Downtown Dubai
The Dubai spawn of the Beirut original did not need long to lure local socialites with high-energy rooftop parties under the stars. International…
Must-see nightlife in United Arab Emirates
Deira
This always-buzzing pub, with its Irish-main-street facade (complete with post office) and made with materials imported straight from the Emerald Isle,…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Since 1995, Barasti has grown from basic beach shack to top beach club spot for lazy days in the sand, and is often jam-packed with shiny happy party…
Marina Breakwater
For a prime perspective on Abu Dhabi's audacious architectural vision, let the lift whisk you up to this 62nd-floor bar at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers,…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Since opening in 2016, LSB has been racking up the accolades as living proof that there's room in bling-blinded Dubai for keeping-it-real party hangouts…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Just the coolest speakeasy-style bar in town. Walk through the front door of Dai Pai Dong and head left to stumble into this secret drinking den, all…
Downtown Dubai
This happening joint has ushered the sports bar into a new era. Sure, there are the requisite big screens to catch the action, but it's packaged into an…
Dubai
This chic bar drips with sultry Middle Eastern decor and has a veranda laid with Persian rugs and comfy sofas perfect for taking in magical views of the…
Deira
Watch the ballet of lighted dhows floating by while sipping cocktails at this always-fun outdoor Creek-side lounge deck where carpets and cushions set an…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
Beside, and connected to, Etihad Modern Art Gallery, this artsy cafe, with its shaded patio scattered with tables and seating made from recycled oil…
Abu Dhabi
Don't be deceived by the unassuming back staircase entrance. Climb to the top, and you'll be dazzled by incredible turquoise waters and panoramic ocean…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
This gastropub is as popular with the after-work crowd as it is with families on sunny Saturday afternoons. There are a dozen beers on tap, along with…
Al Bateen & Al Mushrif
Although earnest artisan-coffee guff generally gets on our nerves – when ordering you'll be asked the origin you want and whether you'd like it served hot…
Marina Breakwater
All other cocktail bars may be dead to you once you've sipped a Pearl Sky (gin, rhubarb liqueur, yuzu, blackberry and lemon) or Sake Samurai (vodka, sake,…
Downtown Dubai
Enquire with the concierge where Poppy is within the hotel and he (or she) will likely respond in a whisper. It's a venue of US Michelin-starred chef…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Tucked away in an inconspicuous corner of the main lobby, this bar is inspired by vivacious Hungarian actress Zsa Zsa Gabor. Her stylish but flamboyant…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
A connoisseur's cocktail bar, Butcher & Still has a black marble bar, hardwood features and leather everywhere to pad the elbows. Smoked Manhattans and…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Poolside Eclipse is a worthy spot to enjoy stunning views over the water and rooftops of the city. During the day it has a laid-back and relaxed vibe. The…
Marina Breakwater
Loved by locals, Hookah Lounge sits right on the water's edge with spectacular views back across to the city. Shisha (from Dhs62), unsurprisingly, is the…
Downtown Dubai
At the top of the Taj, this luxe lair treats guests to cracking views of the Burj Khalifa, top-shelf drinks and an outdoor living room setting with potted…
Marina Breakwater
The Arabian Peninsula is dire territory for hopheads, but the Belgian Café at the InterContinental boasts a satisfying suds selection, featuring five…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
A well-established pub, with an old-fashioned, wood-panelled, brass-trimmed ambience, this watering hole is renowned for its popular ladies' nights …
Downtown Dubai
Been-around-forever Fibbers is an amiably scruffy morning-to-night Irish pub with Guinness and Kilkenny on tap, all-day breakfasts (including the…
Dubai
This sprawling multistorey venue has a woodsy interior with an open kitchen, but it's really the three bars with killer views of the Burj Al Arab that…
Marina Breakwater
With one of the very best views of nighttime Abu Dhabi, the outside terrace at this highly popular shisha cafe is always teeming with appreciative puffers…
Yas Island
Late at night, this place gets packed with trendy young things sipping signature cocktails (Dhs55 to Dhs75). DJs spin progressive deep house on Thursdays…
Deira
Looking very much like a futuristic James Bond–worthy yacht, Cielo flaunts a sultry, romantic vibe helped by the bobbing yachts below and the cool views…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
With a wicked assortment of carefully crafted mocktails and cocktails, this classy bar-restaurant attracts a well-dressed clientele. Sit outside on the…
Sheikh Zayed Mosque Area
In the cooler months, this is the place to be. Cool cucumber mojitos, passion-fruit Collins, and kiwi gin and tonics are just some of the signature…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
The Four Season's lobby lounge comes into its own during the cooler months when you can sit outside with a drink on the terrace and take in the city…
Yas Island
One of Abu Dhabi's see-and-be-seen party haunts, dress up and bring your ID (over 21s only) to hang with the beautiful people partying to RnB, hip-hop,…
Dubai Marina & Palm Jumeirah
Home-grown Atelier M delivers a double treat atop the circular Pier 7 building. The lift drops you at the restaurant, which serves respectable French…
Downtown Dubai
If you ever wanted to find out how to milk a camel (and who doesn't?), watch the video on the interactive iPad menu of this pretty cafe while sipping a…
Marina Breakwater
An international/Tex-Mex/Irish cantina popular with long-term foreign residents, Hemingway's is the place to lounge in front of the big screen with beer,…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
A hugely popular cafe that has nothing to write home about other than the sense of participating in a beloved local ritual. Come here for shisha and tea…
Abu Dhabi
It's pricey, but this organic, cold-pressed-juice chain churns out some seriously tasty bevvies fashioned from all manner of fresh fruits, vegetables and…
Yas Island
With live entertainment and the longest bar in Abu Dhabi, this is a happening spot for beer (17 taps), cocktails and a satisfying selection of upmarket…
Marina Breakwater
Serving a variety of fruit juices, mocktails and hot drinks, this simple cafe has a great outdoor terrace overlooking the marina for an evening of shisha …
Abu Dhabi
Sitting in the cafe part of this establishment, beside the pond in comfortable armchairs, is a pleasant and sociable experience, especially on warm nights…
Al Zahiyah & Al Maryah Island
Saunter down a dramatic candlelit staircase to this cellar-like hideaway in the Rosewood hotel, probably Abu Dhabi's best destination for oenophiles in…
