United Arab Emirates
- The Basics
- Currency
- Travel Health
- Public Holidays
- Useful Contacts
- Airports
- Visa & Passport
Dubai Nightlife
Thanks to its large and international population of expats,
Dubai has an incredibly vibrant nightlife, but finding the best
parties entails tapping local knowledge and planning the evening
with care. Party-goers can check out the local newspaper listings
and Timeout Dubai for concert and party news.
Dubai's clubs and bars are found mostly in the large 4- and 5-star
hotels because of the emirate's strict liquor laws. The legal
drinking age is 21, although patrons must be 25 to enter a
nightclub. For this reason it is wise to carry some form of
identification when heading out at night.
Some good options for a night out include the Parisian-style
Boudoir, ever-trendy Zinc, and Kasbar, in the opulent One &
Only Royal Mirage Hotel. Buddha Bar, in the Grosvenor House Hotel
complex at Dubai Marina, has great open-air views of the Arabian
Gulf and two levels, a restaurant, a bar and a lounge. Of the few
areas outside of hotels that sell alcohol, the Irish Village next
to the Aviation Club of Dubai is a favourite watering hole with
tourists and non-Muslim residents.
For an alcohol-free option, Dubai Creek Park is a popular place to
spend an evening. The atmosphere at night is wonderful and very
festive and the park is never crowded due its sheer size.
It is worth noting that in Dubai homosexuality, public displays of
sexuality, and drugs are strictly forbidden and penalties are
enforced against those transgressing. It is also illegal to be
publicly intoxicated so those who have overindugled are strongly
advised to catch a taxi home.
Become our Dubai Travel Expert
We are looking for contributors for our Dubai travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to Dubai or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.