We unearth the city’s best-hidden watering holes and secret hangouts

Nightlife UAE

Dubai’s best secret bars that you don’t know about

6 Poppy by David Myers
This bar has really made an impact since it arrived on the Business Bay scene – in fact it was nominated for Best New Nightlife Venue at this year’s Time Out Dubai Music & Nightlife Awards. Based in the new Renaissance Downtown Hotel, the venue from US Michelin-starred chef David Myers is where you’ll want to pop for a very classy nightcap, and has a romantic, secretive feel about it, even down to the fact that hotel staff have to direct you to it, since it’s not openly advertised anywhere. It’s gorgeous, low-lit, intimate, and a real treat.
Open daily 6pm-3am. Renaissance Downtown Hotel Dubai, Business Bay (04 512 5555).

7 Red – Hot & Chili
You’d be forgiven for missing the entrance here, as the doorway into this Al Barsha bar is, to say the least, discreet. Get inside though, and particularly on the weekend, you’ll find vibrant décor, a lively atmosphere, an array of sport being shown on the screens (requests for specific matches are welcomed by the staff). There’s live music, pub sports, decent drinks offers and more, which will make this bar a bit of a local for many in the area.
Open Sat-Thu 5pm-3am; Fri 1pm-3am. Donatello Hotel Apartments, Al Barsha (04 340 9040).

8 Room 108
This spot immediately harks back to London’s old boys’ clubs, with Cuban rolls and malt short drinks the order of the day. While this little spot houses something in the region of ten tables, and no more, don’t let its size fool you – this place packs a punch. Big, comfy leather armchairs and sofas, meet deep, dark colours, low ceilings and a range of London-themed paraphernalia. It’s relaxing, easy-going, sophisticated and a real hidey hole in one of the oldest parts of town.
Open daily noon-3am. Majestic Hotel Tower, Bur Dubai (04 359 8888).

9 The Powder Room
If you’re after a quiet drink, some classy bites and a all-round chilled out vibe, The Powder Room is where you need to visit – and ASAP. A specialist grape bar, this charming little spot also serves up a frankly delicious amount of cheese to pair with your drink, and offers an awesome grape and cheese deal every day from opening to close, where you can get unlimited grape and cheese for Dhs90 per hour. Where do we sign up?
Open Tue-Thu 5pm-11pm. Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC (04 343 5518).