Here are some of the best places to enjoy Nightlife in Dubai:
1. Dubai Marina - A Walk in Dubai to Remember
Marina is situated alongside an artificial canal and boasts an array of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and one can even hop down for a yacht ride! It is ideal for the couples who want to take a long romantic walk, and then cosy up in one of the restaurants beside the canal giving spectacular views of the channel and the buildings seen on the other side of the Marina. It is also equipped with jogging and cycling tracks, thereby making it ideal for anyone who'd want to do some cardio and soak in the beautiful views.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Cost for Two: AED 600
2. Madinat Jumeirah - The Souk of the Well-Dressed
Apart from being a world-class resort, this cluster of buildings is also a very happening place where people dress to impress. This place also gets pretty busy on the weekend so expect a bit of trouble finding the parking space. Walking on the 'streets' that are made within the complex, provides a traditional market like feel, which is why it is accurately called 'Madinat Souk'. Once you are out of the complex, take a stroll past the artificial canal for a different kind of experience in the nightlife of Dubai. Plenty of high-end restaurants and cafes, magnificent views of Burj-Al-Arab, and a chance to sail down the canal gives you a feeling that you're in Europe, but just a bit more aesthetically pleasing.
Timings: Open 24 hours
Cost for two: AED 130 - AED 180
3. Boudoir - The French Connection
One of the premier nightclubs that promises one hell of a time! Boudoir reminds one of the French clubs in the early '20s but attracts the Lebanese crowd the most. This club attracts the well-dressed and the most party-committed people.
Timings: 10:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Cost for two: AED 340
4. Catwalk - A Tiny Place of Wonders
Staying true to its name, the glowing red catwalk dominates the dance floor. In addition to innovative drinks, friendly people and affordable prices, Catwalk offers some of the best music in town to rock to. What more could you need to experience the best of Dubai nightlife.
Timings: 9:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Cost for Two: AED 350
5. At.mosphere - Is High & Overwhelming
Being located in the tallest building in the world 'Burj Khalifa' will obviously have its perks, as At.mosphere is currently the world's highest-situated restaurant according to Guinness world records. The restaurant here serves you a scrumptious meal with a view as well as the lounge for entertainment purposes. Come over for the elegant interiors, world-class cuisine, reasonable fares (well, considering the incredible view), hospitable staff and the sunsets with high tea.
Timings: It is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Cost for 2: AED 1200 for two
6. Buhayra Lounge - Where Luxury meets Extravagance
Buhayra lounge is just a class apart. Located at one of the most luxurious hotels in the UAE: The Palace Downtown. When you dine here opposite the poolside, it seems just out of The Great Gatsby. Soothing music, an open-air poolside venue overlooking the acclaimed Dubai Fountains, interiors adorned with embezzlements, drapery, and adornments, are just a couple of things differentiating this from other others.
Timings: 8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Cost for 2: AED 650 approximately
7. Stereo Arcade - Lights, Music & Party
Timings: 6:00 PM - 3:00AM
Cost for 2: AED 400
8. Bar 44 - A Class Apart
One of the best bars in Dubai, Bar 44 continues to amaze customers with spectacular views of Dubai and the Palm. The bar serves an exquisite range of champagnes, wines, malts, and cocktails by expert mixologists. Bar 44 is also famous for attracting the chic crowd during the night to party.
Timings: 5:30 PM to 2:30 AM
Cost for Two: AED 450
9. Barasti - Dance in your Cozy Comfort Zone
Timings: 10:00 AM - 1:30 AM
Cost for Two: AED 470
10. JBR The Walk - A Walk Under the Citylights.
One of the best places at night is JBR The Walk. The Walk is considered to be one of the hottest hangout place here and for all the right reasons. It is a 1.7 km strip of land and constitutes an array of boutiques, cafes, restaurants and even has a beach. It is an outdoor tourist attraction which regularly hosts various thrilling activities, and street plays including art displays, a musical, a photography exhibit, sand sculptures display, and some stalls selling fashion merchandises and various other stuff. The Walk is perfect for a stroll alongside the beach, then seeing different boutiques and the stalls, and finally top it all off with a cup of coffee at a café, taking in the vibrant view one sip at a time.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost for Two: AED 200
Night Experiences
11. Dhow Cruise - Sail on a Fairytale
The Dhow Cruise is a must-try experience for those new to the city. In the past, trade and fishermen used to travel and work by Dhows( a kind of ship/boat but native to this area). The Dhow holds a cultural significance and the use of these is an integral part of their heritage. The Dhow Cruise operates in two commercial areas of the city: Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek. Travelling in these areas in a Dhow during the night is almost like a fairytale. With stunning views of the skyline, and traditional Arabic cuisine (contemporary cuisine is served as well), live music, live shows by magicians and dancers are sure to make an unforgettable night.
Timings: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Cost: AED 160 - Adult; AED 100 - Child
12. Horse Riding Under the Fullmoon
If horse riding in the desert was not surreal enough, then one of the oldest parks in Dubai, The Mushrif Park has come up with another solution: Horse Riding in full-moon. With the gleam of the moon, lighting up your way, the magical experience of horse-riding doubles as you take in the surroundings and tranquillity around you. The peacefulness helps you focus more during your game and also the wilderness in the park. Enjoy this exclusive experience only thrice a month.
Timings: 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost for Two: AED 600
13. Burj Khalifa - View Dubai till the Horizon.
Perhaps no other place would help you admire the skyline of Dubai than the tallest building here, in fact, the tallest building on this planet. Visit the top of Burj Khalifa at night to soak in the city lights and the fast-moving cars. Experience the real magic of the sunset from the bottom of Burj Khalifa, then take the super fast lift to the top floor and you can experience the second sunset of the evening too. Stay till the night and notice the transition in the city life and the lighting. Breathtaking all along!
Timings: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday, Friday - 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Cost: AED 100 - AED 370 (approx)
14. Overnight Desert Safari - The Arabian Nights can come true.
Under the starry night, surrounding a bonfire with some traditional cuisine to go along sums up to give you an ultimate night. Right after a thrilling session of dune-bashing and other adrenaline-fueled sports, Relax in the camps, as you stay over for the night and enjoy various fun activities such as henna paintings, tanoura dancing, belly dancing, etc. Finally, have the bonfire in the sky enjoying the freshly prepared barbeque dinner.
Timings: 4:00 PM - 9:00 AM
Cost for Two: AED 130
15. Full-Moon Yoga Session - 90 minutes of a Healthy Night
Dubai has a kind of health-conscience society (you cannot blame us- the deserts available here are just too delicious to put down!). Since Yoga is a new colossal thing here amongst the public, various kinds of yoga sessions have been introduced. Not only are these sessions conducted in gyms and health-centres but also free sessions are now being undertaken in the public parks, beaches, and corniches. Full-moon yoga sessions are another trend today. Usually held in the Palm or one of the many public beaches in Dubai, this 90-minute session attracts a huge crowd and is well-managed. The session leaves you refreshed and later you could you even take a stroll along the beach and sip coffee to have an ideal night!
Timings: 7:00 PM - 8:00 PMCost for two: AED 120- 200 (approx)
Tips for Nightlife in Dubai
1. What to WearU.A.E is a conservative country. However, when it comes to places like clubs, bars, and other venues short skirts, micro-minis are considered normal in the nightlife attire. People who turn up in extremely casual clothes are refused entry.
2. Nightlife TimingsMost clubs, though open early in the night start filling up from 10:00 PM and may even go on till 03:00 AM. Friday and Saturday are considered as the weekends here in the Gulf Region, so make prior reservations.
3. Things to be careful aboutUAE has stringent laws for drinking and driving. So after a couple of drinks, be sure to order a cab since drinking and driving is a punishable offence with people being jailed for it as well. Many clubs however only allow people above the age of 25. So make sure to carry an identity card with you; entry is simply not granted without one. Passport, Emirates ID card, and driving license are acceptable forms of ID cards.
Dubai is known to be as safe as in the night as in the day, especially when you take your car out for a long drive at night. Be it single or couple, be it alone or with a group of people, be it female or male, one can always find his/her niche here. Whether you're a beach person or a party-lover, you'd fit right in here at this bustling nightlife of Dubai. And remember if all else fails, take a night stroll out on the streets at night and re-discover Dubai from a different perspective.