The best bars and cafés United Arab Emirates

Timetable

The hours are very flexible, but let's just say that the day doesn't really start until 10 a.m., and the cafés are packed all day long. Here, the watchword is to take your time, and no one really seems stressed. You won't see anyone running, least of all the Emirati population. They often talk for hours on end, as if their time was limitless, whether on weekdays or weekends. If there are no "apéro" traditions, it's mainly in the late evening, after dinner and quite late that groups of friends get together once again over tea and sometimes a shisha. As for the expatriate population, they go out in the many hotel bars, quite late at night, and generally from Wednesday to Saturday inclusive.

During Ramadan, the schedule changes. During the day, establishments are less busy, and most open after sunset and throughout the night.

Budget & Tips

Hotel bars are particularly expensive, as taxes on alcohol are very high. Everywhere, you can pay with a credit card and leave a tip of around 5-10%, although this is by no means obligatory.

Age restrictions

Alcohol can only be consumed from the age of 21, and legislation is very strict. It is difficult to enter bars under this age. Please note, however, that it is forbidden to consume alcohol on public roads or in public spaces, which are not regulated for this purpose.

What's very local

In mid-afternoon, Emirati friends and families gather in local cafés, hotel lobbies and shopping malls for tea, coffee and, above all, pastries. It's also popular to smoke a shisha as soon as the sun goes down. It's not uncommon to drink coffee until very late at night, as people don't go to bed early, and it's worth remembering that a large part of the population doesn't drink alcohol. You must try the mentholated lemonades, the best of which can be found in historic Dubai.

Kids

Children are not allowed in the bars, and there will be no exceptions.