Bar entertainment in United Arab Emirates
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A
Buddha Bar
If there are celebs in town, they’ll show up at Buddha Bar, where the dramatic Asian-inspired interiors are decked out with gorgeous chandeliers, a wall of reflective sheer glass, and an enormous Buddha lording over the heathens. The bartenders put on quite a show with their impressive shakes (think Tom Cruise in Cocktail ). Arrive early or prepare to queue; otherwise book dinner for guaranteed admission.
reviewed
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B
Agency
A convivial wine bar frequented by khaki-clad tourists and expats, Agency is a civilised spot for a predinner drink. As at its sister branch at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, the wine list includes unusual varietals (skip the New World wines in favour of better French labels), but here there’s a terrace overlooking the Madinat canals and with glimpses of the Burj al-Arab. Satisfying bar snacks include cheese fondue with truffle oil, and finger foods such as fried calamari. Good luck snagging a table at peak times.
reviewed
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C
Skyview Bar
Despite the stratospheric tab, cocktails (Dh275 minimum) or afternoon tea (Dh395) on the 27th floor of the Burj al-Arab ranks high on tourists’ must-do lists. And with good reason: the views are simply breathtaking – you can even make out the islands of The World in the hazy distance. Do arrive before sunset or don’t bother. And do book ahead. As for the Liberace-meets-Star Trek interiors, all we can say is, welcome to the Burj.
reviewed
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D
Barasti Bar
Seaside Barasti is the locals’ (especially expat Brits) fave for laid-back sundowners. No need to dress up – you can head straight here after a day at the beach – but don’t come unless you like crowds: at weekends, 4000 or more shiny happy people invade. DJs play indoors, but it’s generally better to sit outside within earshot of the sea. The pub-style food is pretty good and Friday brunch (Dh295, including alcohol) is popular.
reviewed
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E
Rooftop Bar
The fabric-draped nooks, cushioned banquettes, Moroccan lanterns and Oriental carpets make this candlelit rooftop bar one of Dubai’s most sublime spots. Come at sunset to watch the sky change colour – but not earlier; the bar doesn’t pick up until evening. There’s a good menu of mezzes (appetisers), in case you’re feeling peckish. Views of the Palm Jumeirah, and the romantic vibe, make this an ideal spot for couples.
reviewed
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New Asia Bar & Club
A huge Egyptian head welcomes you to the circular bar where mixologists whip up over 100 cocktails, including the home-grown invention called Dubai Sling. A sophisticated crowd makes it up here to the top of the pyramid of the ultra-plush Raffles hotel, where the views are stunning and the eye-candy factor high. If you like it quieter, whisk yourself upstairs to the never-never land of the China Moon Champagne Bar.
reviewed
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G
QD’s
Watch the ballet of lighted dhows (traditional wooden boats) floating by while sipping cosmos at this always-fun outdoor Creekside lounge shaped like a giant circle. The main action is on the (very public) raised centre ring, where Oriental carpets and cushions set an inviting mood. For privacy, retreat to the vast wooden deck jutting over the water, or book a cabana. Great for sheesha, but skip the food.
reviewed
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Terrace
Specialising in French oysters, caviar, champagne and vodka, the Terrace is one of Dubai’s smartest waterside lounge bars. A DJ sets just the right mood with sensual chill-out beats. The dramatically lit interior is stylin’, but it doesn’t compare with sitting on the outdoor deck and watching the moored boats bobbing in the marina. Sunday is ladies’ night and on Mondays there are drinks specials for all.
reviewed
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Boudoir
Though snooty expats distance themselves from the Lebanese crowd at Boudoir, we love the look of the place. Tufted red-velvet booths, beaded curtains and tasselled draperies lend a super-model vibe – indeed, you may spot one among the wannabes – and the circular layout is perfect for twirling away from the occasional unwanted advance by a Lothario. High on the chic-o-meter. Look sharp or be ostracised.
reviewed
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J
1897
Channel your inner Cary Grant and belly up to the bar at this grown-up, mood-lit thirst parlour at the Kempinksi. Don’t bother if you’re the beery type – you’d be wasting the bar staff’s considerable talents. Decorated in plush purple and polished wood, this place lures chatty sophisticates huddled in intense tête-à-têtes and grateful for the low sound levels. Smoking, including cigars, is OK.
reviewed
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Bice Sky Bar
It may not be as much on the hipster radar, but when it comes to glorious views this quiet, chic lounge on the 10th floor of the ho-hum beachfront Hilton can definitely compete. In this case, it’s the sparkling Palm Jumeirah and glistening Gulf waters that will make you want to order that second cocktail. Soft piano music and comfy leather chairs help create a relaxed, romantic mood.
reviewed
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Koubba
Score a candlelit table on the terrace overlooking the Madinat canals and illuminated Burj, and you’ll instantly know you’ve found one of the most tranquil and romantic spots in all Dubai. The interior is nearly as compelling, with plush red velvet and Oriental cushions for you to lie against as you chill out to live Arabian-lounge music. Too bad it’s illegal to lock lips in public.
reviewed
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M
Agency at Emirates Towers
A cosmopolitan wine bar frequented by older businessmen, Agency is a civilized spot for a glass of French wine. (Skip the New World wines; they're strictly grocery-store labels.) Alas, it's in an office tower and feels like it. Focus your attention on the interesting varietals; go for a flight of four half pours. Good cheese fondue and finger foods like fried calamari.
reviewed
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N
Cin Cin
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more impressive wine-and-spirits list than the one at this sleek bar, styled out with blue light, deep leather club chairs and changing-colour ice buckets. The list is dizzying, with over 400 wines – 55 by the glass – 50 vodkas and 26 Scotches. Prices skew high, but you’ll find good French vintages in the Dh300 range. Shine your shoes.
reviewed
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O
Library Bar
This hushed and elegant bar feels like a retreat from Dubai’s in-your-face modernity. Polished wood, leather sofas and rich carpets combine to create an ambience of timeless sophistication. The bar menu has some interesting nibbles, but this is really more the kind of place to steer your luxury sedan for a postprandial Glenfiddich and Cuban cigar.
reviewed
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Vintage
A favourite of Dubai wine aficionados for its impressive wine list and wide range of varietals, Vintage also serves superb fondue, cheeses, charcuterie meats and fantastic cheesecake. The living-room-like interior is well lit – a boon if your eyesight is failing – but its small size means tables fill up fast. Arrive early.
reviewed
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Q
Fez Bar
The nicest place in town for a drink or a sheesha is Mediterranean-style Fez Bar, but unfortunately its lovely alfresco terraces overlook the busy road. While there's no traffic noise inside, you'll be battling it out with a large-screen TV or bad Filipino band. The bar menu spans mezze to fish and chips.
reviewed
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Hive
Beyond the snooty door-staff awaits this good-looking party den where local and visiting lovelies heat up the dance floor or drape themselves into brown leather sofas on the terrace. Alas, there’s no view of the Dubai Fountain. Special deals – ladies’ night Tuesday, two-for-one-pizza Sunday – help draw in the punters nightly.
reviewed
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S
Velvet Lounge
Miles from the glam-slam New Dubai scene, in an unfashionable hotel, the accidentally fabulous Velvet Lounge is stuck in a baroque 1970s time warp with smoked-mirror ceilings, velour sofas and red-velvet draperies. And it’s often empty, making it a top spot for a tête-à-tête with your paramour.
reviewed
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Neos
At this glamour vixen, you can swirl your cosmo with the posh set 63 floors above the Dubai Fountain. It takes two lifts to get to what is currently the highest bar in town, an urban den of shiny metal, carpeted floors and killer views. The dress code has relaxed a lot since opening: we even spotted sneaker-wearers – yikes!
reviewed
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U
Bahri Bar
A great choice in winter, Bahri has a fabulous verandah laid with Persian carpets and big cane sofas where you can take in gorgeous views of the Burj al-Arab. The vibe is very grown-up – just the kind of place you take your parents for sunset drinks. For a fun treat, order the camel-milk mocktail. Live music after 9.30pm.
reviewed
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Maya
Arrive an hour before sunset to snag one of the Gulf-view tables on the rooftop bar of this upmarket Mexican resto at the Royal Meridien and swill top-shelf margaritas as the sun slowly slips into the sea. A plate of succulent duck enchiladas is the perfect booze antidote.
reviewed
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Sho Cho
The cool minimalist interior, with its blue lights and wall-mounted fish tanks, may draw you in, but the beachside deck is the place to be. Take in the laid-back vibe as the cool ocean breezes blow and the DJ’s soundtrack competes with the crashing waves.
reviewed
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Scarlett’s
The fact that the number of free drinks women can score on ladies’ night is determined by the height of their heels should tell you something about this raucous American-style booze joint. High flirt factor, cheap bar food and loud DJ music fuel the fun.
reviewed
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Y
Ginseng
A fashionable spot to start the evening, Ginseng makes brilliant cocktails with everything from champagne to espresso. The faux-Asian decor needs a fluff job, and too many hard surfaces mean high decibel levels when it fills up.
reviewed
