A fancy bar in Dubai must have a view — the poshest places sell not only cocktails, but also the feeling of having the city at your feet. This objective comes with a price tag to match. Most of the bars in Dubai have a happy hour (usually from 5pm to 8pm) and a ladies’ day on Tuesday. A ladies’ day does not mean that men are not allowed, it simply means that female guests get complimentary drinks.
A cool open-air rooftop bar with a view, interesting cocktails, and live music and DJ sets. It has enough space for weekend crowds, and still feels intimate and cozy.
The Meydan Hotel10, Al Meydan streetNadd Al Shiba 1, Hadaeq Mohammed Bin Rashid, Dubai
An Asian restaurant and rooftop bar with a relaxing Thai atmosphere and a perfect view of the Burj Khalifa tower. With its greenery covered booths, the Treehouse lives up to its name. The cocktail menu contains some bold experiments with ingredients like balsamic vinegar or blue cheese.Music choices range from acoustic solo sets to deep house music.
Taj Dubai Hotel14, Al Mustaqbal streetBusiness Bay, Dubai
Set on the 71st and 72nd floors of JW Marriott Marquis, the world’s tallest hotel, the Vault has a fantastic view of Burj Khalifa and the dancing fountains. The bar also boasts an exclusive atmosphere and friendly staff, a fine selection of renowned cigar brands, and a wide variety of beverages.
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel2, Al Mustaqbal streetBusiness Bay, Dubai
A sophisticated bar and restaurant at the Pier 7 building boasts friendly service and 360-degree views of the Dubai Marina skyline. A great choice for a romantic date
One of the most romantic rooftop lounges, Luna at the Four Seasons Hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere and a fantastic view of the Burj Khalifa and DIFC from the outdoor terrace — especially after dark.
One of the best places for a night out in Madinat Jumeirah — a waterside bar with cool atmosphere, friendly staff, live jazz and soul music, and a terrace with a view over Burj Al-Arab.
Mina A' Salam Hotel600, Jumeirah roadAl Sufouh 1, Al Sufouh, Dubai
A rooftop lounge atop of the Four Seasons Jumeirah serving outstanding Mediterranean cuisine. A view of the sea on one side, and of Sheikh Zayed Road skyscrapers on the other.
A fine dining restaurant, located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa tower, has a slightly less formal lounge and bar. Consider booking a window seat here instead of buying a ticket to one of the Burj Khalifa observation decks: you will get almost the same view, pay for your cocktails and snacks (a minimum spend is 320 AED) instead of a ticket (129–530 AED).
Burj Khalifa1, Mohammed Bin Rashid BoulevardBurj Khalifa/Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Another fancy bar with a breathtaking view on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab hotel, so you can have a look at the over-the-top, luxurious lobby interiors. The bar offers a limited choice of food but an impressive choice of outstanding cocktails. Book in advance, dress in a smart elegant style. A minimum spend is 360 AED. Cocktails start from 110 AED (and the sky is the limit).
Burj Al Arab868, Jumeirah roadUmm Suqeim 3, Umm Suqeim, Dubai
A posh cocktail bar with subdued candle-light and live piano music is located on the 44th floor of Grosvenor House Tower One, so the place boasts 360-degree views of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai's stunning skyline, and The Palm Jumeirah.
Grosvenor House Hotel31, Elemreef streetJumeirah Beach Residence, Marsa Dubai, Dubai
A chic dark-wood bar area of Zuma. One of the best Japanese restaurants in Dubai, Zuma is also named among the best bars on the planet by the World's 50 Best Bars Awards. Innovative cocktails have a strong Japanese accent.
A Russian restaurant with karaoke, shishas, and a view of the Atlantis, the Palm. Most of the regulars are Russian, but Berezka is a great choice for anyone who is interested in Russian cuisine, or simply wants to party hard.
The Pointe4, Al Khanezi streetThe Palm Jumeirah, Dubai