their favorite tracks, often golden oldies designed to pump up a British expat crowd. Brunches and happy hours can make this a less expensive night out than many in the area, but don't expect it to be pretty; it's raucous, rustic, and rough.
Al Safa St., DIFC, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Situated in a car park and not adhering to any regular schedule, Hobo is defines themselves as "a hangout for the nonconforming nomads," which is fitting for the expat nature of the city. The eclectic music is played on vinyl only and ranges from the 1970s onward. Interiors are dark and gloomy, contrasting with the graphic colors of contemporary street art, and have a squatter-chic feel. Nights start late—at 11 pm you'll find yourself eating pizza and sipping champagne to quiet tunes, and at 1 am the crowds pour in and the party begins.
Sheikh Zayed Rd., World Trade Center area, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A vibrant yet relaxed venue, this cozy spot is part lounge, part club (most nights feature live music), and part restaurant. Drinks are pricey, but you're paying for the ambience. The lively Retro Friday is their most popular night.
Al Sa'ada Rd, DIFC, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A Japanese speakeasy in a Thai hotel in Dubai? Why not? NBC is revealed behind a bookcase, and was one of Dubai's first hidden bars. Inside this cozy bar, the drink list is serious and the patrons are Dubai's hipster cliques. The focus here is on whiskey and cocktails, either separate or combined. Lounge music from a live band or DJ is often lightly funky and not too loud. Happy hours and promotions are worth checking out on their website before you go.
133 Sheikh Zayed Rd., DIFC, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
There are quite a few high-end Asian restaurants in Dubai that also house fabulous cocktail bars, (also of note, Okku, Hakkasan, and Play) but Zuma is possibly the most consistent. Its proximity to the Financial Center means there's always a healthy work crowd; ergo the dress code is fairly corporate. Differentiated areas within the drinking zones mean there's something for most, with a sake bar, casual lounge, and private areas. Cocktails are the drink of choice, with plenty of old-fashioned styling (ice carving and the like), with the obligatory blending of eastern flavors.
Al Sa'ada St., DIFC, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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