Dubai is almost dead during the day and becomes alive at night. You can enjoy Dubai nightlife in various ways depending on “what” you want. Especially there are specific Dubai nightclubs to cater deferent requirements and clients..

Dubai has excellent nightlife. However, you should know the limitations, as there are strict laws in Dubai.

Lets start with Dubai nightclubs…

There are varieties of nightclubs in Dubai. Some are free to enter and some are charging an entrance fee. Visit Dubai Nighclubs page for more on nightclubs and review of my favourite nightclubs.

Lets continue with Dubai nightlife….

Liquor is not freely available in Dubai. That means there are no pubs or bars along the road. There is a liquor permit issued for residence visa holders. If you are a visitor you will have to go to a nightclub or to a bar in a hotel to get liquor.

Liquor is expensive in Dubai, especially in nightclubs and in hotels. The best option is to buy liquor from the Duty Free shop at the Dubai Airport while coming into Dubai.

Bars are not available in all Dubai hotels mainly due to religious reasons. If alcohol is part of your daily life then you should be careful when selecting your accommodation.

Apart from that, most of the hotels have bars. Hanging around in a bar till midnight is part of the nightlife in Dubai for most of the expatriates and visitors.

Dubai Creek Park is a nice place to visit at night. The park is huge and therefore not crowded. The atmosphere is fantastic at night. There are play areas for children.

You can just relax in the park and enjoy the view of colourful buildings in the other side of the creek. This is a nice place for the whole family.

Shopping is a major part of Dubai nightlife. Visit Shopping in Dubai page for more on shopping.

Dubai Nightclubs

You will not see Tabletop dancers and topless waitresses in Dubai nightclubs. But there are plenty of things to enjoy in Dubai nightclubs.

There are varieties of nightclubs in Dubai. Some are free to enter and some are charging an entrance fee. There are members’ only nightclubs too. Some nightclubs are famous among different communities such as English/American, Asian, and Russian etc.

* American Dream Seashell Inn Hotel Burdubai

This is an English/American style nightclub. If you love the culture, people and language then this is the place to go.

* Hard Rock Café

This is popular as a place for the entire family. Located in the Hard Rock building, a bit away from the city center (about 35 minutes drive). This is part of the global Hard Rock chain and you can enjoy Hard Rock food and live music. Food and liquor are a bit expensive here.

* Cyclone - Al Nasr leisure land Karama

If you are looking for “something extra” in Dubai nightlife then this is the place to go. this place is famous for being a pick-up joint. This nightclub really rocks. So if you don’t like continues rock n roll then this place is NOT for you.

* Irish Village

Located next to the Aviation Club of Dubai. The Irish Village is a typical Irish style Pub. It is also known as one of the few places that you can drink alcohol without having to go to a hotel. It has seating both indoors and outdoors. They have managed to reproduce an authentic Irish pub feel, and it is very popular with locals, expats and people visiting Dubai. Good quality food is also available.

Arabic nightclubs in Dubai

If you really want to enjoy Dubai nightlife then you MUST visit an Arabic nightclub. Here are my famous Arabic nightclubs.

* Al Abaya The Palm Hotel Interchange No. 5, Sheikh Zayed Rd

This Dubai nightclub serves delicious Arabic dishes and drinks. Al Abaya offers live entertainment by local singers and dancers to accompany your meal. If you want to taste a bit extra of the Arabic culture visit this place.

* Kasbaa Royal Mirage Hotel

This is one of the busiest Arabic nightclubs in Dubai. This is one of the Dubai nightclubs you must visit. The club is built up onto three levels. The entire place is decorated in Arabic style and live Arabic music is played by some of the best DJs.