Drinking in Dubai Essential Guide
From Laid Back Chic to Classy Cocktails, Dubai in UAE Offers Choice
An essential guide to drinking in Dubai would once have been a problem but alcohol is now an acceptable part of life for the tourist in this Gulf State in the UAE.
Just a few years ago an essential guide to drinking in Dubai would have been an impossible task. Alcohol could only be consumed in hotels - and five-star ones at that - but things have changed.
This essential guide to Dubai’s bars lists many hotel hot-spots because these still provide the atmosphere most liked by ex-pat and local drinkers (extremely cold air-con is one consideration). However, also listed are some outside establishments that offer an alternative.
BARASTI - Le Meridien Seyah Hotel, Dubai Marina
11 a.m. - 2 a.m. Live Music. DJ, Dance floor, TV Sports. Relaxed and friendly atmosphere with fantastic views of the Gulf and nearby Palm Jumeirah. Lounge on the beach soaking up the sun during the day. Best drink to try - the Mojito. Good food available, seafood to complement the setting, shishas (hubble-bubble pipes) available.
Bar 44, Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina
Open until 3 a.m. The view from the 44th floor on which Bar 44 is situated is stunning. The place is huge with pockets of intimate seating scattered around. Best described as sophisticated cocktails in posh surroundings. Pricey. Dress to Impress. Best drink to try - Chocolate Laced Peach Martini, or any of the 44 brands of champagne. Need to get there early at week-ends for the best views in town through the floor to ceiling windows.
The Terrace, Park Hyatt on The Creek
Open until 1 a.m. One of the few Creekside bars in the bustling heart of the old city. The awning covered terrace offers comfy couches and low tables. Get there around 5.30 for the amazing sunset over the Creek (check the local papers for exact times). Best drink to try - they make a great Pimms here.
VU’s Bar, Emirates Tower
Open until 3 a.m. One of the swankiest places in the UAE and one where they operate a strict dress code, so leave the trainers at home and wear a collared shirt. Bar is on the 51st floor. Best drink? Your call, just stick a pin in the enormous tome of a cocktail book and you won’t be sorry. These come at a price so be prepared to bend the plastic or seriously dent your wallet.
Planet Hollywood Complex, Wafi City Shopping Mall
Open until 3 a.m. is GINSINGS, which caters to a largely Asian clientele. A friendly place where you can settle down with a cocktail after an hour or two shopping in the fabulous Mall. Alternatively, try PYRAMIDS, a wine barin the same Wafi City Shopping Mall where they serve good cheese with the wine.
The Dubliners, Meridien Village, 5 mins. From Airport
Open until 3 a.m. The village surrounding Le Meridien Dubai and contains restaurants and bars, the most popular of which is undoubtedly The Dubliners which serves the best pub grub in town. Not to mention well-poured Guinness. The Dubliners attracts a friendly crowd which packs the pub during the televised sporting events. There is an outdoor patio to cope with the overflow, or the anti-sports drinkers.
The Irish Village, Garhoud Road, Near Dubai Tennis Stadium
Open until 3 a.m. This is a vast Irish Pub which has become a Dubai institution, usually packed with ex-pats. The major draw is the vast assortment of Irish beers, including Guinness and Kilkenny, but the duck pond runs a close second!
