Our favourite bars and clubs in Dubai

Looking for a night out in Dubai? Check out our top picks for bars and clubs.

Following Marella Cruises’ recent launch of a brand new home port in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates’ flashiest city is now even easier to get to. Here are our favourite hotspots to visit in the evenings…

You’re probably aware of the buzz that surrounds decadent Dubai’s larger-than-life night scene. But you might have heard a few contradictory rumours about its drinking laws, too. So what’s the deal? Is the ‘City of Gold’ all party princes, or party poopers?

Well, the good news is you’ll have no trouble quenching your thirst on our cruise ships, where alcoholic drinks are readily available. In fact, we’re currently offering free All Inclusive upgrades on all sailings between October 2016 and April 2017, which means the drinks are on us.

Once you’re off the ship, drinking in licensed premises, like hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs is the norm for tourists. As long as there’s no trouble, there won’t be a problem. Drinking in public is a big no-no, though, and you’ll want to think twice about heading out in public if you’re overly merry, too. It’s illegal to be under the influence of alcohol in public. The bottom line is, providing you drink responsibly, you’ll love Dubai’s eclectic nightlife.

But don’t just take our word for it – take a look at these 5 top bars and clubs in Dubai…

Found on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab, an eye-watering 200 metres above sea level, the lavish Skyview Bar is our pick of the bunch. Okay, so it’s not cheap – in fact, it’s all-out splurge. But the views are immense and the cocktails aren’t bad, either. Make sure you book in advance to bag a window seat.

If sampling boutique gins with majestic marina views stirs your senses, you’ll love this place. Head down to the InterContinental Dubai Marina and take your pick from all sorts of weird and wonderful blends of botanicals from the house ‘Ginventory.’ With brews from England, Scotland, France and the United States, every flavour’s covered. And, if you’re having trouble deciding which gin to plump for, you’d better get someone’s help for the tonics – with no less than 8 to pick from, things could get tricky.

If sampling boutique gins with majestic marina views stirs your senses, you’ll love this place. Head down to the InterContinental Dubai Marina and take your pick from all sorts of weird and wonderful blends of botanicals from the house ‘Ginventory.’ With brews from England, Scotland, France and the United States, every flavour’s covered. And, if you’re having trouble deciding which gin to plump for, you’d better get someone’s help for the tonics – with no less than 8 to pick from, things could get tricky.

You’ll find this sophisticated, British-inspired bar at the Four Seasons resort in Jumeirah. Hendricks oozes mature-cool. It’s like Richard from Friends. Sink into comfortable club chairs plonked on patterned carpets, surrounded by dark wood panelling and aubergine leather walls. Then, let the bar come to you as smart waiters wheel over the gin and tonic trolley. Don’t miss the Gin & Jazz nights, every Friday.

If you’re after somewhere chilled out, you could do far worse than Barrel 12. It’s bagged itself a great spot on the Palm Jumeirah, right by the marina, and is relatively unassuming in contrast to some of Dubai’s flashier haunts. With a stripped-back, minimalist design, including exposed brick walls and filament lighting, it looks the part, too. On match days, you’ll be able to catch the footy. And the food’s not bad, either – tuck into a plate of fish and chips and feel right at home.

Ready to experience Dubai’s nightlife for yourself? Book your cruise now.

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