Dubai

Welcome to Dubai

The second largest of the seven Emirates that make up the UAE, Dubai has an amazing amount to 

offer. It started life as a settlement on an ancient nomadic trading route and, by the 19th century, had 

evolved into a fishing village, making full use of the fertile Arabian Gulf. Until the 1960s, its interest to

 foreigners was limited. All this changed during the last few decades. Vast reserves of oil were 

discovered beneath its arid soil: political sovereignty followed, as did Dubai's desire to transform itself 

into a world leading centre of commerce and architectural grandeur. Given that money is no longer 

much of an issue, Dubai has been evolving with almost unseemly haste. It is now known as the home

 of cutting edge seven star hotels, Western friendly alcohol laws, and abundant tax-free shopping

Bars and Restaurants 

Buddha Bar

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai.

Telephone: +971 4 399 8888

The Buddha Bar global juggernaut is unstoppable. Though the format is familiar to many now, it still has the power to wow. Its Dubai incarnation is a case in point. This place is impressive in every sense. Walk through the doors and you are launched into an imposing multi-level interior: plush carpets and glittering chandeliers plus the vast Buddha statute that has become the bars’ trademark. Cocktails are excellent (as they should be for the price) and there is an abundance of bubbly on offer. Located in Grosvenor House, along with the equally swish Bar 44, the crowd this place attracts is glamorous and dressed to the nines.

Eclipse

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Festival City, Dubai.

Telephone: +971 4 701 1111

Bars with jaw-dropping views are no longer novel in Dubai. There’s hardly a hotel in the city without a cloud-skimming sky lounge with floor to ceiling windows. This doesn’t detract from the fact that few sights compare to that of this compelling, constantly growing city glittering as the sky darkens over it. Perched up on the 26th floor of the Intercontinental, the bar has a retro feel, with lots of chrome and super-plush carpets. Bar snacks are superior specimens and there’s an excellent selection of champagnes available by both the bottle and glass. The air-con can be a bit fierce but staff are on hand to dispense pashminas if you’re feeling a bit chilly.

iKandy

Shangri-La Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai.

Telephone: (971 4) 343 8888

There is an abundance of cutesy candy pink at this attractive, upscale rooftop bar on the fourth floor of the Shangri-La Hotel. Palms and billowing white fabric add to the mood of Arabian nights spliced with LA glitz and a little splash of Miami Beach bling. Open from October to March, the place is full of pretty people clustered around the hotel’s pool deck with their cocktails, listening to mellow music and checking their groomed and glossy reflections in the water. That’s when they’re not checking out the view which is pretty awesome, with the Burj Hotel dominating. Mezze style bar nibbles are served and if it all gets a bit much you can always chill out with a shisha pipe.

Neos

The Address, Downtown Burj, Dubai.

Telephone: +9714 423 8888

Perched on the 63rd floor of The Address, Neos has rapidly established itself as a destination venue, a ‘must-see' for visitors to the city. Its attractive art-deco design makes for a superb contrast to the glitter of the futuristic Dubai backdrop. The crowd is sophisticated yet nicely mixed, and dressed as befits their surroundings. The international menu features numerous tempting dishes and the cocktails are particularly well executed.

Sky View Bar

Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, PO Box 74147.

Telephone: +971 4 3017600

Intimate venue with another great view, not to be confused with the celebrity-rich Sky Bar on Sunset Boulevard in LA - although the crowd here is equally glamorous. Romantic and intimate, it's great for pre-and post-dinner drinks and big on live bands - both local and international. Strong cocktails and a score of other bars and shops to visit nearby - you are after all in the Burj Al Arab. Reservations are essential though.

Zuma

Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

Telephone: +971 4 425 5660

Despite being located in the financial district Zuma has generated quite a buzz. The place, which has sister branches in Hong Kong and London, has been over designed to appear understated: lots of soft, subtle tones, immaculate lines, nothing out of place. Though almost aggressively cool it’s not as pretentious as one might expect. Though there’s an expense account vibe about the whole enterprise, the staff are friendly and the Japanese food is excellent, if served in dainty, high-priced portions for the figure-conscious (which is most of the clientele). The seductive sake lounge adds to the appeal, with resident DJs playing into the evening.

NOBU

Palm Jumeirah 

 Phone: +971 4 426 2626

World-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa continues to redefine Japanese cuisine in a contemporary space that mixes traditional and modern Japanese elements. At Atlantis, Nobu infuses his cutting edge style with Arabian influences to create a distinctly urban experience. Incorporating Nobu’s signature dishes as well as new surprises, the menu is complemented by a sushi bar and sake lounge. Nobu Atlantis blazes a new trail for the acclaimed chef, infusing his cutting-edge Japanese style with Arabian influences to create a distinctly urban experience.

THE 400 NIGHT CLUB

Sheikh Zayed Road

 Phone: +971 4 332 4900

 The 400 is Dubai's premier Nightclub reserved for the Dubai social elite looking to enjoy a clubbing legacy. The 400 has been designed to treat the guest in royal opulence. The lavish interior is draped in classic Louis the XVIstyle and together with a royal reputation for over indulgence highlights the experience of latent royalty in an intimate setting. Guests also have the opportunity to reserve a Royal Private Lounge upon request.

OKKU LUXURY JAPANESE RESTAURANT LOUNGE

One Sheikh Zayed Road 1st floor

Okku, the award winning Luxury Japanese Restaurant and Lounge, serves up unique signature dishes created by celebrity super chefs who have cooked for the Hollywood A-list. Okku brings cutting-edge service, style and design, creating an atmosphere that works perfectly for both intimate dining and late night lounge. Seating over 200 people in three distinctive areas Okku caters to different experiences; the ultra chic bar, the mezzanine lounge, which includes VIP dining rooms, and in the centre the main restaurant with a sushi bar.

The lounge boasts an extensive cocktail menu, a mesmerizing 8-metre jellyquarium and a resident DJ all the way from Miami.

Okku serves food and drinks on the first floor of The Monarch Dubai Hotel between 12noon and 3pm on weekdays and from 7pm with the lounge and bar open until 3am daily.

Dance clubs

CAVALLI CLUB DUBAI

Sheikh Zayed Road, Fairmont Hotel 

Phone: +971 4 332 9260

 Bringing a whole new lifestyle concept to the city, Cavalli Club lives true to every element of Roberto Cavalli’s style. From the Swarovski crystal adorned walls to the shiny black quartz flooring, the opulent space exudes luxury, sophistication and glamour. Located in the Fairmont Hotel, Cavalli Club draws in a clientele just as prestigious and elite. On the top floor, patrons can enjoy culinary delights from Italy at the fine dining restaurant, or if it is something light and exotic they are after, guests can try a range of sushi and caviar at the chic and trendy lounge bar while listening to the hypnotic rhythms mixed by renowned international Djs. The club also includes a downstairs boutique, showcasing luxurious jewellery, watches, home accessories and a selection of Roberto Cavalli’s couture.

ARMANI PRIVE 

Armani Hotel Duabi, Burj Khalifa

 Phone: +971 4 888 3308

Giorgio Armani’s exclusive nightclub brand Armani Privé launched in April 2010 offering the most unique and exclusive high-end VIP entertainment establishment in the region, exclusively located in the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Armani Privé captures the essence of the luxury brand within a nightclub venue; exclusive, luxurious, selective, personalized and meticulously designed providing the highest level of service and entertainment. The Armani Prive experience will not only capture your attention with every minor detail but also capture your imagination leaving you with an experience that will be remembered long after you have left the club.

BOUDOIR NIGHT CLUB & VIP LOUNGE

Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa

Jumeira 1 Dubai

Boudoir, the prominence of Dubai’s vivacious nightclub, soars eminently through the flourishing nightspot scenes in the metropolis. Lavishly tailored with French renaissance flair, the astonishing centerpiece crystal chandelier dramatically enhanced the alluring black premised furnishings and went along in perfection with golden-framed work of arts. The enticing light effects and avant-garde music bring about every foot into the dance floor, as well as splurge oneself with incessant flow of drink varieties. This has been the rationale why the rich, the glamorous and the infamous celebrities were spotted and gathered. Boudoir – cradle of frolicsome nightlife at its best!