Bhavya Aggarwal recommends six bars that are worth a visit in Dubai
Dubai is known to be the UAE’s glamorous emirate. If you’re a regular visitor to this city, you have, in all probability, been privy to its vibrant nightlife. And for a business traveller, fortunately the more “happening” clubs and lounges are situated within hotels. Here’s a list of six such bars that you could grab a drink at, if you haven’t already.
BYZANTIUM LOUNGE, TAJ DUBAI
Byzantium Lounge is one of the better known spots of Dubai. Named after the rich dark tone of purple, its interiors are dressed in the same shade. Incidentally, byzantium is a colour frequently used by the emirate’s royal family. Gold and black panels further enhance the opulent living-room-style lounge bar. Its art-deco architecture makes it look like a modern interpretation of a bygone era. With drinks titled “Crystal King” and “Gold Dust”, the lounge maintains its regal theme. Apart from being known for its alcoholic concoctions, Byzantium Lounge is also popular for its decadent afternoon teas. The long “Thirsty 30” happy hours between 3pm and 9pm attracts corporates to unwind here with a drink of choice after a long day at work. The lounge is open from 8am until midnight every day and is situated on Burj Khalifa Street of the Business Bay district. tajhotels.com
CUISINERO UNO, STEIGENBERGER HOTEL BUSINESS BAY
It is one of the few “boutique contemporary tapas and cocktail bars” of Dubai, which is also claimed by the hotel to be the first in the emirate. Its terrace with artificial grass has a cosy yet stylish feel, and emanates the vibe of a pub in downtown New York City. Owing to Dubai’s weather, it’s busier during winters when evenings are pleasant. Mirrors are angled above its open kitchen, giving guests a glance of the chef’s counter. Jazz and electronic beats add to the laid-back atmosphere of the lounge. Ask the bartender for the special of the day before ordering your drink. There is also an interesting menu of Jack Daniel’s-based cocktails for whisky lovers. Try the Penicillin cocktail made with Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7, glazed with ginger honey syrup and finished with finely chopped ginger. The bar is open daily from 11am to midnight and is located on the Al Abraj street of Business Bay. steigenberger.com
IKANDY ULTRA LOUNGE, SHANGRI-LA DUBAI
This relaxed poolside lounge overlooks the Burj Khalifa — an ideal view to unwind with post a demanding week. The live DJ console adds an element of fun to the relaxed ambience throughout the week, and on Thursdays and Fridays it turns into a raging party spot. The well-lit pool bar serves refreshing cocktails with ingredients such as passion fruits, apples and watermelons, along with a variety of flavoured sheesha. The bar on Sheikh Zayed Road is open daily from 6pm to 2am, with Ladies’ Night on Sundays and Mondays, designed for people to “meet, eat, chill and thrill”. One is welcomed to the lounge with jelly bean and marshmallow candies. shangri-la.com
IRIS, THE OBEROI BUSINESS BAY
Situated on the 27th floor of The Oberoi in the Business Bay district, this bar displays a sophisticated ambience and fantastic views of Dubai’s skyline that includes the prominent Burj Khalifa. Iris describes itself as a “late-night lounge”, entertaining until at least 3am every day. The indoor and outdoor seating areas are divided with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall. With this feature, those sitting inside aren’t robbed of views of the beautiful cityscape. Apart from the cocktails, you will also find the choicest of cigars as well as an elaborate food menu for an enjoyable evening. Try to visit during sunset, and ask for a table by the window if the outdoor area is full. The lounge is open daily from 5pm to 3am. oberoihotels.com
Q’S BAR AND LOUNGE, PALAZZO VERSACE DUBAI
Named after the American record producer Quincy Jones, Q’s Bar and Lounge hosts performances by upcoming jazz musicians. It is a renowned venue in the music space, where you can enjoy live entertainment from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Along with a selection of quality cigars, the bar serves cocktails such as The Dude and Body Heat, inspired by famous works of Quincy. It is furnished in deep and dark hues, except for the bright neon-lit logo and a framed record of the 1985 Charity Single – We are the world. This frame is surrounded with signatures of widely known artists that also include Cyndi Lauper’s lipstick kiss. Located in the Al Jadaf area, it is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 7pm to 2am. palazzoversace.ae
VAULT, JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS DUBAI
Situated on the 71st and 72nd floors of the hotel, the lounge overlooks an unrivalled view of Dubai’s cityscape. Doors of the bar emulate a sturdy vault, and cocktails follow the same theme. Some of them include Deposit Box, Bank Robber, Moneypenny and Vault Member. Golden, yellow and black leather and glass chandeliers dress the lounge, with the futuristic-looking bar in the middle of the lounge that is built mainly from glass, steel and wood. The lounge celebrates different themes running through the week, such as Ladies’ Night on Tuesdays, Gentlemen’s Night on Wednesdays and another Ladies’ Night on Saturdays. Also in the Business Bay district, it is open daily from 5pm to 3am. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
