Bars and Nightlife in Dubai

Bars and Nightlife in Dubai

Dubai, has an excellent nightlife scene (except for Monday's which tends to be pretty dead) with a large choice of bars and nightclubs for you to be able to enjoy whilst there. Below is a list of some of the more popular bars, with a review that will help you to choose where to go and when. You will need to know that most of the bars that can serve alcohol are only in hotels, there are though a few exceptions, and most of these are reviewed here. Dubai also has some interesting laws regarding clubs; they all must close at 3 am, you must be 21 to drink alcohol, 25 to enter a nightclub, and interestingly they are not allowed by law to refuse entrance to anyone, including members only clubs. Having said that this does not mean that you will be able to walk into any members club free of charge, a lot of the members clubs have very high entrance fees, that they will charge you if you do insist on applying the law and entering the club. This to be honest is a good thing as it allows the clubs to ensure a good mixture of clientele. We have included below tips on how to get into some of the most exclusive clubs, so please do read the reviews thoroughly. Have a great time.

Many people expect the U.A.E., being an Islamic country, to have a pretty tame nightlife. This is definitely not the case in Dubai. There are plenty of bars and clubs (most based in hotels in order to serve alcohol) attracting a lively and eclectic crowd. Most nightclubs have cover charges, and drinks tend to be pricey. Virtually every bar in town has a resident band and deejay, and there are a few jazz bars and piano lounges with excellent live performers.

Most bars don't start filling up until at least 9 pm, and the nightclubs are practically empty until about 11 pm. Thursday is always busy because it's the start of most people's weekend. Tuesday is Ladies Night at many places. Most bars and clubs close by about 3 am, and there are usually plenty of cabs waiting outside to take you home. The great thing about Dubai is that crime is virtually unheard of, so you are perfectly safe getting a cab or walking back to your hotel even in the early hours of the morning.

Although it isn't openly discussed, some bars and clubs have a "door policy," which is sometimes blatantly racist. If you find this is the case, arguing with the doorman rarely makes a difference -- just don't give that place your business.