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Atlantis Hotel, Dubai

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Dubai Nightlife

The new heart of Dubai nightlife is in and around the swish Madinat Jumeirah complex. A string of trendy bars recline by the water's edge of this expansive leisure zone. Many of the best bars are in the big tourist hotels situated throughout the city. For a cheaper and livelier option, try the independent bars that are dotted around town.

Increasingly, big name DJs are being attracted to Dubai, as a Western-style clubbing scene starts to develop. Dress codes for bars are generally relaxed, although some bars and all clubs insist on no jeans, trainers or sandals.

A more mellow night out can be had at one of Dubai's coffee houses, where you can smoke apple-flavoured tobacco from a shisha pipe.

Time Out Dubai, which can be found in many hotels or online (www.timeoutdubai.com), offers a full rundown of what is happening at night in Dubai. The Time Out Ticket Line sells tickets for events (tel: 800 4669; www.itp.net/tickets).

Bars in Dubai

Buddha Bar

A new favourite with the local 'beautiful people' is the Buddha Bar, with its stunning décor, fantastic cocktails and free servings of pretension.

Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai Marina
Tel: (04) 399 8888.
Website: www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com or www.buddha-bar.com

Carter's

Housed in a replica pyramid with colonial-style décor and staff in leather waistcoats, Carter's is a more recent, stylish haunt of the 20- and 30-something brigade. Daily happy hour 1800-2000 and ladies' nights on Tuesdays and Sundays offering two complimentary drinks.

The Pyramids, Wafi Centre
Tel: (04) 324 4100.
Website: www.wafi.com

Ginseng

Minimalist Ginseng, with its mood lighting, Asian-themed décor and first-rate cocktails, is another popular choice. The music is a mixture of chilled, funky, Asian lounge music with more upbeat selections later in the night and a DJ on Thursdays.

Wafi City
Tel: (04) 324 4777.
Website: www.wafi.com

Left Bank

Highlights in the swish Madinat Jumeirah complex include the buzzing Left Bank where you'll find a little slice of chic with moody lighting and music, leather banquettes and an inspiring drinks list.

Madinat Jumeirah
Tel: (04) 368 6171.
Website: www.jumeirah.com

Clubs in Dubai

Boudoir

This swanky, wannabe Parisian club is one of Dubai's top nightclubs and one the most exclusive venues in the city. Dress to impress or you won't get past the door staff. Different nights play host to various music genres.

Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah
Tel: (04) 345 5995.
Website: www.myboudoir.com

Cavalli Club

Roberto Cavalli's new luxurious nightspot in Dubai is opulent and fabulous. Expect decadent, lavish interior with gold-coloured glass, crystal-encrusted walls and dramatically lit staircases. Recession, what recession?

Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road
Tel: (04) 332 9260.
Website: www.cavalliclubdubai.com

The Apartment Lounge & Club

The Apartment is one of Dubai's leading night venues with its blend of urban sounds and local and international DJs. Friday hip hop and R&B nights are always packed.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah
Tel: (04) 406 8000.
Website: www.jumeirah.com

Live Music in Dubai

Dubai International Convention Centre

The Dubai International Convention Centre is one of the main venues for hosting visiting orchestras and musicians from around the world, although performances are far from regular. Arabic nightclubs are the main venues for traditional Arabian music.

Dubai World Trade Centre, Bur Dubai
Tel: (04) 338 0102.
Website: www.dicc.ae

The Irish Village

One of the oldest expat bars, The Irish Village is still going strong, with a good range of beers and an outdoor seating area. It also hosts many live acts.

Dubai Tennis Club, off Al-Garhoud Road
Tel: (04) 282 4752.
Website: www.theirishvillage.ae

Dance in Dubai

Ballet Centre

The renowned Ballet Centre offers tuition in ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance.

Jumeirah Plaza
Tel: (04) 344 9776.
Website: www.balletcentre.com

Layali Arabic Nightclub

Dubai is a good place to see regional dance, such as belly dancing and traditional tribal dancing. These can be seen at local Arabic nightclubs, such as the one in the Dubai Mayfair Hotel.

Mayfair Hotel, Rigga Al Buteen
Tel: (04) 228 4444.
Website: www.mayfairdubai.ae

Theatre in Dubai

Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC)

Dubai's first purpose-built community theatre hosts classical music, opera, drama and musicals, as well as art exhibitions and workshops.

Mall of the Emirates
Tel: (04) 341 4777.
Website: www.ductac.org

Madinat Theatre

Madinat Theatre hosts regular crowd-pleasing entertainment from Russian plays to West-End musicals and first-class comedy sure to keep Dubai's culture vultures happy. Performances take place in the striking theatre, the big arena, or outdoors at the charming waterside amphitheatre.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Tel: (04) 366 6546.
Website: www.madinattheatre.com

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