20 epic places to get your drink on in Dubai

Dubai does socializing in style. You can feel the opulence oozing from the city after a short walk along the Marina, through the famed Palm Jumeirah, or stopping by the Jumeirah Beach Residence.

So it makes perfect sense that you can find a selection of beautiful beachfront lounges and glitzy rooftop bars to enjoy handcrafted, ridiculously Instagrammable cocktails. But Dubai has something for every kind of socialite, with sports bars and retro clubs, too.

See Also:

• 21 awesome places to eat in Dubai
• 21 epic things to do in Dubai that will make you book a flight ASAP

Without further ado, here are our favourite places to grab a drink (or five) in Dubai.

Rooftop lounge: 40 Kong

 

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With a location on the 40th floor of the H Hotel, 40 Kong is the perfect escape to take in stunning panoramic views of the city. There’s a ‘say yes’ cocktail on the menu – order it before the sun sets and decide whether you’ll stay for just the ‘one’ drink. The bar is open late so you don’t need to make a hasty decision.

Address: The H Hotel, One Sheikh Zayed Road
Neighbourhood: Business District
Phone: +971-4-355-8896
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The hideaway: Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE

 

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Feel as though you’re transported to Ibiza when you hear the hypnotic sounds upon arrival at the ultimate hideaway, Blue Marlin. Located on the beach of Ghantoot Al Jazira Island Hotel, this spot is super upscale with white canopies, live entertainment, delicious bites, and elevated drinks. You can access this spot by car, yacht, and… helicopter! That’s how fancy we’re talking.

Address: Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, off Sheikh Zayed road, Exit 399
Neighbourhood: Ghantoot
Phone: +971-56-113-3400
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Coastal vibes: Smoky Beach

 

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Looking for sun, sand, food, and cocktails? We recommend visiting Smoky Beach in the Jumeirah Beach Residence, where you can take the day into night with tropical cocktails. There’s also a menu packed with shisha flavours if you’re down with that, smoke up and chill out.

Address: Jumeirah Beach Residence, 336 Dubai
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
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Opulent experience: Buddha Bar

 

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Everything about Dubai Marina’s Buddha Bar speaks uber glam in volumes. Covering two storeys, it’s one of the largest Buddha bars in the world, with elegant interiors and regal gold and red chandeliers. Admire views of the marina with a glass of wine in hand and finish off the night with a selection of tasty bites from the menu  – we give it five+ stars.

Address: Grosvenor House Dubai – Al Emreef Street – Dubai
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone: +971-4-317-6000
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Day-to-night party: Nasimi Beach

 

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If you’ve got that party all day feelin’, Nasimi Beach is your go-to. (And if not, check yourself, because you’re on vacay). The club is situated on pristine white sands on one of Dubai’s most desirable beaches. The views here are absolutely breathtaking. Our advice is to arrive early, find a sunbed (or a cabana if you’re going all-out), order some bubbly or a signature cocktail, and spend the day dancing to funky house and dance beats. When the sun sets, Nasimi Beach turns into a nightclub, at which point you decide whether you’re going to stay or split. You know where our vote goes.

Address: Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Neighbourhood: Palm Jumeirah
Phone: +971-4-426-2626
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New Orleans inspiration: Nola

 

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You’ll find hearty food, jazzy tunes, and drink-more-of-me cocktails at Nola, Dubai’s New Orleans-inspired venue in JTL Cluster P. The menu boasts delicious Southern American food with a healthier twist and the drinks are served colourful. Your choice is twofold: Patio vibes during the day or supper club style at night.

Address: B1 Level, Armada BlueBay Hotel
Neighbourhood: JTL Cluster P
Phone: +971-4-399-8155
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Beach club: Zero Gravity Dubai

 

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This must-visit magnetic beach club is located steps away from the drop zone at Skydive Dubai, and it’s at the centre of surrounding neighbourhoods. If you like to base a venue on its credentials, Zero Gravity has plenty. It was voted the #1 Trip Advisor nightlife destination in Dubai and recently won the title ‘beach club of the year’ for 2018 in the Time Out Dubai nightlife awards. Nonetheless, you can make your mind up when you get there!

Address: Skydive Dubai Drop Zone, Al Sufouh Road
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone: +971-4-399-0009
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Jamaican rum bar: Miss Lily’s

 

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Order a rum and sip away as reggae music plays in the background at Miss Lily’s located on the fifth floor of the Sheraton Grand Hotel, the restaurant’s first outpost outside of New York City! The interiors and creative cocktails are reminiscent of a Jamaican beach shack, and you can order contemporary Caribbean cuisine with a drink or two. You’ve got to be there to truly experience the Jamaican vibes, so add this to the top of your list.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, 5th Floor, Sheraton Grand Hotel
Neighbourhood: Close to the Dubai World Trade Centre
Phone: +971-4-356-2900
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Elevated elixirs: Pure Sky Lounge

 

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This high-end rooftop terrace at the Hilton Dubai has literally won awards for its drinks menu so you know they’re hella good. Spend the afternoon looking out over a mesmerizing view of the Marina or check out the popular sunset brunch which takes place every Friday evening. You’re almost guaranteed to want to come back.

Address: Hilton Dubai, The Walk, Level 35
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone: +971-4-374-7888
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Artsy paradise: The Backyard

 

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Hipster-esque bar The Backyard features a casual urban garden terrace with a cool street feel that’s ideal for enjoying a beer or edgy cocktail with your pals. You’ll see vistas of the Dubai Water Canal before you, and you’ve got the option of ordering food truck-inspired South East Asian bites.

Pro tip: Stroll in wearing casual clothes, as this spot has a more laid-back dress code.

Address: Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay, Al Abraj Street
Neighbourhood: Bay Square
Phone: +971-4-369-0000
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Skyline vistas: Jetty Lounge

 

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Beachside bars are a big part of the social scene in Dubai (in case you haven’t caught on yet) and Jetty Lounge is a sophisticated spot where you’ll want to spend some time. Located at the One&Only Royal Mirage, chic Arabian architecture and Dubai skyline vistas make this a spot you’ll remember. Order a selection of the upmarket snacks on the menu during your liquid lunch and feel the blissfulness.

Address: One&Only Royal Mirage, Jumeirah Beach Al Sufouh Road
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone: +971-4-399-9999
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For the wine connoisseur: Vinoteca

One of the best Italian restaurants in Garhoud, near Wafi City Mall, Vinoteca is a must-visit for any fine wine enthusiast. The Italian-inspired decor is elevated by the five-star ambience where you’ll easily get lost in swapping stories over a glass of your favourite wine. Don’t worry if you’re not a vino lover, mixologists at the bar can create world-class cocktails for you instead.

Address: Grand Hyatt Regency, Sheikh Rashid Road
Neighbourhood: Umm Hurair 2
Phone: +971-4-317-2221
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Cocktail heaven: Vista Bar & Terrace

 

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Dubai’s year-round hot climate creates the need for outdoor venues, and Vista Bar and Lounge is one worth visiting. With a terrace overlooking the Festival Marina and the city skyline, this stylish bar offers an ambient setting for conversation and refreshing cocktails. If you’re in the mood of smoking up, flavoured shisha is also available at select times during the week.

Address: InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Neighbourhood: Dubai Festival City
Phone: +971-4-701-1128
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Late-night Mediterranean: Atelier M

 

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This Mediterranean-inspired luxury restaurant located on the top floor of Pier 7 is one of the hottest nightlife venues in Dubai Marina. It’s even got a secret rooftop where DJs are spinning until 2 am most nights of the week. This is somewhere you intend to go for dinner and end up partying all night, or vice-versa.

Address: Floor 7/7M, Pier 7, next to Marina Mall
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone: +971-4-450-7766
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Buzzing sports bar: Shades

 

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Football, rugby, golf, and soccer fans, you don’t have to worry about missing a game because stylish sports bar Shades shows the latest sporting action on big screens inside and outside the venue. Get the gang together, order some beer, and agree to disagree about which teams will emerge as the winners of the games.

Address: Al Mamsha Street, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone: +971-4-316-5550
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Scottish sensation: Makar

 

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Experience Scottish charm at Makar located in the plush Radisson Blu Dubai Waterfront hotel. This sophisticated bar is known for its cozy interiors and extensive whisky collection curated by their Scottish bar manager. Both drinks and food are exquisite so you’ll probably order more than expected (of both). Make it easier on your wallet by visiting during happy hour from 8 pm to 1 am daily.

Address: Radisson Blu Dubai Waterfront, Al Abraaj Street
Neighbourhood: Business Bay
Phone: +971-4-249-7800
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Latin American luxury: COYA

 

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Vibe with South American spirit at Dubai’s award-winning COYA. The restaurant and bar celebrate Incan heritage in the Middle East with otherworldly interiors and a top-notch menu. This venue is an extension of COYA in Mayfair, London and the late-night partying is just as good, if not even better.

Address: Restaurant Village Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road
Neighbourhood: Jumeirah 2
Phone: +971-4-316-9600
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Flaming cocktails: Iris Dubai

 

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Have you ever tried a flaming tequila and patron silver-based cocktail? It’s Iris Dubai’s take on the mai tai and it might just change how you feel about cocktails forever. There couldn’t be a better place to try it than at this opulent rooftop bar on the twenty-seventh floor of The Oberoi Dubai, overlooking the concrete jungle.

Address: Level 27, The Oberoi, Business Bay
Neighbourhood: Business Bay
Phone: +971-56-951-1442
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For the cool gamer: Stereo Arcade

 

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Stereo Arcade offers something you won’t find anywhere else in Dubai; an arcade, bar, restaurant, and nightclub, all rolled into one. The red-brick bar has a retro garage feel that makes you feel nostalgic and right at home. It’s the kind of place where you can show up wearing a pair of Converse and stay dancing in the nightclub or hip-hop room until 3 am. Go let your hair down!

Address: The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Neighbourhood: Jumeirah Beach Residence
Phone: : +971-52-618-2424
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Revelling dance club: Industrial Avenue

 

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Inspired by the underground scenes of Berlin, Ibiza, Manchester, and London, Industrial Avenue offers a new kind of partying experience in Dubai. The venue is full of funky artwork and revellers dressed in streetwear while techno, house music, or hip-hop beats vibrate throughout the space.

Address: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road
Neighbourhood: Dubai Marina
Phone: +971-52-293-5907
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With some amazing choices for drinks in Dubai, the toughest call will be deciding where you want to visit first. Remember to sample some of the city’s amazing culinary creations in between drinks (and have plenty of water), you won’t regret it.

See Also:

• 21 awesome places to eat in Dubai
• 21 epic things to do in Dubai that will make you book a flight ASAP

Want to share your favourite places to say ‘cheers’ in your own city? Email us at [email protected] or post using the hashtag #dailyhivemapped!