Dubai nightlife changes fast, places open and close in months, and the venues that get hyped on Instagram are not always the ones locals actually go to. This is the short list I would send to a friend visiting tomorrow.
Rooftop and skyline bars
- CÉ LA VI Dubai at Address Sky View has the best Downtown view in the city, full stop. Go for sunset.
- SushiSamba at the Palm Tower mixes the rooftop view with one of the best food scenes in the city.
- Treehouse on top of Taj Hotel is the locals' rooftop, less polished but more fun.
Beach clubs
- Beach by FIVE at FIVE Palm is the loudest and the busiest, day into night.
- Drift Beach at One&Only Royal Mirage is the more grown up choice, daybeds, French food, no party noise.
- Twiggy by La Cantine at Park Hyatt is the underrated one, more local, calmer, on the creek not the sea.
Lounges and live music
- Gaia in DIFC is still the best Greek restaurant turned night spot in the city.
- La Cantine du Faubourg in Emirates Towers is the legacy choice, never empty.
- MIMI Kakushi for Japanese 1920s jazz energy. Book a fortnight ahead.
Clubs that are actually good
- WHITE Dubai at Meydan reopens seasonally and still pulls the best international DJs.
- Soho Garden at Meydan is the all rounder, multiple rooms, hip hop, house, R and B.
- BASE Dubai at Dubai Design District is the move if you want a proper warehouse club night.
Late food after
- Pickl in JBR for a burger at 3am.
- Ravi in Satwa for the famous post night out Pakistani.
- Operation Falafel in DIFC for the polished version of the same idea.
A note on the practical stuff. Dress codes are real, most clubs ID at the door, and rideshare is cheaper and easier than driving home. If you are visiting to look at property, ask your agent to base your stay near the area you are buying in, it tells you everything about whether you want to actually live there. We can plan the whole weekend.