5 Best Bars You Can’t Miss When in Dubai

While Dubai is perhaps best known for its luxurious beach clubs and fine dining, the city's lively nightlife is undergoing a transformation, as a fresh wave of talent is reinventing it. Dubai has built up a sophisticated bar and cocktail culture, almost inconspicuously, by attracting talented mixologists and styling from across the globe. Nowadays, bars in Dubai offer something above and beyond drinks; they offer equally immersive experiences, creative flavours, and impressive aesthetics. From chic rooftop lounges with city views, to hidden speakeasies and cozy listening bars, here's a list of five of the best bars in Dubai that are changing the night-time culture of the city.

1. The Polo Bar – Al Habtoor Palace: Located inside the lavish Al Habtoor City, The Polo Bar is a personal hideaway filled with understated elegance of the past as well as a nice equestrian note. The bar's sumptuous leather armchairs, stunning polished wood and diffuse amber lighting create a vibe of grandeur as it connects back to New York's heritage bars, providing Dubai's fashion-savvy set a place of sophistication. Guests will be able to sip away on well-curated cocktails, made available as classic timeless cocktails and more modern inventively signature cocktails to accompany gourmet bar bites including wagyu beef sliders, truffle parmesan fries, lobster rolls, and more. During your visit, you'll notice that everything from sporting references to service was thoughtfully planned out and seamlessly melds traditional with contemporary aspects of life. The Polo Bar exudes a cosmopolitan essence of Dubai with elements of effortless glamor and soft luxury- whether it's for an evening pour or a celebratory toast.

Location: Al Habtoor Palace, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Habtoor City, Dubai

2. V Lounge – V Hotel Dubai: V Lounge at the V Hotel Dubai is where the city’s visionaries, cosmopolitans, and creatives converge. This sleek, sky-high hotspot blends global beats, avant-garde design, and a buzzing social scene against Dubai’s glittering skyline. Expert mixologists craft exceptional cocktails try the signature Smoked Old Fashioned or the tropical-inspired Dubai Sunset. The modern menu showcases beautifully plated vegetarian and seafood dishes, with standouts like truffle-infused wild mushroom risotto, miso-glazed black cod, and citrus-cured seabass. By day, it’s an elegant setting for artisanal coffee and global flavours; by night, it transforms into a vibrant hub of music, art, and style. At V Lounge, every visit feels like the first, setting the tone for Dubai’s next big trend.

Location: Al Habtoor City - Sheikh Zayed Rd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

3. CÉ LA VI – Address Sky View Hotel: Perched above the city in the centre of Downtown Dubai, CÉ LA VI is where stunning views find synergy with energy. This iconic rooftop venue combines modern Asian cuisine and world-class entertainment, attracting a young, fashionable crowd for memorable nightlife experiences. With excellent service and upbeat music, CÉ LA VI has a vibe that smoothly transitions from sophisticated dinners to lively late-night experiences. Indulge in a specially curated three-course menu by Chef Howard Ko, featuring original flavours and attractive presentation. Culinary highlights include Wagyu Beef Tartare, Miso Marinated Black Cod and the showstopper Chocolate Lava Dessert (our personal recommendation). Coupled with panoramic views of the sparkling skyline and Burj Khalifa, CÉ LA VI is the best place to have a quintessential experience of Dubai from above.

Location: Address Sky View Hotel - Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

4. Gilt – Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: Gilt is the ultimate cocktail bar in Dubai for luxury lovers with a view. The venue's golden interiors and stylish ambiance complement the luxury of the hotel, offering a beautiful yet cozy atmosphere. Guests can have a cocktail crafted with creativity and flair while enjoying premium views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline. And while cocktails reign supreme, guests will want to explore the food menu, as the curated selections will be something intriguing. While Gilt offers style, flavor, and creativity, it promises an unforgettable night out when together all the elements, from decoration to drinks, will be stimulating and engaging.

Location: 27th floor, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Jumeirah Road

5. Zuma: Located within the heart of the International Financial Centre and only a stone's throw from the world-famous Burj Khalifa, Zuma Dubai presents a stylish dining and bar experience. The contemporary Japanese cuisine that Zuma is known for successfully combines the flavors from the robata grills, sushi counter, and the main kitchen with a carefully curated sake and cocktail menu. The vibrant and chic vibe lends itself perfectly to after-work drinks as well as special occasions. Signature dishes are a must: Black Cod in Miso, Spicy Beef Tenderloin, and the Dragon Roll, each with an equally creative cocktail pairing. But Zuma Dubai is more than a meal, it is an introduction to the flavors of Tokyo and the UAE.

Location: Gate Village 06, Podium Level, Al Mustaqbal Street, Dubai, DU

Despite being synonymous with lavish beach clubs and suave fine dining, nightlife in Dubai is being revitalised by a new wave of talent. Dubai has fortuitously developed quite a sophisticated bar and cocktail culture, almost behind the scenes, by welcoming talented mixologists and styling from around the world. From swanky rooftop lounges with views of the city to secretive speakeasy and intimate listening bars, here is a brief list of five captivating bars in Dubai that are reshaping the night-time culture.