We all want to have a good time when we leave our house, right? It’s the reason we gather our friends, plan our outfits, and step out with excitement in our hearts. Whether it’s a chic rooftop bar, a bustling dance floor, or a cosy dinner spot with a show, the allure of a good time is universal.

There’s nothing like the energy of a great night out—the music, the laughter, the memories in the making. It’s not just about who you’re with; it’s also where you go and the joy you create together. When it comes to a good time out, these spots in Dubai will never disappoint.

Some amazing gems are here that even your friends won’t know about. Let the Time Out Nightlife awards winners inspire your next adventure…

Best happy hour – ROKA

Luxury meets affordability at ROKA’s happy hour from 4-8pm on weekdays. With drinks starting at just Dhs20 and tantalising bar bites like seared salmon sushi for Dhs35, it’s the perfect post-work spot in Business Bay.

Best ladies’ night – SOON Izakaya

Free drinks for ladies from 7-9pm on Tuesdays? Yes, please! Add buzzing izakaya vibes and Dhs20 drinks after 9pm, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate girls’ night out in JLT.

Best late-night dining – Ling Ling

Pan-Asian flavours, vibey beats, and sweeping views await at Ling Ling in Atlantis The Royal. Dubai’s cool crowd gathers there until the wee hours.

Best party brunch – Black Flamingo

Turn up the heat at this Miami-inspired hotspot on Palm West Beach. Neon lights, funky tunes, and US-Latino small plates guarantee a brunch to remember.

Best dinner show – The Theater

Extravagance takes centre stage at The Theater, where acrobats and dancers dazzle above a fine dining feast. It’s an unforgettable night at Fairmont Dubai.

Best live music bar – Lock, Stock & Barrel JBR

Live bands, a packed dance floor, and rock vibes define this cavernous JBR favourite. It’s a gig-lovers’ paradise.

Best beach bar – February 30

Soak in the sun and stunning Marina views at this toes-in-the-sand Lebanese bar. Vibrant parasols and Mediterranean bites set the perfect beachy scene.

Best mixed drinks bar – Paradiso

Rooftop views meet wild creativity at Paradiso. Expect circus-inspired décor, experimental drinks, and Spanish cuisine at FIVE Luxe.

Best dive bar – Rock Bottom

Classic bar grub, pool tables, and a packed dance floor make this Barsha Heights OG a staple for Dubai night owls.

Best entertainment bar – Brass Monkey

From bowling to arcade games, Brass Monkey offers non-stop fun alongside 90s beats and drool-worthy burgers.

Best speakeasy – Moonshine

Behind a hidden fridge door in DIFC lies this prohibition-era gem, where edgy vibes and modern cocktails keep the crowd coming.

Best rooftop bar – High Society by Jean Imbert

Stunning skyline views, an infinity pool, and a luxe menu make this Business Bay rooftop a must-visit for high rollers and photo seekers alike.

Best restaurant bar – Mimi Kakushi

Step back into 1920s Japan at this chic spot. Sip Japanese-inspired cocktails and soak in the stylish vibes of Jumeirah’s hidden gem.

Best sports bar – McGettigan’s JLT

This JLT spot is the place to cheer with fellow fans for match-day vibes and hearty pub grub.

The best bar in Dubai – Honeycomb Hi-Fi

Honeycomb Hi-Fi is a dream for music enthusiasts. Its music-centric design features a listening station, a vinyl record store, and a bookshop.

The best club in Dubai – Sky2.0

If you’re after a legendary night out, Sky2.0 is where it’s at. This semi-open-air super-club in the trendy Dubai Design District (d3) guarantees unforgettable nights of energy and style. A favourite for the city’s cool crowd!

The best beach club in Dubai – Playa Pacha

With four large pools leading to the beach and stylish décor accented by Playa Pacha’s red cherries, it offers a chic and lively atmosphere perfect for a luxe day out.

The best pool clubs in Dubai – Cloud 22

This super-luxe pool offers sky-high luxury and stunning views. The 90-meter infinity pool features sun loungers, floating beds, and private cabanas, including a two-story VVIP option with its own pool.

We hope this edit helps save you time and money as you build your plans for a night to remember. From glitzy rooftops to hidden speakeasies— every moment at one of these places will feel like a celebration of the extraordinary.

Author

  • Joy Ejaria

    A social media journalist with an unparalleled passion for digital storytelling, Joy's secret weapon is her killer creative flair. Little wonder she’s bossing it as ahlan’s editor these days. After graduating with a degree in journalism, Joy went on to specialise in digital content creation working for UK-based magazines like Men's Health and Who What Wear, as well as working on brands like Dove and Boots.

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Joy Ejaria

Joy Ejaria

A social media journalist with an unparalleled passion for digital storytelling, Joy's secret weapon is her killer creative flair. Little wonder she’s bossing it as ahlan’s editor these days. After...