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45 of the best bars for creative cocktails in Dubai

From sundowners with a view to creative concoctions, these are the best places to grab a drink in Dubai. 

Dubai’s cocktail scene is a vibrant mix of hidden speakeasies, rooftop bars with stunning views, and innovative takes on classic tipples. Whether you crave a glamorous setting or a quirky ambience, Dubai has a cocktail bar to suit your taste. From Agora to Zuma, these are the best bars for creative cocktails in Dubai.

7EVENTY8

Sumosan Dubai’s nightlife venue, 7EVENTY8 refers to the numbers seven and eight, which are auspicious in Japanese culture. The bar boasts a rich colour palette with red velvets, deep greys and gold accents, while the décor includes mirrored walls and a stunning dragon mural across the ceiling. The signature cocktails showcase a creative Japanese twist on classics. The Ode to Ueshima is a take on Espresso Martini; Shinjiro’s Way is a take on a white Negroni; and Roots of Sekiyawa is a take on an Old Fashion. Plus, there are Insta-worthy views of the Burj Khalifa.

GO: Follow @7eventy8_dxb on Instagram for more information. 

7EVENTY8

Aether

Located just off the lobby inside W Dubai – The Palm, Aether sets the mood with its sultry and sophisticated design. Take your pick from plush red seats around tables and shiny high stools by the bar. The cocktails are inspired by the elements: The Parachute Youth is an ode to air, and mixes rum with caramel, citrus, lavender and yuzu; and The Espressioni is an ode to fire, and fuses Campari coffee, chocolate, gin and vermouth. The hotel’s in-house music curator has designed the soundtrack for each night, which ranges from live DJs to jazz musicians.

GO: Follow @aetherdubai on Instagram for more information. 

Aether

AGORA

For the uninitiated, an ‘agora’ was a space in ancient Greek cities that served as a meeting ground for the activities of citizens. Now, in a similar vein, AGORA at The Dubai EDITION is a place to gather for a botanical journey in Downtown Dubai and explore mixology through the lens of Simone Caporale. The world-renowned bartender has curated a revolutionary menu with an appealing mix of unique beverages that blend classic techniques with avant-garde elements. The setting exudes old-school glamour and understated luxury (think plush green seating and rustic terracotta chairs) that greets guests after a somewhat unassuming entrance. 

GO: Follow @agora_dxb on Instagram for more information.

cocktails in Dubai

Alma Bar

Alma Bar is where the vintage glamour of London meets the dynamic spirit of the modern Middle East. Like its London counterpart, Alma Bar is situated within the charming confines of Sucre restaurant. Here, Persian rugs hang from the ceiling, creating a rustic yet inviting ambience while plush seating warms you in its embrace as you sip on beverages that blend forgotten ingredients with modern techniques. The dedicated agave bar is the perfect place to explore bold and unique flavours. Sip on a refreshing Tokyo with its clean and floral notes, or indulge in the Almarita, a unique twist on the traditional Margarita.

GO: Visit @almabardubai on Instagram for more information.

cocktails in Dubai

AMOR by Salvaje

AMOR by Salvaje has opened at Address Opera Residences in Downtown Dubai and promises to be a wild night out. In Spanish, amor means passion, and salvaje means wild. True to its name, AMOR by Salvaje promises a night of partygoing. The menu blends Japanese cuisine with creative mixology, while the entertainment includes resident DJs playing everything from Afro beats to Latin sounds. Located beneath Salvaje restaurant, AMOR by Salvaje is a sultry spot that can accommodate up to 190 people. 

GO: Visit https://salvajedubai.com for more information.

AMOR by Salvaje

Attiko

If you’re after a spectacular sundowner spot for a drink in one hand and a camera in the other, then check out Attiko. The bar is located on the 31st floor of W Dubai – Mina Seyahi and great for the golden hour. Designed to resemble an Asian garden, the space has floor-to-ceiling windows and lounge seating surrounding a striking bar. The space is completed by a large outdoor terrace boasting spectacular panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah. Mixologist Andrii Knapik is behind the beverage menu, which has some fun and flavourful signature cocktails. As for the food, don’t miss the Crispy Rice Salmon and Sea Urchin delight.

GO: Visit www.theattiko.com for reservations and more information.

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Blind Tiger

Nestled in the Turtle Lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem, the hub is a place to let your hair down. The creators chose a name to fit that mood, as you are encouraged to turn a blind eye and unleash your inner tiger. The décor could verge on Tiger King rather than jungle chic – it has bold tiger prints on the entrance floor, cushions, paintings and even on the pegs of the toilet cubicle doors. Yet, somehow, it all works. Guests will want to indulge in the venue’s creative cocktails. The drinks range from the BT Boulevard with shitake mushroom and chocolate vermouth to the Zen Express with pistachio, coffee and a secret scent. Plus, there is an extensive whisky list, cigars and light nibbles. 

GO: Visit @blindtigerdxb for more information.

Your UAE

Chanca

At the Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach, COYA Dubai has earned a reputation not only for its contemporary Peruvian cuisine but also for its vibrant Pisco Bar. Offering an immersive journey inspired by Latin American culture, Chanca at COYA Dubai invites guests to savour captivating beverages such as the El Capitán, Pisco Punch, and the classic Pisco Sour while indulging in sharing plates and a convivial atmosphere.

GO: Follow @chancabycoya on Instagram for more information.

cocktails in Dubai

Citadelle

Located on the third floor of the Pullman Dubai Downtown, Citadelle was created by hospitality entrepreneur Samer Hamadeh. Citadelle Dubai’s menu covers international cuisine and has dishes from Asia, America and Europe. Plus, the venue is home to a shots bar called the Spice Bar, inspired by Dubai’s spice souq. Citadelle also hosts DJ nights, and guests can expect a dance, pop, rock, and R&B soundtrack from the 1980s to the 2000s. The venue boasts handmade items flown in from Spain and aims to replicate the sunset with its vibrant orange hues.

GO: Visit https://citadelledubai.com for more information.

Citadelle Dubai

Eden

Theatregoers across Dubai need no introduction to Belcanto, an experiential dining concept on the rooftop of Dubai Opera. And now, a pathway inside this fine-dining haven leads to an eclectic new space called Eden. The rooftop hotspot offers a chic venue surrounded by lush greenery, exotic prints and vibrant patterns. Elsewhere, phenomenal views of Burj Khalifa mean it is one of the most sought-after venues for New Year’s Eve. Over at the bar, five-time World’s 50 Best Bars award-winner Mikhail Melnik has concocted an impressive drinks menu with signature cocktails inspired by paradisiacal beings.

GO: Call 04 456 0936 for reservations and more information.

Eden

Electric Pawn Shop

A hedonist, dystopian counter-culture Asian Mediterranean bar and restaurant inspired by the 70s Chinatown of New York is now open at The H Dubai. The venue proudly combines underground music, contemporary design and innovative drinking and dining experiences. We can’t help but admire the playfulness of both the names and concoctions. The Java Jungle Boogie is a sweet and refreshing combination of clarified cola, pawn shop coconut rum, cucumber and shisho, whilst the Yakuza Jacuzzi combines clarified orange, roasted barley, jasmine, Aperol and tequila into a punchy yet alluring beverage. Eclectic underground music surrounds the venue, delivering funk-laced beats from different genres played through a top-of-the-line custom-built sound system.

GO; Visit www.electricpawnshop.com for reservations or more information.

Review Electric Pawn Shop

Galaxy Bar

Currently holding the prestigious #50 spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, Galaxy Bar in DIFC offers a celestial experience. Its starlit ceiling and sapphire-adorned bar casts a magical glow over the venue, setting the stage for an enchanting evening. The carefully crafted beverage menu features 12 exquisite drinks, each paying homage to a celestial being or constellation. Indulge in the Rocket Man, blending Michter’s Bourbon, Pumpkin and Coconut Peanut Bitters, or the Electric Love, a mix of Mancino Sakura Vermouth, Umeshu, Verjuice Mountain and Tea Bitter.

GO: Visit www.galaxy-bar.com for reservations and more information.

Into The Future

Gilt

Burj Al Arab’s 27th-floor cocktail bar is dominated by a stunning gold bar framed by a feature wall of white gold-threaded marble to create a welcoming and stylish space. Mixologist Thibault Mequignon is a master of unusual cocktail creations who takes inspiration from the Michelin-starred kitchens in which he has worked. For example, the Oseille cocktail is perfect for a fresh and sour taste. In contrast, the mineral and floral tasting Sakura cocktail was inspired by Thibault’s travels in Japan, and the Bee Pollen concoction features a mellow honey taste.

GO: Follow @gilt_burjalarab on Instagram for more information.

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High Society 

Acclaimed chef Jean Imbert has opened High Society on the highest level of The Lana, Dorchester Collection. With the Burj Khalifa and creative cocktails in the spotlight, it offers a daring take on drinks. The cocktail list is one of the more creative lists we’ve seen in Dubai. The unusual ingredients range from feta cheese to onion, and these are not so subtle – so bring gum. The signature cocktails come with epic names inspired by myths – Secret of Archipelago, anyone? The Qudrigo Sacrifice is sweet and powerful with mastiha and pear syrup. The Cleopatra’s Glow is floral and silky with cinnamon, hibiscus, oat milk, roasted red onion and vodka. The knowledgeable staff are on hand to help and provide back stories as well as warnings for that onion-y drink. 

GO: Follow @highsocietyatthelana on Instagram for more information.

High Society

Honeycomb Hi-Fi

Honeycomb Hi-Fi is alive with the sound of music. Located in Business Bay, the venue prides itself on being the region’s first listening bar. The chilled cool hangout opened in October 2022, and has a loyal fanbase and a FACT Award for Best Bar in Dubai. Visitors can browse vinyl records ranging from Prince to Nina Simone and hear them being spun by local DJs at the bar. The Japanese menu is divided into cold, raw, hot, binchotan grill, and rice dishes, and the cool concept combines an izakaya experience with craft cocktails. 

GO: Follow @honeycombhifi on Instagram for more information.

Dubai Guide

Hush Hush

Sssh, we have to share a secret. The FACT Dining Award Dubai winner, The Nice Guy, has opened a bar. Hush Hush is a late-night lounge that brings together top-notch music, bites and drinks. The mafioso-inspired concept venue looks like something out of a Martin Scorsese movie, with its warm wooden interiors and a retro vibe. Hush Hush serves food and drinks, especially carefully curated nightcaps. Guests can order pizzas, including the popular lobster version, and crafted cocktails. The Nice Guy’s prevalent no-photo policy adds an air of exclusivity to the hip hangout.

GO: Follow @hushhush.ae on Instagram for more information.

UAE Weekend

Infinity Bar

Located on the sixth floor of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, the exclusive rooftop Infinity Bar at Tasca is exceptionally Instagrammable. Visitors to this beautiful spot will be granted unbeatable views of the Arabian Gulf, exquisite beverages and a trendy poolside ambience. Guaranteeing marvellous sunset views and delicious Portuguese staples, all of the signature sips at Infinity Bar are served with imaginative flair, including the Port & Tonic, mixing dry and floral notes of dry white port wine with a bubbly sensation from the tonic water, and the Lights of Lima, a beguiling blend of vodka, gin and rum, infused with lime zest and topped with homemade lime foam.

GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for reservations and more information.

cocktails in Dubai

Ling Ling Ultra

The luxurious Ling Ling Ultra Lounge at Atlantis The Royal opened in style and offers an intimate yet exclusive experience. The space includes ten tables, bottle service, handcrafted cocktails and premium bubbles. Located on the 23rd floor, it has spectacular views of the Dubai skyline and Arabian Gulf. Catch DJ Arina on Thursdays and Fridays, DJ Michelle Grant on Saturdays, and guest DJs. Plus, who knows who you might spot at the celebrity favourite hotel – Chris Brown, Kanye West and the cast of Dubai Bling included.

GO: Visit https://hellolingling.com for more information.

dining in Dubai

LPM Restaurant & Bar

Twelve new beverages inspired by the life of French artist Jean Cocteau are on the menu at the ultra-chic LPM Restaurant & Bar. Designed by LPM’s Global Bar Manager Tibor Krascsenics, the menu comprises four chapters, highlighting a place Jean Cocteau once called home. The Instagrammable beverages include the elegant Lettre à Coco, representing the friendship between Jean and Coco Chanel. The beverage features jasmine, bergamot, and rose – the aromatics of her signature perfume, Coco, which is misted onto the glass.

GO: Visit https://lpmrestaurants.com for reservations and more information.

LPM Bar Menu

LY-LA

Chef Izu’s LY-LA is located beneath his Middle Eastern restaurant Alaya Dubai and sits behind a well-concealed, and we’re assuming soundproof door. LY-LA draws inspiration from local traditions and is lavishly decorated in a Bedouin style. The rich textures and colours bring together a Middle Eastern vibe, which mixes nightlife with nostalgia. Plus, guests can expect an exciting musical lineup that includes afro, melodic, house music, and Middle Eastern instruments. 

GO: Email reservations@lyladubai.com for reservations and more information. 

cocktails in Dubai

MASTI

MASTI, which translates to ‘fun and mischief’, infuses modernity with tradition and colour with flavour, creating an expression of ‘New India’. The venue’s Indian-inspired sharing plates and creative cocktails take cues and influence from various global flavours. MASTI offers cocktails that can’t be experienced anywhere else and also features one of the biggest collections of juniper in the city. We’re huge fans of The God Of War featuring tequila reposado, first press baked pineapple, pepper oxymel, citrus, orange liqueur, and perrier grapefruit water or The Silk Route featuring London Dry gin, first press apple, green tea, mancino sakura vermouth, elderflower, citrus and ginger oxymel.

GO: Visit www.mastidubai.com for reservations and more information.

dance in Dubai

Mimi Kakushi

Evoking the allure of 1920s Osaka, Mimi Kakushi is one of Dubai’s leading destinations for Japanese cuisine and mixology. Now, the home of ice-encased cocktails has ranked #40 on The World’s 50 Best Bars and #1 in The Middle East and North Africa. The cocktail menu, aptly named Kikuchi, draws inspiration from Kikuchi Shigeya, a performer who is widely credited for being the first to bring American Jazz back to Japan. The Mimi Kakushi bar team pairs each of the 13 cocktails with a different vinyl song. The menu is presented in the form of 13 vinyl cases in a large wooden box, whereby each cocktail is a vinyl cover – complete with a short description of the song and the feelings it represents – and inside is the record that can be played upon request.

GO: Visit https://mimikakushi.ae for reservations and more information.

World’s 50 Best Bars

Miss Lily’s

If you haven’t heard of Miss Lily’s, then surely you’ve been living under a rock. This Caribbean hotspot isn’t just famous for its mouthwatering island cuisine and effortlessly cool staff; it’s also a haven for embracing sunny vibes and musical roots with its inventive cocktails. Sip on concoctions like the whimsically named Roots & Culture, Rude Boy, or Island Fever, but the infectious beats and vibrant atmosphere will keep you coming back to this cosy spot again and again.

GO: Visit www.misslilys.com for reservations and more information.

things to do in the UAE

Monkey Bar

Inspired by the German flagship that looks onto the monkey enclosures at Berlin Zoo, Monkey Bar on the sixth floor of the 25hours Hotel One Central forgoes wildlife for striking views over The Museum of The Future. It’s a place for drinking, dining, and dancing, where the appealing choice of highballs, classics, and signature cocktails (try the Banana Old Fashioned) is accompanied by a Latin American-inspired food menu.

things to do in the UAE in August 

Moonshine

Moonshine is hidden in Wise Guys sandwich shop behind a discreet door. What looks like a fridge opens and transports you to a spectacular space that draws inspiration from the prohibition era in the United States. As guests walk through Moonshine’s blue fridge door, it leads to a mirrored corridor. The Insta-worthy tunnel feels like you are travelling back in time and entering the 1920s. The décor includes dark walls, floors, seats and a long table. Plus, if you’re looking to party the night away, there are DJs and live music. Moonshine in Dubai’s menu includes a curated cocktail list and bites. The drinks menu combines the disco era with a modern touch, and the food menu has been created by Chef Riad. 

GO: Follow @moonshinedubai for more information. 

Moonshine in Dubai

Nobu Privé

Nobu Dubai has opened Nobu Privé, a speakeasy inside Atlantis, The Palm. Nobu Privé is a hidden venue with elegant features, which include plush sofas, corner tables, low-lit lights and floor-to-ceiling windows which showcase Insta-worthy views of Palm Jumeirah. Nobu Privé’s beverage list includes bubbles, artisanal cocktails and Japanese whiskeys. The menu includes small sharing plates: Chu-toro Tataki Kinome Miso, Lobster Wasabi sour cream tacos, and Wagyu Dumplings. Tables can be booked but there is a minimum spend of AED 1,000 per person. If you have dined at Nobu Dubai beforehand, you may be one of the select guests who can enter the new bar. 

GO: Visit www.atlantis.com for more information. 

Nobu Privé

Nonsense

Sufferers of FOMO, this one’s for you. Nonsense in Bluewaters is a secret spot that feels like a futuristic speakeasy, as it aims to create an out-of-this-world experience. Guests will need a special code to enter – we recommend taking a look at its Instagram for upcoming clues. The Blade Runner-esque décor includes big brass-coloured doors, a gold DJ booth, a 3D mural projection and neon lights that change according to the vibe. The classic cocktails are presented in a modern, Insta-friendly way. Here, cosmic neon colours are used as avatars to differentiate between drinks. So, warm tones are for sweet ones and cool tones are for sour ones. Let the nonsense begin.

GO: Follow @nonsensedxb on Instagram for reservations and more information.

Nonsense

NYX

Hidden behind a kitsch Greek souvenir shop on the lower level of Chef Izu’s Gaia restaurant in DIFC lies a discreet venue for an exclusive nightlife experience. NYX is influenced by the Greek Gods, with the rich and vivid design integrating exquisite red velvet textures with gold furniture, detailing and accessories. NYX pays tribute to Greece’s culture, history and myths by serving classic cocktails with a modern twist. A specially curated menu of Greek-Mediterranean small plates pairs perfectly with the mixologist’s creations.

GO: Follow @nyx__dxb on Instagram for more information.

Nyx

Ongaku

Hidden behind a discreet red door, Ongaku at Clap boasts the largest rooftop terrace in DIFC, offering unobstructed views of Emirates Towers, the Museum of the Future, and the rest of DIFC. Drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s electric nightlife, Ongaku is a late-night hangout with a vibrant atmosphere. Signature dishes like Pink Prawns Ceviche and Salmon Volcano, paired with Latin American-inspired cocktails, make Ongaku a go-to spot for those seeking electric vibes, skyline views, and a unique blend of music.

GO: Follow @ongakubyclap on Instagram for more information.

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Paradiso 

When a bar hits number on The World’s 50 Best Bars, you know it means business. Paradiso has made its way from Barcelona to FIVE Luxe in Dubai and is a must-visit venue. The Dubai bar is inspired by magic surrealism, and the décor features everything from hot air balloons to circus clowns. The menu has been crafted by Head Mixologist Giacomo Giannotti and offers drinks with clouds, glow-in-the-dark libations and drinks served in ice cream cones.

GO: Follow @paradisodubai on Instagram for more information.

Paradiso Dubai

Q’s Bar and Lounge

Q’s Bar and Lounge at Palazzo Versace Dubai offers a late-night venue that showcases performances from emerging artists handpicked by Quincy Jones himself. Here, inside a space that feels more like a living room than a bar, guests can relax on Versace-designed leather couches whilst enjoying the unrivalled acoustics from the live band. If you can tear your eyes away from the stage, Q’s offers a compelling beverage list inspired by the achievements of Quincy Jones himself. Highlights include Off The Wall, a beguiling concoction inspired by the Michael Jackson album of the same name that mixes cognac and Champagne with saffron-infused heather honey and velvety egg white. Elsewhere, the Fresh Prince (of Bel-Air) is inspired by the Will Smith-starring sitcom produced by Quincy Jones and offers a sweet hit from a winning combination of vodka, Chambord and butterscotch liquor.

GO: Follow @qsbarandlounge_dubai on Instagram for more information.

Q's Bar Cocktails

Revelry

The team behind the beloved restaurants Avatara, Carnival by Trèsind, Trèsind and Trèsind Studio have opened Revelry in Dubai Hills Business Park. The late-night bar draws inspiration from India’s seasons with a menu of seasonal dishes reflecting the changing weather and the country’s agricultural heritage. Head Mixologist Vince Varghese and Chef Raful Rana have created Revelry’s drinks. The Bhutta contains burnt popcorn, corn and vodka; Masala Chai includes chai syrup, Drambuie and whiskey; and Rasam contains tomato, neem and vodka.  

GO: Visit https://revelrydxb.com for more information. 

Revelry

ROKA

Located in the Opus building by Zaha Hadid, the contemporary restaurant with its open kitchen, stunning terrace, and intimate bar has captivated guests with a dining experience revolving around uncompromising flavours. Innovative mixology is at the fore of the ROKA experience, with an impressive beverage menu that can be enjoyed at the intimate bar or on the foliage-flanked terrace with striking views of the Burj Khalifa. The stunning sips include the Lychee Gimlet, Negroni Salvaje, ROKA MArtini and Sobatcha Sour.

GO: Visit https://rokarestaurant.com for more information. 

ROKA

Salmon Guru

Like a salmon swimming upstream, things are executed a little differently at Salmon Guru. Expect a friendly European-style cocktail experience featuring signature drinks served in custom glassware resembling tree frogs, glow-in-the-dark lotus flowers and anthropomorphised fish. The signature cocktails are available exclusively in the Middle East and all of the original signatures served at the Madrid location. Salmon Guru’s 1960s-inspired Tropical section is where guests can marvel at the skilled bartenders. The ‘Asian Night’ area offers a market-inspired space with an exclusive feel tucked away at the back of the bar for extra privacy. Lastly, a vibrant comic book area tapping into childhood nostalgia is brought to life with popping neons and retro comic art. 

GO: Follow @salmongurudubai on Instagram for more information.

the UAE this week

Savant

Cocktail bar Savant completes a hat-trick of new restaurant openings at SO/ Uptown Dubai. The intimate venue pays homage to the extraordinary abilities that come with its eponymous condition by way of a slick design, curated cocktails, and a creative menu of light bites. This 66-seat lobby lounge and bar has a sophisticated vibe accented by twinkling city views and lively DJ sets. Cocktails take on playful names such as The Accountant, The Cartographer, and The Painter, while the menu offers creative twists on traditional flavour combinations — think: Veal Katsu Sando, Truffle Croquette, and Chips with Seaweed Dust.

GO: Follow @sodubai.uptown on Instagram for more information.

Savant

Seven Tales 

Seven Tales is a Japanese-inspired bar at Grosvenor House, A Luxury Collection Hotel, with a playful approach to mixed drinks. Escape to 1960s Tokyo at this vibrant speakeasy where plush seating and colourful murals await. Expert mixologists craft innovative cocktails with a twist alongside classics like the Negroni while DJs spin hip-hop tunes.

GO: Visit www.7talesdubai.com for reservations and more information.

cocktails in Dubai

Smoke and Mirrors

At Smoke and Mirrors in SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, there’s Latin music, Cuban-inspired cocktails, and, of course, those cigars. Smoke and Mirrors draws inspiration from speakeasies in the 1920s, as it is tucked away on the 74th floor of the hotel. The sophisticated interiors look like a cross between a gentleman’s club and an old-school library, as there are smart brown leather sofas, dark wood panelled walls and widescreen views of the Burj Khalifa. The extensive menu includes cocktails, agave, whisky, brandy, cognacs and grape. The Cuban classic list ranges from an old Cuban to Cuba Libre, each with its own cocktail story. 

GO: Follow @smokeandmirrorsdubai on Instagram for more information.

Smoke and Mirrors

Soul Kitchen

Factory People, the Beirut-based group of artists and music enthusiasts, are bringing their vibrant Soul Kitchen to Dubai. This intimate venue offers premium dining, world-class drinks, an interactive beverage bar, and a breezy terrace with alternative music programming curated by Factory People. Guests can enjoy a unique menu that fuses Levantine and Latin American flavours, highlighting the exchange between both cultures. Signature dishes include Chicken Shawarma Empanadas, Lychee Ceviche, Sheri Fish Crudo and Tamarind Glazed Lamb Chops. The captivating cocktail menu includes Arak-Lychee Bellini, Peachy Margarita, Rum-Mango Ice Tea and the Turkish Manhattan.

GO: Follow @soulkitchendxb on Instagram for more information.

Soul Kitchen

Sphere

Perched inside The Link at One&Only One Za’abeel, Sphere is a playground for nocturnal adventurers seeking a night of glamour and enchantment. Take in the shimmering lights of Dubai’s landmarks at a cocktail bar that was opened with a performance by Jennifer Lopez. The burgeoning beverage list includes classic cocktails and Sphere signatures, which range from the Oolong Fashioned (Michter’s Bourbon, Rémy Martin VSOP Cognac, Oolong tea and maple cocoa) to the Instant Crush (Michter’s Rye Whiskey, oat, Verjus, whey, cranberry and soda water). 

GO: Visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com for reservations and more information.

cocktails in Dubai

Stëlla

Concealed within Address Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai is a nightlife venue where music takes centre stage: Stëlla. This bar-lounge hybrid serves as an exclusive sanctuary where night owls can immerse themselves in the magic of music and mixology. A discreet entrance, designed as an optical illusion, welcomes guests into an interior space that offers a visual spectacle. Energy flows through Stëlla, as do expertly crafted cocktails, inviting guests to savour classic beverages or one of Stëlla’s signature creations.

GO: Follow @stella__dxb on Instagram for more information.

Stëlla

Suave

Tucked away inside Basko, the Mediterranean restaurant rooted with a 1960s twist at The Opus by Zaha Hadid, lies Suave. The intimate speakeasy features a library of over 500 vinyl records, 600 meters of fringes and a gold bar in the corner that serves only curated cocktails by a team of master mixologists. It’s the perfect spot for a post-dinner nightcap.

GO: Visit https://baskorestaurant.com for reservations and more information.

secret Dubai bars

SUSHISAMBA Dubai

Renowned for its sky-high dining, SUSHISAMBA Dubai is known for its striking interior design and playful atmosphere. From the captivating lattice bamboo ceiling to the statement chandelier and breathtaking skyline panoramas, every detail enhances the energetic vibe of this hotspot 230 meters above Palm Jumeirah. Live music and spirited dancers further elevate the experience, while curated cocktails, including the Bahia, made with coconut oil fat-washed bourbon, strawberry, vermouth, sherry, and cacao, and the Japanese Favela, made with Japanese-style whisky with umeshu and guava juice, provide superb sips. 

GO: Visit www.sushisamba.com for reservations and more information.

Sushisamba Abu Dhabi

The Rooftop at folly

With uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf and Burj Al Arab, The Rooftop at folly is the perfect place to impress out-of-town guests for sundowners. A destination in itself overlooking the waterways of Madinat Jumeirah, there are few better places in Dubai to sip on a cocktail and nibble on something delicious as the sun goes down. One cocktail takes the form of an edible popsicle, which complements the venue’s prime position beside Burj Al Arab.

GO: Visit https://folly.ae for reservations and more information.

folly rooftop

Voyage by Amelia

The private bar on Amelia’s second floor is called ‘Voyage by Amelia’ and offers a dare-to-be-different drinking den. The enchanting experience commences as you pass through the pendulum-inspired door, unveiling a captivating clock-themed ambience adorned with hints of vintage train station aesthetics. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the 1920s steampunk era, complete with a bar serving expertly crafted mixed drinks while live DJs spin the tunes.

GO: Follow @voyagebyamelia on Instagram for more information.

UAE Weekend

Zuma

The popular Japanese izakaya offers a high-energy bar that allows for a view of the action no matter where you’re seated. Cocktails here use unique ingredients to create signatures or give classic cocktails a Japanese twist. Don’t miss the Rubabu (rhubarb infused sake, fresh passion fruit and lemon juice) or the Geshi smash (shiso, cucumber, yuzu, egg white), which showcase precisely why Zuma Dubai is held in such high regard.

GO: Visit https://zumarestaurant.com for reservations and more information.

weekend in Dubai

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David Tapley - Editor-in-Chief
As editor-in-chief of the region’s most fiercely local lifestyle publication, David is a self-proclaimed hip-hop aficionado, championing all things food, travel, street art, and streetwear across the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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