Muscat
When it comes to cocktails (try the Samoan Fogcutter or Honi Honi), nowhere competes with this fun and lively Polynesian-style venue. Resident expert…
Must-see nightlife in Arabian Peninsula
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…
Muscat
This novel lounge restaurant, with its giant psychedelic TV screen, serves a spirited cocktail and a fine-dining menu for modest prices, but it's the…
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,…
Dhofar
The island may be artificial, only one bar wide and accessible by a humpback bridge so small that you could almost span it in one stride, but the sense of…
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…
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…
Doha
Set in a lush garden under trees, and lit with fairy lights, this place has a different feel from the other bars in Doha. It hosts acoustic sets, which…
Doha
One of the few casual pubs in Doha, Belgian Cafe gets packed to the rafters on Thursday and Friday nights. The crowds are here for the imported Belgian…
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…
Eastern Province
A dangerous spot for chocolate lovers. Each gourmet cup of coffee here comes with a free chocolate truffle. The cafe is furnished in a classy, elegant and…
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…
Bahrain
With the best sea views offered by any terrace on the island, this cafe is the perfect place to end an afternoon exploring the Bahrain Fort. Sip your…
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,…
Doha
A homegrown artisanal coffee house kickstarting Doha's third-wave coffee scene, Flat White is the brainchild of two Qataris who, after travelling the…
Kuwait City
Opposite Al Shaheed Park's entrance gate is this air-conditioned vintage oasis decorated with an old VW Beetle, bicycle wheels, aeroplane seats, school…
Kuwait City
At this chilled, two-tier industrial-styled coffee shop with chipboard tables, concrete walls, exposed pipes on the ceiling and bookshelves, the baristas…
Bahrain
Walk through the tiny avocado-green wood doors, past the swing chair and into your very own light-filled oasis of calm, coffee and cake. Luqmatina's…
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…
Salalah
One of the few places to serve alcohol in Salalah, this open-air bar is shaded by palms. Enjoy sundowners here before the nightly buffet and watch the…
Dhofar
A highly popular venue for a drink, the indoor bar at the Hilton Salalah Hotel hosts DJs on Thursdays and Fridays between 11.30pm and 2am. There's an…
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…
