The 10 most exclusive nightlife venues in Dubai

Music, entertainment and great food: here’s where to go for an unforgettable night out

Extravagant and over-the-top, Dubai’s nightlife has plenty to offer, with unbridled music and entertainment everywhere, from the busiest and most fashionable parts of the city to celebrated lounge and exclusive restaurants. It’s a glitzy paradise, and this goes for nightlife too, placing the city in the top ten world destinations for glamorous fun. The choice of increasingly attractive and modern venues is enormous and never simple, so we’ll take you to those that are definitely worth a visit. Come with us!

ZUMA

Located in the International Financial Centre of the city, Zuma Dubai is spread out on two floors, boasting a modern lounge upstairs and the comfortable and elegant main dining room downstairs. With its modern menu, Zuma brings to Dubai a sophisticated reinterpretation of the izakaya, a traditional Japanese place where customers can eat and drink casually, still with close attention to detail and high quality ingredients. Ideal for wonderful evenings which recall distant lands (DIFC, Gate Village 06 - ph. +971 44255660).

SOCIALISTA

An exclusive experience created by Giuseppe Cipriani for members and guests, located in the iconic Dubai International Financial Centre. A Caribbean playground full of romance and music. An intimate and exclusive lounge with unique décor for those who have their own personality and are always looking for new experiences, different to the norm. The place to go if you want to enjoy Dubai’s nightlife well into the early hours of the morning (DIFC, Gate village number 10 - ph. +971 528282727).

RASPOUTINE DUBAI

Frequented by celebrities, influencers and jet setters, Raspoutine brings a completely new dinner and party experience to Dubai. The ambience is opulent, echoing and reimagining the extravagant scenarios of the artist Erté, with baroque-style chandeliers and plenty of red velvet setting the mood for late night partying. The menu is meticulously curated, combining the best of French cuisine with a Russian touch for extra thrills. At midnight the lights are dimmed and the place changes from lively restaurant to vibrant club, reminiscent of the Parisian flagship. Deep house music makes this one of the most intriguing and promising venues on the city’s party scene (DIFC, Precinct Building 3, Level 2, Balcony Level; ph. +971 42725373).

AVLI BY TASHAS

A veritable refuge from the frenzied life of DIFC, Avli by Tashas is a place for connection and pleasure, where flavours and textures are constantly combined and renewed. A celebration of Athenian culture, the Greek-inspired menu at Avli caters for all tastes in a stunning designer space reminiscent of rustic mediterranean courtyards. Every corner has a story to tell, from the protruding window frame to the mosaic floors. It’s the perfect place for an evening of mediterranean flavours, timeless beauty and captivating art (Unit C01, Gate Village Building 9, DIFC; ph. +971 43590008).

GAIA RESTAURANT

Hidden behind a shop selling kitsch Greek souvenirs on the lower floor of Gaia Restaurant is NYX, a discreet speakeasy that welcomes guests in an exclusive, enigmatic venue that brings to mind hot summer nights on the island of Mykonos. In clear contrast with the brightly-lit restaurant upstairs - representing the mountains, sea and sunshine - NYX takes its inspiration from the Greek deities Zeus and Chaos. The exuberant and gaudy decor, complete with red velvet seating and gold details, creates an exclusive paradise for guests. Resident DJ and musical director Marios Tsiaprazis provides a stunning soundtrack for the otherworldly atmosphere of NYX, creating a carefree energy not found anywhere else (DIFC, Gate Village Number 4 - ph. +971 42414242).

AMAZONICO

Located in the heart of DIFC, Amazónico Dubai takes its inspiration from the cultural diversity and gastronomic heritage of the Amazon region. It’s an immersive venue over three floors, characterised by lush greenery and natural materials and designed by the world-renowned artist Lázaro Rosa-Violan. Open from lunchtime until late, Amazónico boasts a series of exciting spaces, including the vibrant, energetic Lounge, a buzzy restaurant and a breathtaking roof terrace. Resident and guest DJs spin electro-pica music live every night, keeping the energy high, while the kitchen serves food late into the night. (DIFC Pavilion, Valet Parking Available - ph. +971 045713999).

VERDE

Located in front of the most iconic building in Dubai, the Burj Al Arab, Verde Beach is one of the latest additions to the city’s luxurious lifestyle with the glamour and elegance of Saint-Tropez. A real playground for the international jet set, Verde Beach is the essence of luxury and fashion. This lounge oozing luxury sets the right balance between a delightful ambience and a dreamy beach setting. Open day and night, it offers fine dining, world-class service, a sophisticated style and great music. The chic style of Saint-Tropez and the perfect combination of comfort and entertainment (Jumeirah Beach Hotel - ph. +971 42285053).

GALAXY BAR

Located in the heart of DIFC and famous for its intimate atmosphere and wonderful high-class service, Galaxy Bar is one of Dubai’s most sought-after destinations. The interior features a unique illuminated ceiling that depicts the night sky over Athens, along with soft velvet seating and a magnificent marble-clad area where guests can watch the preparation of a beverage menu that’s guaranteed to impress. The lounge frequently offers its customers new multi-sensory experiences, hosting a range of innovative events such as Into the Future to mark its third birthday, with holograms and light effects embellishing the space and making for an unforgettable evening (DIFC, Unit C-01, Ground Floor, Gate Village Building 9 - ph. +971 50 5135908).

SUSHISAMBA

With a packed entertainment lineup and access to SUSHISAMBA’s entire à la carte menu and extensive beverage list, the SAMBA Room is a legendary destination where strangers become friends and dinners turn into parties. The SAMBA Room overlooks the Palm Jumeirah and offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. With every visit you’ll discover new sights and sounds, thanks to resident DJs and amazing live performances from Tuesday to Saturday (Level 51, St.Regis Palm Jumeirah - ph. +971 42784888).

NAMMOS

If you have been to Mykonos, you will surely have heard of Nammos, the renowned Greek beach club famous for its turquoise and white striped parasols, its night parties and luxurious experiences. Located on the beach of Jumeirah, close to the Four Seasons resort, the Nammos restaurant brings a piece of Greece to the magnificent Arabian Gulf, both in its architectural style and cuisine. A completely new culinary experience in addition to the food and entertainment of the UAE (Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah - ph. +971 43401002).

WHITE DUBAI

Ranked among the top 100-night clubs in the world by DJ Mag (cult magazine of the world’s clubbing culture), WHITE has made history for Dubai’s nightlife since it opened its doors in 2013. From the rooftop of the Meydan Racecourse, you can eat, dance and watch amazing shows performed by great artists while admiring the spectacular view of the Burj Khalifa and the city’s skyline. A state-of- the-art rooftop which lights up at night featuring thousands of lights and special effects. At Dubai Harbour, the pop-up Pure WHITE Dubai (Meydan Racecourse Grandstand Rooftop is located close to the ticket sales office - ph. +971 800 9191).