Armani/Prive

Inside the Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa, the club puts the dance floor front and centre, lit up with a massive LED display that moves with the music. DJs spin house, hip-hop, and electronic tracks, and the crowd is mostly well-dressed Dubai regulars and hotel guests. There’s a lounge if you need a breather, and a terrace to step outside and take in the city lights between sets.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/armaniprivedxb

• Address:

  Burj Khalifa - Lobby Level, Armani Hotel - Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 52 176 9420

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 11pm–3am, Sun & Mon closed

Atmosphere Grill & Lounge

Situated on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, Atmosphere offers panoramic views of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. The venue is divided into two main areas: the Lounge and the Restaurant. The Lounge is ideal for casual visits, offering a selection of beverages and light bites, while the Restaurant provides an upscale dining experience with a menu featuring modern French cuisine. Reservations are a must.

• Web:

  www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com

• Address:

  Burj khalifa - 122nd Floor - Downtown Dubai - Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 4 888 3828

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–midnight

Barasti Beach

Right on the beach, Barasti is lively day and night, with indoor and outdoor seating, poolside tables, and a big stretch of sand. The menu is simple: pizza, pasta, grilled meats, and shareable plates, plus a full range of beers, cocktails, and soft drinks. Live DJs and occasional sports screenings make it easy to grab a drink, hang out with friends, or take a break from sightseeing.

• Web:

  www.destinationminaseyahi.com/dining/barasti

• Address:

  Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort & Marina - Dubai Marina - Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 4 511 7373

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–3am

Blue Bar

Inside the Novotel World Trade Centre, Blue Bar is a low-key spot for Belgian beers, cocktails, and a decent wine selection, plus live blues and jazz on weekends in a relaxed, easy-going ambience.

• Web:

  www.novotel-dubai-world-trade-centre.com/restaurants-bars/blue-bar

• Address:

  Dubai World Trade Centre - Sheikh Zayed Rd - Trade Centre - Trade Centre 2 - Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 4 332 0000

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu noon–1am, Fri 2pm–2am, Sat 2pm–1am

Chillout Ice Lounge

Escape Dubai's heat by stepping into the Middle East's first ice lounge. Maintained at a chilly -6°C, the lounge is filled with ice sculptures, frosty seating, and glowing lights that give it a surreal, frozen-cave feel. Upon arrival, guests are provided with thermal gear, including hooded parkas, gloves, and socks, ensuring comfort during the visit. You can warm up with a hot chocolate, cappuccino, tea, or a soft mocktail while taking in the icy surroundings.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/chillouticeloungedubai

• Address:

  Times Square Center - Ground Floor - Sheikh Zayed Rd - Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 4 341 8121

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am–10pm

Iris Dubai

Iris sits on the rooftop of The Oberoi in Business Bay, with open-air seating and views across the city, including glimpses of Burj Khalifa. The menu has a mix of fusion dishes, and evenings come alive with creative cocktails and live DJs.

• Web:

  https://irisdubai.com

• Address:

  Meydan Grandstand - adjacent to the Ticket Sales Office - Nad Al Sheba 1 - Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 4 334 3355

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Wed 6pm–2am, Thu & Fri 6pm–3am, Sat 1pm–3am

Arabian Tea House (Al Fahidi)

Tucked away in the historic Al Fahidi district, Arabian Tea House is a Dubai classic and a welcome escape from the heat. Its white-and-blue courtyard has a breezy, timeless charm that sets the scene for a relaxed meal. The menu features Emirati favourites, fresh salads, sandwiches, and homemade cakes, all best enjoyed with their signature teas or refreshing mint lemonade.

• Web:

  https://arabianteahouse.com

• Address:

  Bastakiya Opposite Musalla Post Office - Al Fahidi Street - Bur Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 43 53 5071

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–11pm

Choix Patisserie and Restaurant

Choix, by three-Michelin-star chef Pierre Gagnaire, combines French-style elegance with a relaxed café vibe. Indulge in buttery viennoiseries, delicate pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and Dammann Frères teas. The Parisian Afternoon Tea is a must-try (served daily from noon to 6 pm), and the terrace offers pleasant views over the creek and skyline.

• Web:

  www.choixdubai.com

• Address:

  Lobby Level InterContinental Dubai Festival City - Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 4 701 1127

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–9pm

Common Grounds - Kite Beach

Common Grounds has several locations across Dubai, with the Kite Beach one offering beautiful sea views to accompany your meal. Known for fresh salads, smoothies, wraps, all-day breakfasts, and expertly brewed Encounter coffee, it’s a relaxed café perfect for a healthy bite or a casual catch-up.

• Web:

  https://eatx.com/common-grounds

• Address:

  59 Al Hadd Street - Jumeirah - Jumeirah 3 - Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 50 196 7165

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6am–10pm

Sultan's Lounge

Set in the grand lobby of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray on Palm Jumeirah, Sultan’s Lounge is perfect for a slow afternoon. Settle into plush sofas and enjoy tea, coffee, cakes, and light bites in an opulent setting inspired by Ottoman elegance. Smart casual dress is recommended.

• Web:

  www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/jumeirah-zabeel-saray/dining/zabeel-saray-sultans-lounge

• Address:

  Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel - Crescent Road - The Palm Jumeirah - Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 4 453 0444

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–1am

Tom&Serg.

Tom&Serg is an Australian-inspired café tucked into Al Quoz, and housed in a stylish, industrial warehouse space. Since its opening in 2013, it has become a hotspot for specialty coffee, all-day breakfast, and fresh, globally inspired dishes, including vegan options.

• Web:

  https://eatx.com/tom-serg

• Address:

  Al Joud Centre - 15A Street - Sheikh Zayed Road - Dubai

• Phone:

  +971 56 474 6812

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat & Sun 8am–6pm