37 Best Bars in United Arab Emirates

Definitely a Dubai original, many overlook Karama Rock Bottom for its newer sibling in Barsha Heights. It's completely shabby and dated, but still well patronized due to the happy hours, ladies' nights that involve free drinks all evening, and half-priced drinks offered to Emirates staff. For most, Rock Bottom's draw is its simplicity; it lacks the pretension of the rest of Dubai. There is a pool table, live music, and basic pub grub with a Tex Mex leaning.

This bar flanks a casual yet elegant restaurant of the same name, and sits just short of the sand on the Four Seasons' private Jumeirah beach. The sun will reflect over the waters of the Arabian Gulf as you sip champagne in the alfresco lounge pit, complete with contemporary open fire and mellow tunes by a remarkably good in-house DJ. Happy hour (5--7 pm) makes this even more accessible. Shisha also available.

As with most of the popular bars in this part of the city, Seville's is no newcomer. Luckily the decor has held up well over the years, and the whole space exudes rustic Iberian charm, paired with a menu that sticks with Spanish classics. Most come here for the sangria however, which is downed by the pitcher by a convivial and laid-back crowd. There are happy hours most nights (around 4--7 pm), and the rooftop is a lovely place to have a couple of quiet beverages before the entertainment starts (usually salsa classes or live music).

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.

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.

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.