Dubai is among the world’s most happening nightlife destinations and maintains a liberal liquor policy. Along with the city’s track record of safety and security, a large number of world-class tourist hotspots and shopping destinations, a lively nightlife is a key factor behind its popularity among younger residents and visitors.

In 2019, Dubai Duty Free sold over nine million cans of beer, three million whiskey bottles and 1.5 million bottles of wine. It reported sales of over $2 billion with liquor being the second in the top five selling categories. In April 2020, Dubai’s two alcohol distributors partnered to offer home delivery of beer, spirits and wine to the emirate’s residents.

In July 2019, the emirate loosened its liquor laws and allowed free alcohol licence to non-Muslim tourists above the age of 21 with a validity of 30 days. Bars and nightclubs are almost entirely limited to operating within hotel premises. However, tourists may now obtain a licence and buy alcohol from authorised liquor stores.

If you who prefer the charm of a pub or the hustle of a nightclub, you won’t have to travel far, whichever part of the town you may be in. The city offers everything from rooftop bars to trendy dance clubs and posh hotel lounges. Here’s a selection of some of the most popular ones.

(Covid-19 restrictions and social distancing norms may impact opening hours and capacity. Please check with the venue for latest updates.)

Pubs, Bars and Sports Lounges

Barasti Beach Bar

If you are fond of an open-air setting and views worth drinking in, Barasti Beach Bar in Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort is perfect to delight your senses by spending an eventful night in an energetic ambience.

Koubba Bar

Jumeirah Al Qasr describes the Koubba Bar as a relaxing, ambient terrace bar serving innovative refreshments and incredible views of the Burj Al Arab. The bar, located in Madinat Jumeirah, has a live performance every week. At Koubba Bar you can enjoy delicious pre-dinner drinks in the bar’s beautiful surroundings, with sunset-themed cocktails from their mixology trolley to complement the moment.

Issimo Bar

In terms of drink selection, Issimo Bar in the Hilton Dubai Creek and Dubliner’s in Village Terrace at Le Méridien Dubai are among the most popular. Issimo Bar is good for trying out new drinks, catching live sports action, or listening to upbeat music. It offers a tempting selection of classic bar food like nachillos and prawn tempuras to complement an extensive menu of drinks.

Hard Rock Café Dubai

If you’re in the mood to enjoy your night with live music performances, nothing comes close to the greatness of Hard Rock Café Dubai in Dubai Festival City. Enjoy the evening over the 2,700 square metres of space that features a stage for live performances, a private VIP function room, a separate lounge, and a beautiful outdoor terrace.

Irish Village

The Irish Village in Al Garhoud is a legend amongst expats for a good night out. It’s where you can experience Ireland in Dubai. The traditional wooden pub is steeped in its own character and has its own story to tell. Whether you decide to sit inside the traditional wooden pub or out on the terrace overlooking gardens and lake, traditional Irish music entertains you while you sample authentic meals served with a warm and friendly Irish smile.

Double Decker

Double Decker in Downtown Dubai celebrates everything that’s great about the British capital – from the grandiose coats of armour adorning the walls to the hordes of sunburnt punters parading around. With decent live music during the week, a mainstream DJ and karaoke at weekends, it is the plushest place in town with a very diverse menu.

D&A

D&A (Dhow and Anchor) in Jumeirah Beach Hotel offers a contemporary British casual dining experience. A bright and airy gastropub and terrace, D&A also screens live sporting action, especially football.

West Beach Bistro & Sports Lounge

At West Beach Bistro & Sports Lounge in Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, patrons can enjoy a long Happy Hour and tasty gastropub food while enjoying beverage packages. It is a perfect mid-point between a traditional sports bar and a chic lounge – catch all the latest sporting action on multiple screens or just lounge around with friends.

Sama Lounge

At Sama Lounge on the 35th floor terrace of Marriott’s Delta Hotels Jumeirah Beach (in JBR), enjoy a wide selection of drinks and socialise with friends after work or unwind on the weekends. The stylish rooftop bar offers sky-high picturesque views of Jumeirah Beach, Ain Dubai and Dubai Marina.

Somerset’s Bar

Somerset’s in Movenpick Hotel Oud Metha is an English pub with an electric atmosphere. Indulge in a game of darts or gather around the pool table along with watching sporting action on 13 different screens across the venue. Game nights – local or international matches, from football and tennis tournaments to F1 races and NBA games – come alive on three 60-inch HD television sets.

McGettigan’s

McGettigan’s, at JLT, DWTC, Hilton JBR and Souk Madinat Jumeirah, is as good as anything for dancing, drinking, clicking selfies with friends and general merriment. Fibber Magee’s, close to Crowne Plaza Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, maintains traditional Irish hospitality and has all kind of liquor available.

Belgian Beer Café

Belgian Café in Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is perfect for enjoying chilled drinks with live music. Discover the essence of Brussels in the heart of Dubai. From the vintage style two-floor wooden decor and a large bar counter to a generous terrace overlooking the city skyline. Pub grub at the city’s original Belgian Café includes a selection of premium mussel dishes and the best burgers in town.

Buddha-Bar Dubai

A wealth of sensory experiences awaits you at Buddha-Bar Dubai. Sophisticated interiors welcome visitors at the two-storeyed Dubai nightlife hotspot. Striking overhead chandeliers, opulent décor and large bay windows offering exceptional views of Dubai Marina wow patrons as they indulge in delicious flavours of Far-East & Asia. Savour an innovative menu inspired by the cuisines of China, Japan and Thailand in the Sodo dining room or party upstairs at the Dragon bar to the eclectic tunes from the resident DJ.

Long’s Bar

Long’s Bar at Towers Rotana on Sheikh Zayed Road has an impressive selection of drinks available and is open as late as three past midnight. It also houses a dance floor to add more excitement to your night with groovy tracks and a buoyant atmosphere.

Treehouse

Treehouse, a Mediterranean bar and terrace lounge in Taj Dubai, has a great ambience and an extraordinary selection of creative cocktails. An urban hideaway overlooking Burj Khalifa, Dubai Downtown and the Business Bay skyline, the bar extends an atmosphere of relaxation and chic above the bustling city. At night, the place comes to life with soulful deep house and R&B tunes by the resident DJs. In summers, Treehouse is fitted with airconditioned “Glasshouse” with shimmering fairy lights to make evenings and nights sparkly, cool and memorable. 

Bahri Bar

Bahri Bar in Jumeirah Mina A’Salam is among the most popular pubs in the city. A waterside bar with glorious sea views, laidback live music and DJ sets that start as the sun goes down. Bahri literally means ‘views of the sea’ – and as the name suggest, Bahri Bar is the perfect spot to take in the views of the waterways, the Arabian Gulf and the Burj Al Arab.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Dubai has a glitzy nightclub. Monday’s R&B night in Sensation is one of the city’s most popular events, with DJs, entertainment and an extensive cocktail menu. The club also holds dedicated hip-hop, Asian and ladies’ nights, when the bar is free for women before 1am.

On the rooftop of Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, White Dubai promises top international EDM DJs, the best tunes and a rammed dancefloor during the winter months.

Every Monday at Cirque Le Soir Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, it is hip-hop chic night. This is not your regular hip-hop night. The club offers different themed nights to suit all tastes. Everything from hip-hop to EDM goes, and the circus performers are there to make every night special.

Armani/Privé in Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa is a classic premiere nightclub – it is set in the world’s tallest building. Dubai’s best-dressed come out to play here. Designers are known to showcase couture collections here.

Billionaire Mansion is your best shot for partying like a billionaire. This place is a mix of glitzy dining and drinks and has a party atmosphere.

Cavalli Club, Dubai’s iconic nightspot since 2009, has a well-dressed clientele, live shows and DJ sets up for grabs at this award-winning club.

People by Crystal in Raffles Hotel is an old-school favourite with House and rhythm and blues are on the decks, and the club is open three days a week.