1 Above 21
It was a relatively subtle opening for this petite bar serving up malt beverages and Cuban rolls at FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai. Adding a new bar to the hotel, alongside one of the best new venues in the city in The Penthouse, this place also excels with its simply magnificent views of Dubai Marina skyline. This is one for the connoisseurs.
Open daily 2pm-2am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Palm Jumeirah (04 455 9999).

2 D70
Among the tonnes of decent watering holes in Garhoud (including our Pub of the Year, The Irish Village), you’d be forgiven for having not visited D70. This swanky, but small, bar specialises in Italian bubbly and mixed drinks based on that. It’s not too busy, which adds to its chilled-out vibe.
Open daily 6pm-2am. Millennium Airport Hotel, Garhoud (04 702 8743).

3 Flair No.5
This gorgeous terrace bar has a bit of everything, and it’s essential that you go and enjoy the botanical-themed retreat before summer comes, because it’ll be shut until the mercury starts to fall again. Get your hands on one of 32 different juniper mixed drinks available (freshly infused with botanicals), with a wide choice of interesting beverages and snacks available to match its chilled-out vibes and lazy dance beats.
Open daily 5m-2am. The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC (04 372 2323).

4 JW’s Steakhouse
As the name suggests, this may be a bit more of a steakhouse than a bar, but this charming little restaurant has an equally attractive bar. The restaurant is reminiscent of a throw back old boys’ club, with lots of dark wood and huge green leather chairs. Hang out at the bar and enjoy a super-relaxed and out-of-the-way sort of feel.
Open Fri-Wed 5pm-midnight; Thu noon-midnight. JW Marriott Dubai, Deira (04 607 7977).

5 Little Black Door
Perhaps this is the ultimate secret bar in Dubai. No flashing neon signs in sight, and you’d even miss the entrance if you didn’t know it existed. When you arrive, it feels like you’ve just slipped down the stairs and into an old New York townhouse – exposed brickwork, Gothic metal et al. It’s extremely cool, and you’re going to love it.
Open Mon-Sat 7.30pm-3am. Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road (055 623 1620).

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