Alcohol can be bought only for home consumption at certain outlets in Dubai, and an alcohol license is required. Supermarkets only stock non-alcoholic beers. Even food items containing alcohol are not sold in supermarkets.
Remember to carry some sort of identification when visiting a bar if you are young, as you will not be let in otherwise. The law prohibits anyone below 21 to enter.
The Authorities take disruptive behavior while intoxicated very seriously, which as you can imagine will lead to jail time or deportation.
As Dubai has grown from a small town into a bustling city, so has the nightlife scene. Most 3 to 5 star hotels have bars and nightclubs for those interested in the nightlife. World-class DJs frequent Dubai's nightclubs, and many A-list musical celebrities are adding Dubai to their list of tour dates.
However, Dubai has several laws regarding alcohol which tourists should be aware of before visiting:
Alcohol is available only at licensed premises, usually attached to hotels most nightclubs and bars are in or attached to hotels, though they may have separate entrances.
Alcohol is not sold on religious holidays, nor during daylight hours in Ramadan even to non-Muslims.
It is illegal to drink alcohol in public places
And there is a zero-tolerance policy on drunk driving. anyone involved in a collision found with alcohol in their blood will usually get a month's jail sentence and fine.
Bars
360°
Jumeirah beach hotel complex, (http://www.jumeirahbeachh...). the latest addition to the jumeirah beach hotel complex. a very cool location at the end of the hotel marina, reached by golf buggy! open air bar with great views of the burj hotel and the jumeirah beach hotel all helped by a cool breeze from the ocean. various dj's but think ibiza lounge bar and you won't be far off. well worth a visit.
Vu's Bar
Sheikh zayed road. try the 51st floor house cocktail, it's so deliciously strong, also there's a staggering 200 cocktails to choose from!
The Terrace Bar
Park hyatt, deira, dubai. a chilled out bar touching the dubai creek. good for a one on one evening. plays light music.
Boudoir Bar
At the dubai marine beach. done in an opulent french renaissance style.
Rattlesnake
Restaurant and dance club in the metropolitan hotel on sheik zhayed road. live philippino bands and dj. popular for single male expats. the music is ok, but the place is just an open market for man to buy. as a single male you might attract a lot of hungry looks. not recommended unless this is what you want. entrance fee 50 dirham, draft beer 37 dirham.
The Cocktail Bar
On the 24th floor of the jumeirah beach hotel. has good views along jumeirah beach and the burj al-arab hotel, also an open-air terrace open after the 1st of october.
Rockafellas
Located at regal plaza hotel in bur dubai. the same human market as rattlesnake, but worse in quality. the music played is mostly arabic and russian techno. live bands are african and not as successful as rattlesnake. not recommended, as long as you don't want to buy something.
Barasti
On the beach next to le meridien mina seyahi resort in dubai marina. built in three levels each playing its own music, with lounging areas on the beach, lots of young and foreign people come here during the weekend. very popular with expats.
Bar 44
On the 44th floor of grosvenor house hotel in dubai marina. excellent view above the city. phone: +971 4 399 8888.
Sky View Bar
Burj al arab, jumeirah beach road. live bands both local and international, reservations are a must.
Buddha Bar
Branch of the international asian-themed bar/restaurant.
Longs Bar
Towers - rotana op financial centre metro. the longest bar in the uae, typical english style, similar to a weatherspoons. great music and djs plus food and friendly atmosphere. . open until 3am.
Rock Bottom
A restaurant/"dive" bar/dance club. dress and theme is very casual. live bands and a dj. mostly western/expat crowd
Left Bank
In the madinat jumeirah is perfectly situated on the waterfront in one of the most tranquil areas of dubai. a great food menu leads on to some excellent cocktails and music inside. open 12pm - 2am daily.
The Rooftop Swimming Pool
On top of hilton dubai creek. small bar but wonderful views especially at sunset.
Stagshead
Avari dubai, diera. located at the lobby level, this traditional scottish pub offering bar snacks, a wide range of beverages, pool tables and a darts board.
Cafes
Basta Art Cafe
Set in a lovely garden courtyard in a restored house, Basta is a great place to take a breather with a cold drink and write some postcards. The sandwiches-and-salads menu is aimed squarely at tourists, but if you are sick of kebabs, they will cater to your salmon-avocado wrap and mango smoothie cravings. The "Basta Special" drink of mint and lemon is also excellent.
Filli Cafeteria
& Modern Coffee Shop, Hor Al Anz. - Probably the two most popular tea spots in town, especially Filli, who serves over 4000 cups a day!. Try either the zaffrani chai milk tea with saffron or the doodh kadakstrong milk tea. edit