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5 Ways to Experience Dubai Nightlife Like Never Before!

Neha Mathur

Last updated: Feb 3, 2023

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This city never sleeps, I thought to myself as I drove down Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, a sprawling eight-lane highway that was lit up and bustling with traffic even at 2 a.m. Lights bounced off the designer facades of the sky-high buildings on either sides of the road. As a student in Dubai, I spent many nights exploring the city’s clubs and hangout joints, and in no other city did I feel so safe returning home at 4 a.m. Dubai’s nights truly have a life of their own, and take on a character so different from Dubai’s days that it feels like a different city altogether.

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Here are 5 things you must do to get a taste of Dubai’s nightlife:

1. Go Club-Hopping

club hopping dubai nightlife

The club scene in Dubai is truly fabulous and attracts visitors from all over the world. From luxurious to edgy, every kind of night club can be found all over the city, and come Friday night, you are spoilt for choice! Barasti (Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort) has a spectacular view of the Palm and large screens for game nights; Chi@The Lodge (Al Nasr Leisureland) boasts of a classy setting and fabulous music; Kasbar (Al Sufouh Road) is a trendy place with authentic Arabic-style decor and Nasimi Beach (Atlantis), gives you the stunning backdrop of Atlantis.

2. Order Late-night Shawarma

No true experience of Dubai nightlife is complete without a midnight Shawarma run. The places buzzing with the most activity after midnight are Lebanese restaurants that serve this delicious meat wrap till the wee hours of the morning. People often stop their cars near the sidewalk, where the waiters take orders from cars. The best places for a late-night Shawarma are Aroos Damascus and Al Shami Restaurant (Al Muraqqabat Road, Deira), Al Mallah (Satwa), Reem al Bawadi (Jumeirah Road) among others.

3. Drive Through the City by Night

dubai night drive

Driving in Dubai is a dream, given the superb roads, street lights and organized traffic. Late night drives are a real joy, as there is lesser traffic, better music on the radio, beautiful roads to drive on, and a dazzling city to see by night. My favourite place for a long drive is Al Mamzar, where a creek divides Dubai from Sharjah, and a beautiful Corniche (promenade) attracts people for leisurely after-dinner strolls. Right across from this lively place, you can find Filli Café, where you get good-old masala chai to complete your late-night drive. Highly recommended!

4. Walk along the Marina

dubai marina

In the newer part of town, Dubai Marina is a waterfront lined with boats, luxury yachts and speedboats. Along the walkway, European style cafes buzz with activity all through the night as families, couples and friends enjoy the lights from the towering skyscrapers beautifully reflected on the clear waters. This is a truly breathtaking way to sample Dubai nightlife.

5. Take a Puff of Sheesha at a Lounge

dubai nightlife

What is a trip to Dubai without a puff of a sheesha? Even though Dubai boasts of rocking night clubs and a great F&B scene, many people still enjoy evenings at quieter sheeshalounges, which usually have several screens showing live football or cricket matches. Plus they often have video games, board games, pool tables and lounge chairs for a relaxed evening with friends. And of course, sheesha (or as we more commonly know it, hookah) in countless flavours and sizes! This is typical of a night-out in Dubai and thoroughly entertaining, especially with good company!

Good to Know

The weekend in Dubai is Friday and Saturday (not Sunday!).
In many clubs and bars, Tuesdays or Wednesdays are Ladies’ Nights. Plan your girls’ nights-out on these days for the best deal.
The Dubai Government is extremely strict about drinking and driving, and frequent checks take place on weekends to heavily penalize drunk drivers. Cabs are easily available near the night-out places, so getting home is much safe and easy.
The legal drinking age in Dubai is 21, in Abu Dhabi it is 18, and drinking is illegal in Sharjah.
It is prohibited to drink in an area which is not designated and licensed, and the punishment for this is severe.

Whether by day or by night, you will find something to do at all hours in Dubai. So, what are you waiting for? Let your hair down and enjoy Dubai’s happening nightlife to the fullest.

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Comments

Alex | on 29 November 2018

This is a very informative and creative article, nice work Neha. Cirque Le Soir nightclub in London open its branch in Dubai and I think it's a great addition in Dubai nightlife.