From golden-hour rooftop views to quiet terraces and beach bars that stretch late into the night, Dubai’s bars are full of unexpected surprises. The city’s best spots offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a glamorous lounge for sophisticated celebrations, a laid-back pub to catch up with friends, or a cool drink and bite to eat at sunset. What’s on offer in Dubai’s bar scene varies far and wide. No matter your order, there’s somewhere to suit you.
1. Gilt
If there’s one thing that’s associated with Dubai, it’s glamour, and Gilt is pure Dubai glam, with gold accents, skyline views, and a dramatic sense of occasion. Located inside Dubai’s self-labeled seven-star hotel, Burj Al Arab, this gold-drenched sky bar is up on the 27th floor. It’s the place to go when you want to dress up and soak in some serious atmosphere. This high-luxe venue is perfect for special celebrations or simply indulging in the city’s taste for opulence. Expect a curated guest list, a beautiful crowd, and a plush, elevated experience with great service that matches the view. As far as hotel bars go, this one is pretty iconic.
2. Monkey Bar
Jungle-themed interiors may sound gimmicky but Monkey Bar is anything but. The Berlin outpost offers a playful, slightly rebellious twist on the typical hotel bar. It’s set within the 25Hours Hotel and channels Berlin’s eclectic, underground spirit with regional DJ nights and funky cocktails. The terrace is a highlight, with leafy decor and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for catching up with friends.
3. The Jetty Lounge
For a serene, barefoot-in-the-sand experience, The Jetty Lounge at One&Only Royal Mirage is one of the most elegant beach bars in Dubai. Set right on the shore, it offers low lighting, soft music, and uninterrupted sea views. It’s ideal for couples and groups looking to unwind with something light to eat, and makes for a stylish start or end to the evening, especially when the weather is balmy. The dress code is casual, so feel free to rock up in t-shirts, shorts, jeans and sandals.
4. NoLo
NoLo is Dubai’s first dedicated dry bar, meaning they don’t serve any alcohol. Perched on the 24th floor of the Dusit Thani hotel, this stylish spot delivers skyline views, plush velvet seating, wrought-iron chandeliers and a smooth jazz soundtrack that sets the mood for a refined night out. Open daily from 5pm to 1am, they offer a thoughtful menu of non-alcoholic wines, hops and inventive mocktails. Highlights include the Lavender Bees Knees Royale, made with Lyre’s London Dry, lavender honey and lemon juice, and the Spice Date Espresso Martini, a rich blend of Lyre’s dark cane, cold espresso and date-spiced syrup.
5. Honeycomb Hi-Fi
Honeycomb Hi-Fi is a sleek Japanese izakaya-style listening bar (a concept from Tokyo where music lovers gather to enjoy vinyl on high-end sound systems). Hidden behind a discreet entrance in the Pullman Dubai Downtown, it’s part speakeasy, part vinyl bar, with warm lighting, velvet textures, and a buzzy, loyal crowd of music lovers. You’ll hear everything from deep soul to classic RnB albums. The menu features elevated Japanese comfort food: chicken yakitori, butternut squash tempura, and wagyu katsu sliders. Designed with both food and music in mind, it’s a sensory experience that hits all the right notes.
6. Blind Tiger
Tucked within the luxurious beach hotel Jumeirah Al Naseem, the design of Blind Tiger is intended to invoke the intimate and warm environs of a latter-day speakeasy and it succeeds on every level. Flourishes of 1920s style, warm jewel tones, smokey mirrored ceilings…get ready to feel like a glamorous, old-school movie star with the world at your feet. The drinks menu is extensive and creative, and there’s a selection of light bites such as classic sliders and bao buns should you feel peckish. The crowd is elegant and stylish, and the welcome is warm – it’s not hard to see why this bar is scooping up awards.
7. Galaxy Bar
Step into a celestial wonderland at Galaxy Bar and gaze up at the glittering ceiling that mimics the dazzling night sky. This intimate setting is perfect for a romantic night out as you relax amidst the Greek-inspired design and architecture and enjoy a dizzying array of drink options from the expert mixologists. Either take a seat at the glistening marble bar or cosy up at one of the tables in the floor section with comfortable velvet and suede chairs (seating is limited and popular, we recommend making reservations). The drinks menu is inspired by Greek myths and legends, providing a little bit of European glamour as you sip on a refreshing tipple.
8. Bar Buci
Located on a roof terrace within the stunning confines of the Jumeirah Al Qasr, Bar Buci is a delightful slice of Parisian style in Dubai – the name comes from Rue de Baci, the bustling street at the heart of the city’s Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter. The sprawling outdoor area offers blissfully cool breezes and the comfortable, chic seating is organised around an illuminated olive tree at the centre of the space. In the hot summer months, you can retreat to the indoor area centred around an impressive marble bar. Enjoy drinks and small plates as you watch the sunset behind the towering Burj Al Arab – bring your camera, the bar offers incredible views of this Dubai icon. Live jazz performances add to the joie de vivre.
