One of the most
important things to remember about the Dubai nightlife is that
alcohol is tolerated. There seems to be a general
misconception that alcohol is forbidden in Dubai; while this
is understandable, as in some parts of the Middle East
consuming alcohol is against Muslim law and the consumption of
it can ever result in a prison sentence, in Dubai alcohol is
both allowed and served. After all, in a city fast developing
a reputation as the home of playboys and the rich and famous,
making Dubai a dry city would be hugely detrimental to it's
nightlife.
It is, however, worth bearing in mind that you are in a Muslim
country when out for the night in Dubai. It is also worth
remembering that, during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan,
alcohol is only served until 7pm.
With this in mind, you can plan your experience of the
exciting Dubai nightlife. The majority of the nightlife in
Dubai is centred around the hotel and resort complexes that
have made the city famous. There are no specific nightlife
districts, as many of the best bars are located within the
hotel resorts. Licencing hours vary, with many of the bars and
clubs within hotels allowed to open and close whenever they
desire, but a standard rule is closure by 2am.
There is not much of a natural, traditional club scene in
Dubai. Most of this is due to the Muslim beliefs on the kind
of behaviour promoted at clubs; this means that most of the
clubs in and around Dubai are Western in origin. There is a
large percentage of themed bars and clubs; in particular, the
Irish Village is ever-populated with tourists due to it's
outdoor seating and excellent range of beverages.
Many new clubs have opened in recent years and are
experiencing great success, meaning that more are sure to
follow. At present, the Oxygen club – located within the
Al-Bustan hotel – is extremely popular, as is Tangerine –
again within
a hotel complex, though open to non-guests, at
the Fairmont Dubai. These clubs are attracting big name
Western Djs, keen to associate their name with this up and
coming destination.
Due to the Western-style and often Western-owned control of
the clubs, the dress code for most clubs is similar to what
you would expect at home. A standard rule is smart casual,
with sandals and shorts usually banned, though designer jeans
and trainers will be acceptable to most club owners. It is
always best to check with the club or bar website before
departing to ensure you won't be turned away.
One of the most popular up and coming haunts of the jetset
pack is Ginseng, a Chinese-themed bar featuring intense and
mysterious décor that seduces the eye. The music is primarily
Asian chants with the occasional gothic intertone, and Ginseng
serve food as well as a vast array of cocktails that have made
them famous. Ginseng is situated in the Pyramids at Wafi City
Mall, has a smart-casual dress code and can be expensive – but
the cocktails alone are said
to be worth it! |
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