Dubai Nightlife

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Trader Vic's is a collection of restaurants that incorporates different cultures from around the world, whilst maintaining a mostly Polynesian theme. It is also the only upscale group of restaurants operating worldwide.
Forgive me for putting this tip under "Nightlife", but it's simply more appropriate as we never come here to eat ;-)

The first Trader Vic's in the UAE opened in both Abu Dhabi & Dubai in 1994 and in 2005 a 2nd restaurant was opened in Dubai at Madinat Jumeirah.

--> UPDATE June 2008: There is also a Trader Vic's MaiTai Lounge in the Al Fattan Tower in Dubai Marina. Only bar-bites are served here, but this venue is a lot larger and I really liked it here, as the band is best here!

I will admit that the atmosphere, food & world-famous cocktails are superb, but they come at a price. A simple bar snack of 4 veggie spring rolls will set you back Dhs 56.- (15 US Dollars!), so you can imagine what a main course must cost. I've had dinner at the Crown Plaza branch once & it was good, but in my opinion the prices were still not justifiable. Also, the restaurant tends to be very dark, and I for one like to see what I'm eating. If you choose to have dinner, reservations are essential.

Dress Code: Dress Code is Smart-Casual. Jeans are ok, but no sandals or sneakers. No baseball caps.

The true magic starts when it comes to the cocktails: they are BIG, colourful, gorgeous and the most potent you'll find in the whole city.
And this is what most people have come here for - to grab a highly fought-over space at the "MaiTai Lounge Bar" & drown themselves in concoctions with exotic, strange & funny names. I "quizzed" the bartender on the various ingredients & differences of certain cocktails on the list, and his knowledge was flawless & his smile endless - the staff in this place are fantastic. I like coming here for a few "winding-down" drinks after work.

There's also a live Cuban band who play live every night from 09:00pm onwards.

TIP: If you want to enjoy the most dangerously delicious cocktails in Dubai & survive with your bank account in tact, get there early and enjoy their Happy Hour with 50% discount, every day from 06:00pm - 08:00pm (after discount, a cocktail will cost around Dhs 25.- which is about 7 US Dollars) How many can you drink in 2 hours, eh? Haha!

My Tried, Tested & Recommended Cocktails:
Tiki Puka Puka: similar to a Mai Tai, but a lot bigger & stronger (see pink drink in photo)
Mini Hunni: Minty-fresh with lime & a lot of kick (comes with free mini doll)
Potted Parrot: a smooth but potent blend of rums & tropical juices.
Rum Giggle: great for sharing with friends.
PeachTree Punch: thick, fruity and more "gentle" with less percentage.

Opening Hours:
Lunch Hours: 12:30pm - 03:00pm.
Dinner Hours: 07:30pm - 11:00pm (Crowne Plaza & Madinat Jumeirah).
Mai Tai Lounge: 06:00pm - 01:30am.
NOTE: Happy Hours only apply to Trader Vic's in the Crowne Plaza and also the Trader Vic's in the Al Fattan Tower.

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In October of 2006 ZINC received a major face-lift. Renovations have now transformed this venue into a *I-desperately-want-to-look-like-a-Manhattan-Club* kind of place. "Is it good?" I hear you ask. Well, read below and then... go & check it out!

Zinc is one of the hippest & most popular bars / nightclubs / chill-out lounges in Dubai. The staff are great, the security is strict & very efficient, the dance floor is a good size & the food is lovely (not many vegetarian options, though). You enter the club down a ramp, almost like parading yourself on a cat-walk to the other patrons. Fluorescent lights illuminate the large central bar, with another more secluded "VIP area" around the corner. ZINC's revamp has done very well with trying to look like a futuristic bar from movies such as "The 5th Element".

There's ever changing, funky live bands from all over the world & DJ Greg Stainer likes to keep us on our toes with everything from R&B, Rock 'n' Roll, 70s, Tech House & Reggae (and he's kinda cute, too...)

It's surely one of the city's busiest dance floors, attracting a lively crowd that is among the most diverse in Dubai. It's packed almost every night of the week. The best atmosphere is from midnight onwards; this is when it gets busy.

Every night of the week they run special promotions for either food, drink, ladies nights or special music events. Depending on your taste in music, it's advisable to check-out their website or call the management to find-out about certain nights. I for one do not want to spend the entire evening listening to Gangsta-Rap if I can avoid it...

Dress Code: Dress-Code is smart-casual.
MEN: Jeans are fine (no shorts)
Proper shoes (no sneakers, no sandals) Shirt with collar.
LADIES: Pretty much anything goes for us, girls!

Opening Hours: 06:00pm - 03:00am.

I used to like the "old Zinc" a lot better... but if you like alternative dance beats, a slightly pretencious crowd and a fancy interior design that attempts to justify high drinks prices, then you'll enjoy a late evening here.

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If you are visiting Dubai as a tourist or living here, come Thursday night we are all faced with the same question: Where to?

Since 2003 numerous hotels have popped-up all around the city, and with them countless new nightspots.
(only hotels can obtain the licence to serve alcohol, therefore nightclubs are located within hotels or under management of a hotel. Very rarely do we have nightclubs/bars that have separate premises).

Partying in Dubai is definitely great for the ladies:
Almost all bars/pubs/clubs have regular ladies nights with special offers & plenty of free tipple ;-)

To find out what is happening where & when, I find the TimeOut website & Mumtazz very useful. Another great website is DubaiNightPlanner.com- Check-out their regularly updated list of events including everything from nightclubs, restaurant-specials, theatre, or even upcoming concerts! Of course, if you're in the UAE you can also tune into the various English-speaking radio channels for updates on the nightlife scene.

REMARK: Please note that the legal "partying-age" in Dubai is 21 yrs. You may be asked to present your ID at the door.

OPENING HOURS: It's sad, but true: all bars & nightclubs in Dubai close the latest by 03:00am (by law)

ALSO: Many clubs in Dubai have a "couples only" policy, meaning that couples & single girls are allowed, but not single men. (Sorry guys!)
Some clubs will ask for an entrance fee from single men (which can be quite high!), but if you wait outside for a group of single girls and ask if you can simply walk in with them, most ladies do not mind.... especially if you offer to buy them a drink as a "thank you"!

Dress Code: When going out in Dubai, dress codes vary from establishment to establishment.

If you are planning on "bar-hopping" throughout the night, follow these guidelines & you won't be left standing outside because you are underdressed...!

M E N: Some places (like Irish pubs, etc.) are very relaxed when it comes to dresscode for men. To play it safe, though, men should wear a shirt with collar, good-quality jeans or proper trousers (no shorts!) and proper shoes (no sandals or sports shoes/sneakers). Then no bouncer should have a problem letting you in.

L A D I E S: For us girlies, pretty much anything goes... sorry guys! Even the more upmarket places don't have a problem if you show up in jeans and a sexy top, or short skirts, or boots, etc. Some bouncers may have a problem if you are wearing sneakers/sports shoes. But usually they are glad to see girls wanting to party at their club and will let you in without any trouble.

Hard Rock cafe was opened in Dubai on December 13, 1997. They offer great deals in starters, salads, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, desserts, bar and HRC specialties. The restaurant opens daily at 12 p.m. Their staff is friendly and food is delicious as per HRC traditions. A live rock band performs six nights a week. Fridays are dedicated to children with lots of attractions for kids.

Dress Code: Their is so specific dress codes but you are expected to wear reasonable dress.

TRILOGY nightclub ..... save you the dissipointment to visit this expensive and not woth it place, as they overcharge as well as their attitude towards guest is not what can be expected.
Trt to other clubs as they gives value for the money and a good night on town.

Visit Zinc, Chi, Pulse, Sanctoary and more as they gives a good service at good rates without dissipointments !!!!!

Dress Code: normal dress as its a high entrance

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Ski Dubai has sessions that last upto 2200 & 2300 hours. If you've accompanied someone to the slopes but are not skiing yourself, why not look around in the shops & then settle for some drinks, food, and dessert at Apres, overlooking the slopes.

The place has huge glass windows offering panaramic views of the ski slopes, including the nursery slopes & ski park.

There is a bar, some chic leather sofas facing a fire, and even sit-down tables for having a meal.

Dress Code: Smart or casual is fine.

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Lovely, elegant sofas put together in the open-air section, with some tall stools around the edges of the terrace as well.

Pleasant & courteous staff, who greet you upon entering the bar and take you to your table. Agreeable, unobtrusive service. Extensive drinks menu & tasty tapas to choose from.

Superb views over Jumeirah Beach & the cityscape glittering at night time. Also looming above you is the Burj Al Arab, with it's helipad & bar clearly visible.

Dress Code: Smart

i've been in Dubai for several times. i like there a lot. nightclubs are perfect. Roberto Cavalli club and 400 club are located on Sheikh Zayed road at the Fairmont hotel. 400 club is really crowded most of the time and its hard to take a breath there but it worths it! :D you should go to Crown Plaza hotel and experience 2 great discos in Dubai. the club Zinc that is on grand floor and Quantum on second floor. i suggest you go there for sure. but don't forget it you should check the schedule of them before you go! and most of the clubs in Dubai close at 3am. and now i want to tell you about a very nice bar.. of course its Buddha bar located in Grosvenor hotel in Dubai MarinA. don't miss Boudoir in Dubai MarinE.(not dubai marina) Boudoir is a fantastic place to go. and now its time to go to Atlantis club in Atlantis hotel located in Palm. and there is a good place for relaxing and have fresh air good cocktails and smoke Shisha dance salsa and... yes its name is Barasti beach bar and restaurant, located in heart of Dubai Marina. dont forget that there are not any alcoholic drinks in shops or super markets and if you want to buy something to drink you should buy in the airport from Duty free(free shop)! or go to a bar and drink there! :D have a nice trip. enjoy.