What is the Best Way To Experience Dubai’s Nightlife

While Dubai is one of the Middle East’s most popular travel destinations, first-time visitors might be surprised to find that the desert city truly comes alive after sundown. Although most tourists head to Dubai to experience its mammoth malls and retail outlets, night owls and partygoers also have much to look forward to in terms of after-dark activities and experiences. Here’s a rundown of some of Dubai's finest nightlife hubs and after-hours attractions.

Hit the  Bars

Travellers in search of Dubai’s trendiest bars will be spoiled for choice due to the large number of drinking holes occupying the desert city.  While the Tap Line Bar and Galaxy Bar are breaking new ground in terms of their cocktails, those who venture over to Pier 7 on the Dubai Marina can also grab dinner while enjoying a glass of bubbly. Although there’s no shortage of chic rooftop bars in the city, those looking for a drinking hole that’s a world away from the heat and humidity of the desert metropolis will find no finer alternative than the Chillout Ice Lounge with its below-freezing temperatures.

Enjoy a Night of Gaming at Dubai’s VR Park

Fans of virtual reality and high-tech gaming can’t afford to miss the largest indoor virtual reality park in Dubai. Spread out across 2 floors, the VR park offers thrill seekers and avid gamers the chance to experience more than 20 exciting rides. Ideal for families and couples, this make-believe playground, which stays open past midnight, is the perfect location to spend a few hours engaging in adrenaline-pumping activities and adventures due to the latest technological advances in the field of VR.

Take in the Views from the Burj Khalifa

Travellers based at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort or any similar luxury resorts in Dubai that are within close range of the Burj Khalifa must head over to Dubai’s favourite observation hub after sundown. Although the Dubai city views available from the world’s tallest building are no less spectacular during the day, there’s something magical about gazing down at the desert city once it is illuminated. Occupying the 124th floor of the iconic structure, visitors can board one of the world’s fastest elevators to reach the observation hotspot and soak up Dubai’s best city views.

Sail Down Dubai Creek on a Dinner Cruise

Business travellers and couples visiting Dubai over a long weekend or for a short getaway can also embark on a one-of-a-kind sailing experience during their visit. Setting out on a traditional dhow, passengers can witness the landmarks that line the Dubai Creek shimmering against the night sky and casting shadows on the water.   Meandering at a steady pace, dinner cruises on the Dubai Creek also include cultural shows (Tanura dancers) and a multi-course Middle Eastern meal that tourists can dig into while gazing up at the Dubai skyline.

Tour the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Marine life enthusiasts and families vacationing in Dubai might want to schedule their tour of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo during the evening hours, as this marvellous activity hub in Dubai Mall stays open till 11 pm. Whether you’re interested in swimming with sharks or enjoying a cage snorkelling experience, witnessing the colourful marine life of this vast compound after hours is a special treat for the senses.

Head to the Ski Slopes

While shopaholics might drop by the Mall of Emirates to engage in their favourite pastime, those looking to cool off with some time on the ski slopes must also head over to the mall’s biggest activity base, Ski Dubai. Considered the perfect wind-down activity for families and winter sports lovers, racing down manmade mountains within the confines of a luxury mall is a unique night-time activity that’s only accessible in a destination such as Dubai.