Bars with a View
Bar 44 (tel. 04-399-8888), on the 44th floor of the swanky Grosvenor House hotel, offers a view of both the city and the marina and Gulf beyond. The action happens around the circular bar placed strategically in the center, and there is often live jazz music at this Manhattan-themed cocktail lounge. Hours are Friday to Wednesday 6pm to 2am and Thursday 6pm to 3am. Neos (tel. 04-436-8888; www.theaddress.com) sits on the 63rd floor of The Address in Downtown Dubai; the cool Art Deco-style space boasts the highest view of any bar in town. It's open nightly from 6:30pm to 2:30am. A place to impress, Vu's (tel. 04-319-8088) is located on the 51st floor of the Emirates Towers hotel. This intimate space is designed so each of the plush tables and bar stools stares out at Dubai's expanding skyline. It's open daily from 6pm to 3am. Even more extravagant, Skyview Bar (tel. 04-301-7600) at the Burj Al Arab is suspended 200m (656 ft.) over the sea and features a mixology trolley - a mobile bar that slides from table to table as a mixologist prepares specially designed cocktails tailored to individual tastes. It's open daily from noon to 2am, and is a clever way to visit this famous hotel if you're not a guest. Dress is smart-casual or business attire.
Shisha Cafes & Lounges
It goes by many names, including narghile, hubbly bubbly, and hookah, but all you need to know here is shisha. This tradition is enjoyed at various cafes and lounges throughout Dubai (and most of the Middle East). Although the pastime is most common among locals, it's popular among expats and visitors, men and women, smokers and nonsmokers. The shisha water pipe works by water filtration and indirect heat, and is used for smoking flavored tobaccos. Shisha comes in a variety of flavors such as apple, grape, and strawberry, and is meant to be shared, usually over an afternoon coffee or following a nighttime meal. Smoking shisha is particularly popular during Ramadan nights, when people sit and chat under tents erected throughout the city (and can't drink any alcohol).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
