Dubai’s nightlife is mainly centred around the hotels and can start rather late. People tend to cat at around 9pm and therefore the bars and nightclubs don’t get busy until after 11pm. Most clubs are open until 3am and with, what is in essence, a three-day weekend, a youthful population, (some) with money to burn, a large tourist population present during most of the year and free drinks for ladies in many bars every Tuesday night, there is usually an active social life to be found most nights.

Although Dubai’s clubbing dress code is fairly casual, be sure that you gain entrance by wearing trousers, shoes and a collared shirt otherwise you may find yourself on the outside looking in!

The legal age requirement to gain access to the many bars and nightclubs in Dubai is 21 years of age and it is fairly rigidly enforced. If you are luckv enough to be of age but look younger it is advisable to take some form of ID with a photo and date of birth such as a driving licence or passport copy .

LADIEIS’ NIGHTS

In an attempt to promote the quieter nights of the week, normally Sundays and Tuesdays, certain pubs, bars and clubs offer drinks promotions to ladies to entice them inside, hoping, obviously that the men will follow closely behind and spend their hard-earned cash.

Bars, wine bars and pubs

There are numerous excellent licensed premises located throughout Dubai varying from British pub-style bars to luxuriously decorated and sophisticated venues featuring the most spectacular views. Thc list of bars below will give you an insight into the social scene of Dubai but it is not by any means, exhaustive.

Aussie Legends: On the ground floor of Rydges Plaza hotel  in Satwa, this friendly bar has a solid reputation as a fun drinking venue and sport-watching bar. Aussie Legends comes complete with large screen TV’s, pool tables and reasonably good food.

Bahri Bar: Situated within Mina Al Salam hotel  and overlooking the sea gently winding through the Madinat Jumeirah with the imposing Burj Al Arab hotel seemingly close enough to touch. The sumptuously decorated Bahri Bar offers both inside seating around a large oval bar or in comfortable armchairs; alternatively there is al fresco seating for 48 customers on the terrace.

Bar 44: Chic and ultra-glamorous Champagne and cocktail bar on the top floor of the Grosvenor House hotel, Al Sufouh.The bar has magnificent views over Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah with a huge outdoor terrace for sipping your favourite tipple during the cooler months.

Barasti Bar: Situated at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi hotel , Barasti is the most popular beach bar in Dubai. Barasti has bars on three levels and timber decking extending out over the beach with terrific views over The Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Culf. Busy, especially at weekends.

BarZar: Spread over two levels, BarZar is located in the Madinat  Jumeirah  hotel and attracts a large and regular following specially at the weekends. There is a choice of taking your holes, favourite tipple indoors or outside on the terrace overlooking the passing abras.

Boston Bar: Loosely based on the bar in the American sitcom, Cheers, the Boston Bar in Jumeira Rotana hotel, Satwa, is a favourite haunt for expats and provides great food combined with reasonable drink prices. Ladies’ night is on Thursdays when ladies each receive 4 free drinks.

Buddha Bar: Stylish restaurant, bar, nightclub and definitely one of Dubai’s favourite places both to see and be seen is located on the ground floor of the Grosvenor House Hotel, Al Sufouh. Reservations for dining are essential.

Dhow and Anchor: Pub atmosphere on the ground floor of the Jumeirah Beach hotel and popular with British tourists for that home away from home feeling. There is an outdoor split-level decking restaurant with views over the poolside and the fish and chips come highly recommended.

Harry Chatto’s: A cozy but extremely lively karaoke bar in the Boulevard at Emirates Towers hotel . There are over 1,000 karaoke songs to choose from and a good selection of cocktails to help you to lose your inhibitions.

The Irish Village: Nestling in the shadow of the tennis stadium and just off Al Garhoud Road, Deira, boasting a quaint Irish-style pub indoors Deira, boasting a quaint Irish-style pub indoors and a huge al fresco are a populated with trestle tables and benches. The Irish Village retains its status as one of Dubai’s favourite watering holes.

Jambase: Tucked away within the Madinat  Jumeirah hotel , this late-night restaurant and bar features a live jazz band later in the evening.  Jambase is extremely popular on Thursday and Friday nights and it is best to arrive early and definitely before 11pm to avoid the inevitable queue.

Karma Kafe: Raymond Visan, the developer of the global brand Buddha-Bar , has now opened his second Dubai nightspot with Karma Kafe at Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Burj Dubai. The restaurant and bar serve up Asian-fusion cuisine and cocktails from 10am to 2am every day. The whole experience is enhanced by DJ Ralph K, one of the Middle East’s best-loved DJs

Koubba: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the gardens, beach, the Arabian Gulf and Madinat Jumeirah from Koubba rooftop bar. There is outdoor seating for 120 which makes it extremely popular during the cooler months and the ambience is one of unadulterated luxury.

Left Bank: Set by the stunning waterfront of the Madinat near several promenade restaurants, Left Bank is an ideal meeting place. By night Left Bank evolves into a vibrant lounge environment. Great food, great drinks and eradicating the issues of life are Left Bank’s specialities.

Neo’s: Competing at a high level (literally) to be named Dubai’s best cocktail lounge, Neo’s is on the 63rd floor of the Address Hotel Downtown Burj Khalifa . Neo’s has fabulous views of Burj Khalifa and the amazing Dubai Fountain which springs into life every 30 minutes. For die best view of the fountains try and get a table next to the panoramic bay window.

Rooftop Bar: Arabic-themed rooftop bar in the One&Qnly Royal Mirage hotel , bedecked with large comfortable seating areas and Persian carpets. Sip vour favourite cocktail whilst enjoying the views of the surrounding hotel grounds and the sun setting into the Gulf.

Scarletts: Opposite The Agency in die lower boulevard of Emirates Towers, Scarletts continues to attract a large following as can be seen from the queues outside at 11 o’clock on the busier nights of the week. Ladies’ night on Tuesdays.

Seville’s: Popular Spanish tapas bar and restaurant located in Wafi City . The highlight for most is the large outdoor terrace, ideal for sipping a Sangria and listening to a Spanish guitarist.

Sho Cho’s: Superb setting during the cooler months as the bar is on wooden decking overlooking the surf gently breaking onto the beach at Dubai Marine Beach Resort. Enjoy the cool breeze as you sway in time with the background music. Dress to impress.

The Agency: Situated within the Madinat Jumeirah,The Agency has an extensive wine list. Relax with friends on stools at high tables, low comfortable armchairs or on a terrace overlooking the Burj Al Arab hotel and the waterway as it winds its way through the Madinat. There is a good selection of nibbles and snacks although they are, in my view, expensive.

360°: Fabulous al fresco setting at the end of the jetty leading out into the Gulf from the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. A favourite place to relax coming complete with great views of the coastline and the nearby Burj Al Arab hotel with chilled out sounds complementing the relaxed atmosphere.

Uptown: Sit outside on the terrace of the 24th floor of the Jumeirah Beach hotel sipping a cocktail for, what must be, one of the best views of the coasline, downtown Dubai and the nearby Burj Al Arab hotel.

Vista Lounge: A cocktail and lounge bar situated at the Intercontinental hotel , Dubai Festival City. As the name suggests there is a beautiful view over Dubai Creek and the ever-changing city skyline; evening entertainment is provided with a pianist playing popular music.

Vu’s Bar: You’ll need a head for heights if you head to Vu’s Bar on the 51st floor of Emirates Towers Hotel. There are amazing sights over the city as you sit high up on your perch enjoying your drink whilst looking down on everyone else in Dubai.

Waxy O’Conner’s: Located in the Ascot hotel, Bur Dubai; there always seems to be a party atmosphere with drinks promotions and televised sporting events and the pub remains a favourite for expats, sports lovers and tourists alike. Friday Brunch is always a lively affair with an Irish breakfast, carverv lunch and five drinks all for Dhs 95.

Nightclubs

Alpha: Situated in Garhoud at Le Meridien Hotel, Alpha boasts the city’s first FunKtion – One sound system and has the firm intention of attracting the world’s best DJ’s to Dubai. The club was formerly a Greek restaurant and has marble floors, vaulted ceilings, floor to ceiling windows and a cosy upstairs terrace.

Boudoir: In Dubai Marine Reach Resort and Spa, a sophisticated and opulent nightclub and with free Champagne served to ladies every Tuesday and Friday nights and free cocktails most other nights, it’s little wonder that this club remains popular with residents and tourists.

Kasbar: Kasbar is at The One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel .This is an upmarket club with bar prices to match, the triple-levelled nightclub features relaxing alcoves for those cozy chat-up lines. Unless you are a resident, entry is for couples only and admission fees are Dhs 50 each. Kasbar can becomc very busy at the weekends.

Lotus One: Sophisticated lounge bar and Asian fusion restaurant on the ground floor of the Convention Tower next to the Novotel. Experience style and fashion coupled with chilled-out music, exotic cocktails and a late night out as Lotus One is licensed until 3am.

Mix: At the Grand Hyatt, Dubai. Triple tiered with supposedly the biggest dance floor in the Middle East,Thursday and Friday nights are rocking! Mix gives free admission and free selected drinks for ladies on Tuesday nights.

Rock Bottom Cafe: A stylish American themed diner at the Regent Palace Hotel Bur Dubai, which is open until 3am daily. After 10pm the night begins to unfold offering party-goers entertainment provided by a DJ and a live band.

The Apartment: Surrounded by the lavish interior of a residential apartment, this elegant venue at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel comes complete with bar, music room, and dining room.The Apartment offers an a la carte menu and the bar and nightclub remain open until 3am. Ladies receive complimentary cocktails on Wednesday night.

The 400 Nightclub: Located at The Fairmont hotel , Sheikh Zayed Road,The 400 Nightclub is a must for the elite and sophisticated; a club of its own kind where exclusivity and prestige join together in one concept. Party to the mixture of The 400′s funky house beat as it moves those who seek perfection in music.

Chi@The Lodge: Situated within Al Nasr Leisureland, Chi @The Lodge is a veteran of the Dubai club scene, always retains its popularity and has a terrific atmosphere especially on Thursday nights. I wonder if it has anything to do with its nine bars, cheap drinks and large open air dance floors?

Zinc: Zinc at the Crownc Plaza hotel is open seven nights a week until 3am. Resident DJ Greg Stainer pumps up the volume and there are some great drinks promotions including daily Happy Hours from 10pm ’til 11pm. I would advise you to arrive early to avoid the normal lengthy queues.