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.

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, and Buddha Bar in the Grosvenor House Hotel complex at Dubai Marina, which 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 over-indulged are strongly advised to catch a taxi home.