Best bars in Dubai for people watching from Galaxy Bar to High Society
If you've been in Dubai long enough, you've definitely realised by now that some of the best-dressed people in the world live in this city.
Here, it's all about the latest and greatest fashion, including designer shoes, incredible bags and outfits that will make you do a double-take.
This means that, like some of us, you might enjoy a little bit of people-watching every once in a while.
From DIFC all the way to Dubai Marina, there are the best bars in the city to pull up a chair, order a drink and stare at people.
Galaxy Bar
One of the most famous bars in Dubai, and renowned globally, Galaxy Bar is hidden away in DIFC, where the most fashionable people in the city dwell in the nighttime. The beautiful bar features a ceiling inspired by a starry night sky and a list of mixed drinks that are next-level.
It's a petite space with only room for around 30 visitors, while the vibe is chic and elegant, attracting a well-heeled DIFC crowd. You might find yourself sharing a couch with the latest mini Kelly. No biggie.
Tue-Wed 8pm-3am, Thu-Sat 9pm-4am. Gate Village 9, DIFC, galaxy-bar.com (050 513 5908).
High Society by Jean Imbert
Located on the rooftop of The Lana, this super fancy spot has a very high-end dress code. You will catch the latest fashion on guests, who purposely dress up so that they can get that Instagram moment near the infinity pool with the entire skyline behind them. The 180-degree view features all of Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, the Burj Khalifa and D3.
In addition to exceptional drinks, expect a selection of deluxe grape and a collection of bites including oysters, shiso langoustine spring rolls or croque-caviar.
Sun-Wed noon-3pm, 5pm-11.30pm, Thu-Sat noon-3pm, Sat 5pm-12.30am. The Lana Dorchester Collection Dubai, Business Bay (04 541 7755).
Check out our full High Society by Jean Imbert review here
Honeycomb Hi-Fi
Without a doubt, this is one of the trendiest bars in Dubai. Honeycomb Hi-Fi in Business Bay is a brilliant spot if you're into music and edgy fashion. Based on an izakaya, there's a Japanese-inspired menu, as well as innovative mixed drinks to wash it down with.
Head there on a Saturday night and you'll come across Dubai's cool kids. From crop tops and cargo pants to knee-high boots and 70s-style dresses, Honeycomb Hi-Fi is the place to go for a drink and some serious people-watching.
Open daily from 7.30pm-2am. Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay, honeycombhifi.com (04 412 6666).
Check out our full Honeycomb Hi-Fi review here
Hush Hush
Hush Hush is the cool dark and moody bar (which turns into a club later in the night) located just behind The Nice Guy. With a very cool crowd, here, you'll come across some amazing fits. The younger crowd is often dressed in cool oversized blazers, mini dresses and slinky sandals. While the bar's warm wooden interior gives it a retro speakeasy vibe as you dust off the evening with a nightcap. A diverse range of mixed drinks are on offer as well as pizzas from The Nice Guy.
Wed-Sun, 11pm-3am. The Boulevard, Emirates Towers (04 276 9888).
Ling Ling
Ling Ling is a bar, a restaurant, a lounge – it's all in one and for that reason it's a prime place for a night out.
Set high on the 23rd floor of the iconic Atlantis The Royal, Ling Ling opened in early 2023.
A little sister of cool Chinese restaurant Hakkasan, Ling Ling is a cooler, more nightlife-y venue, and it's proven to be a popular spot for a date night or special occasion.
The mixed drinks are creative and the views are something special. One of the best bars in Dubai, this one is a must-visit.
Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2600).
Check out our full Ling Ling review here
Paradiso
All the new bars, pubs and beachclubs in Dubai. Credit: Paradiso.
You know you're getting the most extra looks when you visit any high-end venue at FIVE. The experimental rooftop bar Paradiso serves up a list of creative mixed drinks which are this close to stealing the show from the fashionable crowd.
Expect bunsen-burner style delivery, with substance and a crowd wearing their most stylish and perhaps even wackiest fits.
Mon-Fri 7pm – 2am, Sat-Sun 7pm-3am. FIVE LUXE JBR, The Walk JBR luxejbr.fivehotelsandresorts.com
Check out our full Paradiso review here
So Much Trouble
This one is for the dedicated followers of fashion, combining a mixed drinks bar with the best of a luxury fashion house. Located next to Papas at the Intercontinental Dubai Marina, So Much Trouble combines fruity mixed drinks with seasonal must-haves of some of the fashion world's biggest brands, such as Hermes, Chanel and Givenchy. A perfect people-watching spot in Dubai.
Open daily, 4pm-midnight. Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Marina. @SoMuchTrouble
Need a reservation in the meantime?
New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now
From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try
These are Dubai's best restaurants: 86 incredible places to dine in
All the winners of the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards were revealed
25 of the best restaurants in DIFC: Reservations you have to make now
Tried, tested, and highly rated restaurants to try in Dubai's financial district
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
11 hours ago
- Daily Record
Debenhams shoppers rush to grab £78 watch that is 'mistaken for Rolex' before Father's Day
'Excellent looking watch! Great shine, perfect case size and good weight.' With Father's Day just around the corner, a watch can be a quality gift to give your loved ones that is both practical and heartfelt. What's better is that Debenhams is holding a massive sale on many popular timepieces so you won't need to break the bank. One issue that can arise when buying a watch is that the style may be perfect, but your preferred colour is not part of the advertised selection. If this is a common issue shoppers encounter, we have found a watch that has six different colourways available. The STÜHRLING Original Lineage Classic 42mm Quartz Watch normally retails for £720, but shoppers can snatch it up for £78.75 after a massive 89 per cent discount. Designed with a sleek polish and an ultra-thin profile, the Lineage watch is sure to look elegant for a formal event as well as become a go to timepiece for everyday wear. Boasting luminous stick hands and hour markers, these are perfectly framed by a striking fixed coin edge bezel. Powered by a Miyota 2315 Japanese quartz movement, this watch will consistently keep its wearer on time no matter the occasion. Finished off with a 20mm stainless steel link bracelet, this timepiece is said to provide "sharp looks and supreme comfort". As mentioned, this watch is available in six colourways on the Debenhams website. However, shoppers will need to be quick to grab their favourite as some of the designs are noted as having limited stock left. Customers can choose silver, two-tone or a rose gold bracelet and either a white, black or blue dial. STÜHRLING Original Lineage Classic 42mm Quartz Watch. Product Description Another watch available in the sale is the STÜHRLING Original Ascot Quartz 38mm Classic Watch which features a leather strap. Normally retailing for £400, shoppers can now grab this elegant black and rose gold watch for £60 after a 85 per cent reduction. Alternatively, H. Samuel has reduced the price of the Citizen Men's Blue Chronograph Watch. Usually priced at £250, shoppers can now get this stunning silver and blue watch for half the price at £125 just in time of Father's Day. However, many shoppers have been interested in the Lineage Watch, which has an array of positive reviews from delighted shoppers on both the Debenhams and Stuhrling websites. One happy watch lover said: "This a very stylish watch and is great for dress and casual. A dead ringer for that expensive watch that begins with an 'R', but I don't need to mortgage my home to own it!" Another shopper agreed, writing: "The watch looks amazing, the first time wearing it, I had so many compliments and multiple people asking is that a Rolex; it just kept shining on your wrist during the whole meeting. Great purchase." However, a third shopper wasn't pleased with the size of the watch. They said: "The watch is fine but the strap is VERY large. My husband is 6'1" and we had to have a jeweler take a full inch out of it which was a nuisance." Fashion deal of the week In need of new trainers, but don't want to pay Skechers prices. Then these STQ Women's Slip-On Trainers are said to be "much better" than the famed brand. Even better, they are currently priced from just £30.99 on Amazon. With their slip-on style design and ultra-breathable mesh material, these trainers are said to be a fuss-free option for anyone who spends long periods of time on their feet, alongside anyone who suffers from foot pain issues such as plantar fasciitis. The flexible knitted material features an elastic cuff, making them easy to pop on and take off, while the wide fit fabric has been designed to make it feel like you are wearing nothing on your feet. Crafted with over 1,000 ventilation holes, they ensure that feet don't get to sweaty during wear, while the memory foam insole provides good arch support, making it feel "like walking on air". Available to buy in sizes three through to eight, shoppers can select from eight colours including black, grey and pink. However, it's worth noting that the £30.99 price-tag is available on the black colourway. With the STQ Trainers posing the cheapest price-tag, shoppers might be happy to hear that they have earned a 4.4 rating based on over 5,000 Amazon reviews that suggest they are "light as a feather" and "really comfortable". One delighted shopper said: "Super lightweight, comfortable and a fab colour pink. Much better all round than the Skechers I bought at four times the price! Your feet will love these." Whereas, another reviewer wasn't happy with the quality: "It's a nice looking watch but unfortunately it doesn't feel as good as it looks, I'd say it feels like a Seconda" Despite this, a five-star reviewer commented: "Excellent looking watch! Great shine, perfect case size and good weight. Great watch for the price!!!" With a further shopper praising: "I have a Stuhrling watch for many years and love it so I decided to buy one for my husband as a surprise and he loves it. He has worn it since the day he received. I would buy again." Click HERE to buy the STÜHRLING Original Lineage Classic 42mm Quartz Watch. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Time Out Dubai
11 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
J1 Beach Dubai: 13 new restaurants to book immediately
A new beachfront destination has arrived in Dubai. After months (and months) of waiting, J1 Beach Dubai opened in 2024 and is now home to 13 licensed fine-dining concepts. From South of France export Bâoli to uber-elegant Italian Gigi Rigolatto, there is plenty of delicious cuisines to discover along the 500-metre shoreline strip. You might also like: J1 Beach: 9 luxe beach clubs to book next Have we officially piqued your interest? Good. Here are the best J1 Beach restaurants more than worthy of your next special occasion. The best J1 Beach restaurants in Dubai African Queen J1 Beach Dubai. Since opening its doors in 1969 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, African Queen is all about Med sophistication. Known for serving up Riviera classics, African Queen has attracted a fancy clientele and has drawn in some global icons. When it opened in Dubai at J1 Beach it instantly became a go-to place for Dubai diners to visit. Time Out Dubai even spotted Lindsay Lohan grabbing a bite to eat with her husband. The Dubai location features African-inspired décor (there are a lot of leopard and zebra patterns everywhere). The menu features French Riviera classics like salad Nicoise and pissaladiere pizza, as well as popular Dubai dishes a la burrata salad, lobster linguine and, of course, truffle fries. Open Mon-Thu 10am-midnight. Fri-Sun 10am-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (052 778 0760). Almayass by the Sea New restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Almayass With branches in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Riyadh, fans of Almayass are now able to dive into mezze-style dishes like manti, kabab karaz, kibeh karaz, sujuk flambe and warak enab with yoghurt. First jumping onto the Beirut foodie scene in 1996, the restaurant is known for serving up generations-old recipes with modern flair. Open daily noon-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, @almayass_dubai (04 214 5999). Bâoli Credit: Baoli Famous Cannes hotspot Bâoli has landed in Dubai and offers up a pretty stunning destination right by the beach. Here, you'll get modern Japanese cuisine with a hint of new Asian flavours. The jungle-themed restaurant can easily be described as having 'sanctuary aesthetics', but the vibes are anything but peaceful. The vibey and upbeat spot has amazing music blasting and well-dressed diners are on their feet dancing with sparklers in hand. Visit this J1 Beach destination on a weekend if you're in a party party mood and you definitely will not regret it. Open Sun-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Sat noon-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (04 558 6381). Check out our full Bâoli review here Chouchou J1 Beach Dubai. Launching its first outpost worldwide at J1 Beach at La Mer, Chouchou is a members-only beach house with a restaurant that serves upscale family-style French cuisine with a twist, while the beach house remains exclusive to members. The venue also includes a living room, a rooftop terrace, and its very own signature pool. Chouchou fits right into Dubai's sophisticated French dining scene with signature dishes like seafood towers with oysters and caviar, salt-crusted chicken, fish romanesco and sweet chouchou. Open daily from 10am-midnight. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1. (052 818 3203). Gigi Rigolatto New restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Gigi Rigolatto Gigi is all about elegant Italian culture. Promising a lively atmosphere, it appeals to both foodies and party enthusiasts. Inspired by iconic locations like Paris and Saint-Tropez, Gigi features a menu of classic Italian cuisine, highlighted by its 'Bellini Bar' offering both traditional and modern variations of the classic peach drink. The venue accommodates 240 guests, with 120 indoor seats and spacious terraces. Families are welcomed with the Gigi Circus, a kids' club packed with fun activities. A concept store offers over 40 international brands of beachwear and accessories. Open daily from 10am-1am. J1 Beach, La Mer (04 558 2067). Check out our full Gigi Rigolatto review here Gitano J1 Beach Dubai. Tulum-inspired eatery GITANO is a Mexican-themed spot that features traditional dishes as well as a 'Gypsy Disco' experience for guests. Founded by British-born James Gardner, the venue is kitted out with a modern jungle feel, branded with neon signs and of course, the iconic disco ball – a nod to its New York flair. Looking out over the beach and also with views of the Burj Khalifa, you can expect Latin American cuisine with a twist. Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (058 566 2320). INÁ (coming soon) J1 Beach Dubai. Credit: J1 Beach in Dubai welcomed its final addition in April 2025 and it's a total vibe. INA, meaning fire or flame in Nigerian Yoruba, boasts Dubai's largest open-flame grill and serve up fresh-high quality fish, meat, vegetables and grains in view of the guests. Blending open fire cooking with fine dining, the menu is a collaboration from Evgeny Kuzin and acclaimed chef Glen Ballis. Nodding to African heritage, the decor is definitely one for the 'gram, while the dishes will all be cooked on Dubai's largest open-fire grill. Open all year round, you can sit under the sun in winter or opt for a table under the climate-controlled canopy in the summer months. Open Sun-Thu 6.30pm-1am, Fri-Sun 6.30pm-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (04 570 4766). Kaimana Beach J1 Beach Dubai. Kaimana Beach in Dubai offers a Polynesian-inspired space with top dining and a vibey atmosphere. Created by chef Michael Collantes, a chef with deep roots in Hawaii, the menu blends Asian-Polynesian flavours with dishes like braised beef cheek loco moco and pulpo anticuchero. While the pool area is exclusively for adults, families with children can take advantage of the beach facilities, ensuring there is something for everyone. Oh and if you want to do a pool day, it's one of the few spots at J1 where sunbed prices are fully redeemable on food and drinks. Open daily from 10am-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (04 243 3555). La Baia Dubai J1 Beach Dubai. This restaurant and beach club is packed with an air of *that's amore*, from the stripy sunbeds to the fresh lemons on the tables. Serving up dishes from Southern Italy, the menu will include everything from Mediterranean seafood to artisanal pastas, stuffed zucchini flowers and some ultimate burrata creations. Inside the restaurant, there's even an exclusive dessert room, where you can admire the sweet treats taking centre stage (think tiramisu, Sicilian cannoli and of course, creamy gelato). Open daily from 10am-midnight. J1 Beach, La Mer South, (04 570 2482). LÚNICO J1 Beach Dubai. Lúnico brings Spanish fine dining and a late-night bar experience to Dubai's J1 Beach this autumn. Inspired by the moon's phases and natural elements, Lúnico offers a sensory journey combining exceptional Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, a dynamic bar program, and captivating music. Guests explore unique dishes like ceviche Gallego, Galician octopus, and vieiras with caviar, incorporating biodynamic ingredients inspired by lunar cycles. The bar serves signature drinks tied to the four elements and pre-Columbian traditions. Featuring indoor and outdoor seating with sea views, LED visuals, and an atmospheric design, Lúnico offers a transformative experience blending fine dining, culture, and entertainment. Open Sun-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Sat noon-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (050 277 6503). Ninive Beach Dubai One of the first Middle Eastern-inspired beach clubs in Dubai (and how has it taken this long to launch one?), Ninive Beach is already a very popular destination at J1 Beach. Designed to look like a stunning Morrocan majlis, the indoor/outdoor space features a turquoise tiled pool, rich earth tones and traditional textiles. All with a cool and modern twist. In addition to delicious Lebanese, Iraqi, Turkish and Moroccan cuisine, Ninive Beach also offers pool and beach access, chic sunbeds and Moroccan-inspired cabanas. The venue also hosts cool events and monthly DJ sets from global artists. Open daily from 10am-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (04 498 4200). Sakhalin J1 Beach Dubai. Created by famous Russian chef Vladimir Mukhinan, the beachfront spot Sakhalin is inspired by Sakhalin Island (Russia's biggest island). Here, you can expect a menu that features Russian, Mediterranean and Asian blends. Sounds complicated, but it works. Located at J1 Beach Sakhalin has views of the Arabian Gulf, a gorgeous terrace and a stunning centrepiece fountain under an illuminated roof installation made from shimmering light. The menu focuses mostly on seafood and features creative dishes made with top-notch ingredients. Definitely one not to miss. Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (04 495 1600). Sirene Beach by GAIA (Credit: Supplied) With a menu created by Evgeny Kuzin and chef Izu Ani, the pair have branched out from the original DIFC restaurant for this beachfront project (so get expect something special). Bringing a range of dishes to the table, expect an extensive selection of fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables and some classic cooking styles that will remind you of some top-quality home cooking. If you want to go all out on your Greek escape, get the whole gang together and book out a private cabana, the larger of which can accommodate up to eight guests (and some of the cost is redeemable too). Open Sun-Thu 10am-1am, Fri-Sat 10am-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeriah 1, (052 334 2787). Need a reservation in the meantime? New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try These are Dubai's best restaurants: 85 incredible places to dine in 2024 All the winners of the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2024 25 of the best restaurants in DIFC: Reservations you have to make now Tried, tested and highly rated restaurants to try in Dubai's financial district
Time Out Dubai
11 hours ago
- Time Out Dubai
Bar Des Pres in Dubai
There's something about dining 51 floors up that makes every bite and sip feel extra special. Add in panoramic views of DIFC, a sushi counter glowing softly under copper lights, a menu that dances between Paris and Tokyo and a late-night bar that hums with understated energy – and suddenly, you're not just out for dinner. You're somewhere else entirely. New to the city, but not to those in the know, Bar des Prés is the brainchild of French chef and TV personality Cyril Lignac. The space is home to a layered sophistication you'd expect in the backstreets of Saint-Germain, only here, Parisian blue velvet and copper tones meet bamboo and rattan. It's moody, it's elegant – and it nails the balance between luxury and cool. From the moment you step inside, it's clear this isn't your typical fusion spot. (Credit: Bar Des Pres) Food-wise, you'll want to start with the signature crispy rice, topped with a trio of tuna, salmon and yellowtail, a dish that's as satisfying in texture as it is in flavour. Each golden, bite-sized block of rice is pan-seared, offering a warm, toasty base for the trio of raw fish layered on top – tuna, salmon and yellowtail. Finished with a brush of soy and a whisper of lime zest, the starter is next level. No visit to Bar Des Pres would be complete without trying the chef's signature crab and avocado galette. Avocado sits on a bed of madras curry crab before it's topped with small bites of green apple for a little bit of acidity. A dish you might not stop thinking about long after you've left. From there, options lean indulgent. Chilean sea bass with a complexly flavoured tom yum foam is a clear standout – flaky, rich and delightfully sweet. While the A4 Japanese wagyu entrecôte comes charred and tender, ready to be dragged through a sticky barbecue sauce. As for dessert? You'll want to make room. Lignac's pastry background shines in the vanilla mille-feuille with pecan praline, though the Guanaja chocolate biscuit (which is actually a hazelnut fondant) might just steal the show. (Credit: Bar Des Pres) Service is slick and well-timed, albeit a bit rushed. You could be in and out in under 90 minutes, whether you're seated at the buzzing sushi counter or in one of the comfy booths. Bar des Prés doesn't lean too hard into formality, and prices are relatively reasonable for the area. Whether you fancy a quick lunch or a leisurely late-night dinner (a DJ comes on nightly from 9pm), the vibe stays consistently cool but approachable. It's easy to see why this elegant newcomer is already making a good impression on Dubai diners – 51 floors up, but very much grounded in good taste.
