Best things to do in Dubai at night 2025, for every budget

Time Out Dubai

30-05-2025

When it comes to nights out, Dubai has it all.
Whether it's happy hour drinks, bouncing nightclubs or chilled grape bars that you're looking for, there's something happening every day of the week.
Some experiences might come with a heavier price tag than others, but that doesn't mean you can't have a dream night on a budget.
If you're getting the gang together for a night out on the town, or treating your other half to a special evening, we've put together some unbelievable itineraries, whether you only have Dhs100 or you're ready to splash out.
Best things to do at night in Dubai
Cheap and cheerful (Budget: Dhs100)
Sometimes the best nights are free (or only cost a little). In this city, you can have a diary-worthy evening for just a few dirhams, so let's schedule in some fun without breaking the bank.
Not only does this evening include a meal out, you'll also have enough cash for some early-evening drinks before watching a live show. It doesn't get much better (or cheaper) than this.
Activity: Admire the Imagine light show
Credit: supplied
Get ready to be awestruck, as you can see this multi-Guinness World Record holder at Festival Bay every night of the week. Only a 15-minute drive away from your sundowner spot (keep reading for BAI Bar), you can be here in no time and grab a front row seat to the show.
A fabulous feat of engineering and choreography, the show uses high-powered lasers, more than 70 searchlights, water screens, projections, music, flames and fountains to wow the crowds with a stunning show of light and colour.
It's hard to believe that this show is completely free, but it is – meaning you have even more budget to spend on your dinner (happy days).
Free. Open Mon-Wed 7pm-11pm; Thu-Sun 7pm-11pm (every hour). Dubai Festival City Mall, dubaifestivalcitymall.com (800 332).
Dinner: Dig in at Market Island
Credit: Dubai Festival City Mall
It's up to you whether you head for dinner before or after the laser show, as your destination is just round the corner inside Dubai Festival City Mall. Opening in 2024, this gigantic food hall is not only licensed, but is open until 1am and has every type of cuisine you can think of.
From a fresh scoop at Gelato Ado to the mini-khinkali at Georgian restaurant MZE, you're going to need to sit on one of those long benches to fit all your dishes in. Your final bill depends on how much you order, but prices here are more than reasonable. For example, a classic chicken sandwich at Hammer Burger will set you back only Dhs39.
Open daily 10am-1am. Dubai Festival City Mall, dubaifestivalcitymall.com (058 524 5807).
Drinks: Enjoy drinks at BAI Bar and Terrace
Credit: BAI Bar and Terrace
This canal-side spot is ideal for sipping a glass of something cold with a view, plus the sunsets against the Business Bay skyline always impress.
Making for a brilliant budget spot, the terrace offers a daily hour where you can grab a drink for as little as Dhs25, so why not start your night with a couple of well-priced sundowners?
From Dhs25. Daily 3pm-7pm. Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Canal View, Business Bay, radissonhotels.com (04 875 3300).
Brilliant bargains (Budget: Dhs250)
A night out under Dhs250 in our opinion is a bargain, especially when you consider how many incredible things you can do in this city. This evening out will take you to Bluewaters Island, home to some impressive views and of course, Ain Dubai.
However, on this occasion you won't be boarding the big wheel, you'll be having a blast dipping in and out of all that's on offer around it.
Activity: Get competitive at Brass Monkey
Credit: Brass Monkey
This place is a one-stop fun shop for adults, where you can get competitive for a very reasonable price. Get the gang together and head there early as its first come, first served on the bowling lanes, which are priced at Dhs75 per person per game.
Or if you don't want to show off how good your tenpin skills are, you can opt for a run at the arcade instead. You need to top up a card to play with a minimum of Dhs100, but split between two it's more than affordable, and you can get a go on Quick Shot or the air hockey table in no time.
If you want to spend the night all in one place, it's worth noting there are top-notch dining deals on almost every night of the week too. For example, on a Monday you can have truffle mac and cheese with a pint of hops for Dhs99, or on Tuesday, it's a taco and a Mexican mixed drink for the same price.
Expect vibey tunes, neon lights and a fun hangout where you can act like a big kid all the way until 2am.
Open Mon-Wed 4pm-2am; Thu-Fri 4pm-3am; Sat noon-3am; Sun noon-2am. Bluewaters, brassmonkeysocial.com (04 582 7277).
Activity: Practise your putt at Swingers Crazy Golf
Credit: Swingers Crazy Golf
Recently landing in Bluewaters, this crazy course will let you have one full round for Dhs80, making it another bargain activity to get under your belt.
There are three fun courses to choose from, made up of obstacles from hot air balloons to funfairs. If you fancy a mixed drink then you're in luck, as the venue lets you take your drinks round the course with you, meanwhile a live DJ will be playing some cracking beats in the background.
Don't forget your phone either, because this place is made for the 'gram.
From Dhs80. Open Mon-Fri 4pm-1am, Sat noon-2am, Sun noon-1am. Bluewaters Island, swingerscrazygolf.ae (04 557 6309).
Dinner: Tuck in at Frank
Credit: Instagram @frankmeat_me
Just a few minutes down the road from your activity of choice on Bluewaters is this laid-back barbecue restaurant, perfect for filling you up on a budget.
This place is all about generous portions, whether your opting for something from the meat or the tapas menu. Get stuck into a plate of the sweet cola wings, with popcorn, crispy beef bacon and French fries for Dhs65, or a hearty (and cheesy) margherita pizza for just Dhs52.
If you're visiting with the gals on a Thursday then you're in even bigger luck, as you can make the most of one appetiser and free-flowing drinks for Dhs110 per person (bargain alert).
Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-2am. Bluewaters Island, frankmeat.ae (058 634 8811).
Drinks: Try some new music at VNYL Hi-Fi
Credit: VNYL Hi-Fi
By day, the venue is a chilled record store, letting you browse tracks and listen to some of the best music ever made.
But by night, the DJ is mixing all the top-tapping tunes with even better company. As day turns to night, the space begins to heat up and that's when you'll want to make a swift move to the secret bar (yep, another bar inside the bar). Walk through the side door and up the spiralling staircase.
Once you've passed all the '70s-style wallpaper and ducked through the curtain, your second venue of the night reveals itself. This might be a late-night spot, but the party starts far earlier. By 10pm both floors are busy, and you can let loose on the dancefloor.
There's no doubt that you could ring up quite the bill in here, but if you're heading out on a tight budget, there's no need to. If you want to soak up the vibes and nip in for a quick dance, you can order a glass of grape or a bottle of Japanese hops for Dhs65.
Open Mon-Fri 3pm-1am; Sat 1pm-4am; Sun 1pm-4am. Bluewaters Island, vnylhifi.com (052 249 4004).
Something extra: Zip along for a scoop at Gelateria La Romana
Credit: Gelateria La Romana
Before you head home, stop in for a single scoop of gelato at the ice cream parlour, which has been coming up with new flavours all the way since 1947. One scoop only costs Dhs25, so you can end on a sugary note while taking a stroll along the boardwalk and taking in the super views. It's a sweet way to end your evening.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am. Bluewaters Island, gelateriaromana.com (04 228 2161).
Middle-ground magic (Budget: Dhs500)
Perhaps pay day has just rolled around and this time you have a little more disposable cash to throw around on a night out. Although this won't buy you a chauffeur-driven limousine and a table in VIP, it's more than enough to have a cracking night out on the town.
For this special evening, we'll be proving that one Dhs500 note is more than enough to keep you going for the evening.
Activity: Grab the mic at karaoke
Credit: Lucky Voice
Ignite the performer within you and dazzle your mates with a few renditions of your favourite tracks. Book in a private booth at Lucky Voice, where you can all sing (or screech) some songs out, and there's over 15,000 to choose from.
Priced at Dhs44 per person on weekdays and Dhs55 on weekends for an hour slot, the venue also has a free-flowing Friday ladies' night for Dhs99 and other discounts in the week.
Open Sun-Fri 5pm-3am, Sat 1pm-3am. Grand Millennium Hotel, Barsha Heights, luckyvoice.ae (800 58259).
Dinner: Savour a sizzling steak dinner for less
Credit: Prime68
Head to Prime68 for 6pm, where you'll get to sample a three-course selection of signature dishes for only Dhs225 (yes you heard right).
This sky-high restaurant has an early-bird dinner with jaw-dropping views of both the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab next to the sunset, depending which side you choose to sit on. However, you're guaranteed some gorgeous vistas either way. Start with French onion soup or truffle gnocchi, before delving into the mains, including Australian striploin or roasted salmon.
What's more, you'll even get to pick your own steak knife and be treated to a library of sauces to dip into. You can also upgrade to a grape-pairing.
Dhs225 (three-course menu), Dhs374 (three-course menu with grape pairing). Daily, 6pm-6.30pm. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, marriott.com (04 414 3000).
Drinks: Sip on something cool at Salmon Guru
Credit: Salmon Guru
This mixed-drink bar is known for its weird and wonderful creations, so don't bother with a glass of grape and go for something different.
If you can, opt for a stool at the bar where you can watch your creation being crafted, as well as a live DJ bringing the beats all night. If you get peckish then opt for one of the bar bites, but at around Dhs80 per mixed-drink, you might only have the budget for a drink (or two).
Open Mon-Thu 12.30pm-2am, Sat-Sun 5pm-2am. The Opus by Omniyat, @salmongurudubai (052 814 9537).
Drinks: Soak up the vibes at Seven Sisters
Credit: Seven Sisters
Looking over the Dubai Canal, this bar knows how to have a good time. Open most the nights of the week with live DJs and an edgy energy, the drinks list is pretty reasonable too, so you won't have to slowly sip from the same glass all night.
If you're visiting on a Wednesday or a Friday, then be sure to grab a table on the air-conditioned terrace between 6pm and 9pm (there's a Dhs30 happy hour).
Open Tue-Sat 6pm-3am. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, 7sistersdubai.com (056 775 4777).
Pricey perfection (Budget: Dhs1,000)
There's a blowout night on the cards and you've got the cash to make it a great one. For a special evening out on the town, what better place to do it than on one of Dubai's most iconic locations, Palm Jumeirah.
A popular spot during the day, after dark this neck of the woods gets even better, and you're going to be spoilt for choice on where to hang your hat for the night. Luckily, we've got the perfect itinerary.
Activity: Dip in for a night swim at AURA Skypool
Credit: AURA Skypool
Pack your trunks and get ready for some incredible skyline views as you look over Palm Jumeirah at night.
The sky-high pool has 360-degree views so you can get a few lengths in and check out the city lights glittering below you. Not only does this make for quite the photo (time to practise your best pose), the pool is temperature-controlled, so even though you're 50 floors up, you won't get chilly.
Prices vary depending on which lounger you choose, but you can get access to the three-hour session for as little as Dhs225 per person.
From Dhs225. Daily 8pm-11pm. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, auraskypool.com (04 566 2121).
Dinner: Marvel at the view at SUSHISAMBA
Credit: SUSHISAMBA
Whether you're peckish before or after your night swim is up to you, but either way, your dinner is right upstairs.
The famous Japanese-Peruvian restaurant sits above AURA Skypool, so get yourself glammed up and book a table for some small plates with an eye-popping view of the city. As well as a ceviche (and a couple of crispy taquitos), you have to try the signature Samba Dubai roll (it's the only place in the world you can get it) with lobster, mango and wasabi for the ideal bite.
If you're loving the vibe and want to stay all night long, nip through to the Samba Room next door, where you'll find live DJs and parties in the sky.
Open Sun-Thu noon-3pm; 6pm-2am; Fri-Sat noon-3pm, 6pm-3am. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, sushisamba.com (04 278 4888).
Dinner: Push the boat out at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
Credit: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal
If you're looking for an early dinner, then drive up the trunk of Palm Jumeirah straight towards Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal.
Known for its creative dishes (you'll surely have heard of the Meat Fruit), the discovery three-course set menu runs Tuesday through Sunday from 6pm-7pm. Letting you sample some of the restaurants finest creations for Dhs550 per person, each dish is based around reimagined historical discoveries and fascinations.
If you want a dinner that's about more than just the food, this is it. It's also a prime chance to get a nosey into the world-famous hotel, see the water droplet sculpture and admire the fire and water Skyblaze Fountain.
It's a real spectacle and will be a treat for the eyes (and the 'gram) at the end of the evening.
Dhs550. Open Tue-Sun, 6pm-7pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2444).
Drinks: Relax and enjoy the view at Barfly by Buddha-Bar
Credit: Barfly by Buddha Bar
Ready for some stellar views and cool vibes? Tucked into the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the rooftop spot Barfly by Buddha-Bar has some incredible views over to Dubai Marina that are even better after dark.
If you're arriving early, the bar has a sunset deal on Sundays through Thursdays, where drinks start from only Dhs28. Or if you're booked in for some after-dark sips, there's a lounge inside dedicated purely to a classic Italian mixed-drink that's definitely worth checking out.
Open Sun-Tue 5pm-1am; Wed-Sat 5pm-2am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, barflydubai.ae (054 994 1460).
Drinks: Sit and soak in the vibes at Tagomago
Credit: Tagomago
If you want a night out without blaring beats and packed crowds, then make your way round to the Balearic-inspired restaurant and bar.
Offering up tables inside the standalone casa, out on the terrace and sprawling out onto the sand (that was shipped in from Ibiza itself), it'll be dreamy no matter where you sit (although you'll probably want to plump for indoors with AC). Playing soft Mediterranean tunes, you can sip on a crisp glass of grape starting from around Dhs70.
You'll probably want to get stuck into a few of the tapas though, trust us it will be worth it.
Open daily 10am-1am. Azure Residence, Palm Jumeirah, tagomago.ae (04 832 6620).
Not ready to go home: Sashay onto the dancefloor at Bling
Credit: Bling
If you want to feel *really* bougie, then stop by Bling for a dance into the early hours.
Located at the trendy FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, not only is this nightclub slick, but you can even drive your supercar inside it and park up on the dancefloor (really). Table prices are in the thousands, but you can opt to stand and be a part of the crowd for far less.
Depending on the night of the week, you'll be listening to sizzling Afrobeats, hip-hop or RnB all the way until 4am.
Open Thu-Sun 10pm-4am; Tue 10pm-4am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, blingdxb.com (058 869 8996).
Blow the budget (Budget: *The sky is the limit*)
This night out isn't a common occurrence, it's a special occasion or bucket list evening. The ultimate treat, you deserve to go all out with this one. In a city like Dubai, there are endless options of how your dream evening could look, so we've put together one dreamy option that will guarantee a memorable night out.
Activity: Charter a private yacht tour
Credit: VIP Yachts
This is a dream evening out, so it starts just before sunset, when you'll be boarding your own private yacht to spend the next couple of hours on.
Using VIP Yachts, you can choose from a selection of gorgeous boats in advance, and the cost will depend on just how upscale you want to go (some even come with hot tubs). Taking you out from Dubai Harbour into the sunset, watch the sky turn a fiery orange and enjoy a glass of something cold as the sea breeze blows through your hair.
Prices vary. Dubai Harbour, vipyachts.ae (052 708 3946).
Dinner: Have a feast at Urla
Credit: Urla
Expect only the best at this open-air restaurant, sitting proudly at the foot of Burj Khalifa. An Aegean-inspired restaurant, you'll be treated to some incredible plates of seafood while the Burj light show kicks off every half an hour for your entertainment.
Start with the octopus carpaccio or the marrow beef tartare, before digging into rich forkfuls of the wagyu paella with black truffle and mushrooms. Push the boat out with the fresh lobster linguini and seeing as this is an all-out night, finish with the Urla dessert platter (or cheese platter if you're more of the savoury kind). This is one spot that's sure to wow.
Open daily 3pm-3am. Address Downtown Hotel, Downtown Dubai, urlarestaurant.com
(052 554 5997).
Dinner: Have an immersive experience at Krasota
Credit: Krasota
If you want to seriously upgrade your dinner, book in for a special meal at the gastro-theatre, where you'll be one of only 20 other diners in the room.
Dive into the innovative eight-chapter menu, which comes from world-famous chef Vladimir Mukhin, while being surrounded by a series of immersive projections. With each dish designed to reflect the theme of the menu, you can expect to be wowed by some pretty high-end ingredients. Alongside the incredible art show, this is a unique experience.
From Dhs1,500. Open daily 6pm & 9pm. Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, krasota.art (04 433 1258).
Drinks: See the city skyline from CÉ LA VI
After-dark Burj Khalifa views don't get better than this. Born in Singapore, this iconic sky bar now sits proudly on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View hotel, looking straight across the golden lights of Downtown.
Expect a live DJ and high terrace tables, a perfect spot to explore all that the mixed drink menu has to offer. Or, as this is a bucket list night after all, perhaps a bottle of bubbly would be better suited. Despite being a luxe spot, the venue offers a ladies' night on a Tuesday, where you can redeem free-flowing house beverages for Dhs150 from 10pm to 2am, so it's possible to do this place on a budget, too.
Open Sun-Fri noon-3am; Sat 12.30pm-3am. Address Sky View Hotel, celavi.com (04 582 6111).
Drinks: Sip drinks in the world's tallest building at At.mosphere
Credit: At.mosphere
You can't get much more 'peak Dubai' than drinks in the tallest building on the planet. At.mosphere is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even afternoon tea, but we recommend heading along for some drinks at the bar and taking in the sights of the city while sipping something creative before you dine. One for a special occasion.
Open daily 7am-midnight. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, atmosphereburjkhalifa.com (04 888 3828).
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