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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.
An unassuming exterior leads visitors into one of Dubai's most serious drink havens. In this contemporary basement space you might forget you're in a Muslim country, as alcohol is revered and respected with fervor. Bearded bartenders in leather aprons carve ice off the block, don't shy away from using kitchen ingredients in cocktails, and tend to tell you what you want to drink rather than the other way around. Background music is contemporary. The menu is worth checking out, but the wait tends to be long for dining.
Cluster P, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Although strictly a restaurant, Atelier M has a very clublike feel on the rooftop, and opening hours until 2 or 3 am prove the clientele aren't just there to eat. It's a very classy venue, two levels of Gatsby-esque glamour and 180-degree views across the Dubai Marina. The rooftop hosts international DJs and Dubai's hottest cliques, and the venue is known in particular for its hip-hop night. Cocktails and champagne are order of the day (or night), so it's not usually a cheap evening out. There are often food and beverage packages available, though, so check their website for details.
Marina Walk, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Barasti might be the old dame of bars and nightlife in Dubai, but it's still going strong. It's grown from a pub set on a large wooden jetty right on the water, through to a multilevel bar and club, with the largest live sports screen in the region, on-sand alfresco drinking spaces and plenty of room for international DJs and other live music. It shifts from a chilled-out venue to relax with a drink and shoot some pool, to dancing and general craziness depending on the evening. No matter the entertainment, the atmosphere is always easygoing and attracts all ages. Barasti also serves food and shisha.
Al Sufouh Rd., Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Part of a chain casting its net around the world, where better to establish a presence than in hot Dubai? The terraces of Buddha Bar overlook the mouth of Dubai Marina and the comings and goings of the multimillion-dollar gin palaces (yachts or sailboats). Subdued lighting contrasts with flamboyant Asian sculpture and fiery red and golden hues. The large space is divided into varied zones, meaning there's room for a romantic tête-à-tête, or striking a pose for the public. After many years, Buddha Bar still attracts the über-cool and monied crowd.
Al Sufouh Rd., Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Entering this retro number is like stepping onto the set of Tron. It's part pub, part club, part arcade, with a mix of '80s and '90s hits thumping out of the speakers unashamedly. The interior is warehouse-like and the crowd is laid-back and fun-loving, which is fortunate, because most nights it gets pretty jammed. There is a limited food menu, but it's sometimes hard to find a seat or some service. Most go for a casual brew and to boogie to some old-school classics. VIP tables are available, but be prepared to pay, and pay well.
The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
XL shares some traits with nearby Barasti, in that it's sprawling, by the beach, has DJs and live acts, and melds day into night without effort. But where Barasti is laid back, XL is full-on. Expect the crowd to dress up, play hard, and stay late. The Friday brunch is a (somewhat messy) institution; many come for a feed over lunch time, slip into the on-site pool to chill, then dance all night to warm up again. Note: some weeknights are a little sleepy, so it's best to head out on a Friday or when there's a major event.
Al Sufouh Rd., Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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