Dubai nightlife

Where to go out

Nightlife tips

• The legal drinking age is 21; carry ID, as venues check it.
• Public drunkenness is illegal and there is zero tolerance for drink-driving, so use taxis.
• The Metro does not run all night; check last-train times, which are later at weekends.

Evening sights

Viewpoint · Downtown Dubai

Burj Khalifa – At the Top

Sunset slots cost more and sell out; an early-morning visit is cheaper and often clearer, before the haze builds.

Time needed

1.5–2 hours

Cost

Expensive

• Iconic
• Views
• Kids
• Architecture
• After dark

Landmark · Downtown Dubai

Dubai Fountain

Watch from the Souk Al Bahar bridge, or take a short boat ride on the lake for a closer view.

Time needed

30 minutes

Cost

Free

• Free
• Iconic
• After dark
• Kids
• Couples

Waterfront · Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina and JBR Walk

Walk the marina at dusk, then take a dhow dinner cruise or eat at one of the JBR beachfront restaurants.

Time needed

2–3 hours

Cost

Free

• Free
• After dark
• Couples
• Views
• Outdoors

Theme park · Dubailand

Global Village

Go on a weekday evening, eat your way around the pavilions and check the fireworks schedule.

Time needed

3–4 hours

Cost

Low cost

• Kids
• After dark
• Food
• Shopping

What to drink

• Karak chai — Strong black tea boiled with evaporated milk, sugar and cardamom, sold in small paper cups from roadside cafeterias — the city's everyday drink.
• Arabic coffee and dates — Lightly roasted coffee spiced with cardamom and sometimes saffron, poured into small cups from a dallah pot and served with dates as a sign of hospitality.
• Camel milk — Slightly salty and lower in fat than cow's milk, camel milk is sold fresh, in coffees and as camel-milk chocolate.

Evenings through the year

Sunset and the overnight low decide how long the outdoor part of a night lasts. July has the warmest evenings, with lows around 30°C (86°F).

Getting home late

• Metro — Eating, drinking and chewing gum are banned on the Metro and can be fined.
• Tram — The Dubai Tram loops through Dubai Marina and JBR, connecting with the Metro and the Palm Monorail.
• Taxi — RTA taxis are metered and plentiful, and women and families can request pink-roofed ladies' taxis.
• Bus — RTA buses reach areas the Metro does not, using the same Nol card, and many bus shelters are air-conditioned.
• Walking — Promenades such as JBR's The Walk, Marina Walk, Al Seef and the Downtown boulevard are pleasant on foot from November to March.

Late-night bites

• Shawarma — Cafeterias in Deira, Bur Dubai, Satwa and Karama, many open late.

Staying safe at night

Dubai has low levels of street crime. The main risks are heat, sun and dehydration, fast traffic and strong currents at open beaches, so swim where lifeguards are on duty. Laws on drugs, including some prescription medicines, alcohol, public behaviour and photography are strict; check them before you travel.

Emergency number

999 for police, 998 for ambulance, 997 for fire

Where to stay for nightlife

Questions travellers ask