Nightlife in Dubai
Dubai is fast becoming one of the hottest nightlife scenes in the world, with regular visits from international DJs and superstars performing to intimate crowds. From local pubs to luxurious bars nestled in the skyline, this city has everything you could wish for.
Although it’s legal for anyone over the age of 21 to drink within resorts, there is zero tolerance for being drunk in public or drink driving. Make sure you carry your ID and get a taxi directly from the club back to your hotel.
Theatre and opera
The Dubai Opera is the creative heart of the city and guests can enjoy a myriad of shows from ballet and opera to West End hits and comedy.
Immerse your senses in the arts in this masterpiece of contemporary design in Downtown Dubai, located in the most prestigious square kilometre in the world.
You can indulge in a gourmet, pre-show dinner in the rooftop restaurant with views of the world’s tallest building. Or if you prefer, simply wander around the scenic sky garden before experiencing some of the best entertainment Dubai has to offer.
Live music
From pop to rock and jazz to samba, Dubai offers live music all week long across a multitude of venues. Many lively bars enjoy their own house bands to get you grooving during happy hour, while larger venues welcome international DJs to take to the decks.
Regularly visited by international superstars from Pink to Ed Sheeran, the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre is widely regarded as the pick of the bunch. Meanwhile, the Autism Rocks Arena is set to stage the likes of Guns and Roses, Bryan Adams and Justin Bieber.
Quizzes and karaoke
Quiz nights in Dubai enjoy chic settings in elegant bars and gastro-style pub food to munch on as you catch up with friends and ponder over who won a Golden Raspberry Award for both worst actor and worst actress in 2012.
Pub Quizology at The Underground Pub hosted by former Radio 1 DJ Danny Cee is one of Dubai’s most popular, with prizes usually taking the form of brunch and dinner vouchers.
Karaoke is also a regular feature of Dubai’s nightlife scene, from microphones placed in hotel bars to purpose built private booths and X Factor type competitions. The city’s latest venue comes in the form of the Blind Dragon, an opulent Asian-themed lounge offering private karaoke suites. Anything goes at this speak-easy-style sister of the original celebrity filled hotspot in Hollywood.
Sky high bars
No visit to Dubai would be complete without a visit to at least one of the city’s swankiest sky bars. From glitzy bars with 360-degree panoramic views of the twinkling city to lavish, cloud-scraping lounges, you’ll find cocktails and fizz on every sky-scraping corner.
On the 17th floor of The Raffles Hotel in the Wafi City development, enjoy Dubai’s take on ancient Egypt at Crossroads Cocktail bar surrounded by imposing pyramids, gold pillars and giant Pharaoh statues.
If you want to go higher still, take in the spectacular views among Dubai’s most elegant crowds at 40 Kong, located on the 40th floor of The H Hotel.
Cool club nights
As the city continues to grow, so does the clubbing scene, with new venues popping up every month. For an evening of sophistication, chill out to contemporary tunes at Club 360, located on a private pier a kilometre out into the Arabia Gulf. The unique circular venue often hosts international DJs and boasts some of the best views of the ocean and Burj-al-Arab.
If you want a night off from dressing up and sipping elegant cocktails, head down to Barasti at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort. Downstairs, guests can chill out with ambient live music, dancing bare feet on the white sand, while upstairs you’ll find cool beats and energetic party-goers.