Dubai is one of the largest tourism centers in the world, and you won’t be surprised to discover its nightlife is vibrant and diverse. In this guide, you will find useful details for your upcoming trip to the United Arab Emirates, starting with rules to follow and ending with venues to check out.
Rules You Should Now
Despite being fairly casual and welcoming, Dubai is still a Middle Eastern city the population of which follows Islamic laws and rules. The residents won’t force you to abide by the same traditions, but it is important not to be offensive towards their beliefs during your time in the UAE.
Additionally, some of the rules will have an effect on your nightlife, even if they are not directly applied to you. Let us explore some of the main regulations you should be aware of when you decide to party in Dubai.
Alcohol and Drinking
Alcohol is regulated fairly strictly in Dubai, and there are various limitations applied to its distribution. Only licensed and approved venues are permitted to serve alcoholic beverages, and you as a visitor are not allowed to drink or be intoxicated in public. Thankfully, the selection of such venues is fairly large, and it includes quite a number of hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Visitors from Europe should also keep in mind that the legal drinking age in the UAE is 21. Even in case your home country allows you to drink at 18 or 20, you will have to follow local regulations while visiting Dubai. Thus, if you’re in your early twenties, you should be ready to demonstrate your identification document when you’re going out for drinks.
The last rule won’t be as surprising and unexpected, as it relates to drinking and driving. The United Arab Emirates, much like most other modern countries, strictly prohibit intoxicated driving. But while in some other regions, there are accepted blood levels of alcohol, Dubai has a zero tolerance policy instead. It implies that any alcohol detected in blood may result in jail time or fines.
Dress Code
Dubai is a lot more liberal compared to some other regions in the Middle East, but it is still important to respect the dress codes. Wearing revealing outfits in public spaces is considered offensive, so it is strongly suggested to dress modestly.
At the same time, the interior rules of some venues might be a lot more liberal. For example, clubs and other venues that host night parties usually have milder dress codes. It is a fairly common practice for partygoers to change or take off some of their clothes upon arrival in order to both respect the local culture in public areas and enjoy the night in comfortable and stylish outfits.
Behavior
Despite the UAE and especially Dubai being a lot more liberal to tourists, there are some behavioral norms that have to be followed even in clubs. Perhaps the most commonly overlooked rule relates to public displays of affection, which are prohibited in the city.
This might be a bit milder in private venues, but it is still strongly recommended to avoid kissing or being passionate in other ways in public areas. Not only is it offensive and disrespectful, but it is also in many cases illegal.
There are also noise level regulations that have to be followed, but they are rarely a concern for tourists. If you’re visiting a venue or an event, it is usually up to the organizers to control the noise level and adhere to the corresponding policies. But in case you’re hosting a private party, you should be aware that the norm is up to 55 decibels during the daytime and up to 40 decibels at night.
Last but not least, smoking is not allowed indoors in the vast majority of venues in Dubai. There are shisha lounges, but even there, you will likely be asked out if you light up a cigarette.
Types of Activities
As long as you adhere to the rules we have described in the previous section, you can have an amazing time exploring Dubai’s nightlife. Let us discuss all the most popular activities you can indulge in here.
Nightclubs
Dubai is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious nightclubs. Many of these venues are internationally known for their parties with famous DJs, for their unique interior designs, as well as their advanced sound systems. And if you’re up for experiencing the true luxury of the Emirates, you should book a VIP section in one of these venues.
Some of the most popular nightclubs in Dubai are:
- SOT Dubai;
- Sky 2.0;
- Iris Dubai;
- BLU Dubai;
- 1 OAK Dubai;
- Soho Garden.
You can either come to any of these clubs spontaneously or check their schedules to attend special events. It is common for them to host themed parties or invite popular artists, especially on weekends. We have covered the best nightclubs in Dubai in a separate article, so make sure to check it out if you’re up for exploring more partying options in the city.
Rooftop Lounges
If you’re looking for a more relaxed setting with some breathtaking views, you should definitely visit one of the dozens of rooftop lounges scattered around different neighborhoods of Dubai. Each of them has its own unique advantages, so let us have a quick overview of the most popular rooftop lounges in the city:
- At.Mosphere – the highest lounge in the world, it is situated on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa;
- Level 43 Sky Lounge – a classy terrace bar on the rooftop of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel;
- Ce La Vi – a stylish lounge equipped with an infinity pool that offers some stunning views of Burj Khalifa;
- Pure Sky Lounge – a luxury lounge on the 35th floor of Hilton Dubai The Walk hotel in Dubai Marina with some incredible views of the Persian Gulf and the Palm Jumeirah;
- Mercury Lounge – an elegant venue situated on Jumeirah Beach with great views of the gulf and Burh Khalifa.
Beach Clubs and Pubs
Beach parties are also extremely popular in Dubai, and there are many options for you to choose from. Here are some of the most popular and luxurious beach clubs:
- Nikki Beach Dubai – a glamorous establishment with pools, private cabanas, and high-energy parties located in Pearl Jumeirah;
- Zero Gravity – a huge beachfront venue with thrilling themed parties and a beautiful infinity pool situated in the Dubai Marina neighborhood;
- White Beach – a luxury club located on the tip of Palm Jumeirah that offers some stunning views of Dubai’s skyline;
- Drift Beach Club – a more laid-back club with an elegant atmosphere situated on Jumeirah Beach;
- Azure Beach – a family-friendly beach club in Dubai Marina;
- Soul Beach – a club beach situated next to the Jebel Ali palm island that has an infinity pool and multiple lounge areas.
Pubs are equally popular among tourists of Dubai, and there are dozens of luxury and more humble venues you can attend. In fact, we have a separate article covering the best bars and gastropubs in Dubai, so if you’re up for a more laid-back experience, make sure to check it out.
Live Music and Entertainment
Dubai also has a thriving music scene with live concerts and shows for fans of all possible genres. Here are some of the establishments you might be interested in visiting:
- Dubai Opera – a world-class venue for live concerts, opera, ballet, jazz, and other performances;
- Hard Rock Cafe Dubai – an internationally known establishment with rock and pop live performances;
- The Irish Village – a traditional pub with regular live music performances;
- MusicHall – a concert venue that features multiple performers every night with a very diverse set of represented musical genres;
- The Fridge – a place where indie musicians and other enthusiasts get together;
- Wavehouse – a family-friendly venue at Atlantis the Palm that hosts parties and musical performances;
- The Stage at JBR – an open-air beachfront scene with local and international artists representing various genres.
Shisha Lounges and Karaoke Bars
Another popular nightlife activity in Dubai is visiting shisha lounges. There are hundreds of venues you can attend, the vast majority of which offer a relaxed atmosphere, decent selections of flavors, as well as some snacks and beverages.
And while shisha lounges are very traditional in the Middle East, karaoke bars are a rather recent trend in Dubai. If you’re up for a night of singing, you will most certainly find a corresponding area nearby no matter which neighborhood you’re staying in.
For both these types of establishments, you will be able to choose from several types of venues. Karaoke bars and shisha lounges might be casual and modest, luxurious and outstanding, or even private with individual service.
Boat Parties
The last nightlife activity on our list is perhaps the most luxurious one. Dubai is known for attracting some of the world’s largest and most beautiful boats, and it is common for individuals or companies operating them to host incredible parties on the water.
Needless to say, it is a great option to view the night lights of Dubai’s skyline from a short distance at night. Additionally, you can enjoy all sorts of extra activities ranging from jet skiing to dancing to high-energy DJ sets.