Key Takeaways

• Amelia: Inspired by Amelia Earhart, this bar features a bold, industrial steampunk aesthetic with functional vintage airplane parts.
• Galaxy Bar: An exclusive, space-themed venue ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars, offering an intimate, luxurious experience.
• Nonsense: Combines 3D mural projections with 1920s atmosphere, featuring psychedelic masks and changing artistic lighting.
• Amazonico: Known for its jungle-themed maximalist interiors and Latin American inspired drink menu served in creative vessels.
• Gilt: Located in Burj Al Arab, exhibits grand gold-metallized interiors, with inventive cocktails and bar takeovers by world-renowned mixologists.
• Salmon Guru: Offers an eclectic mix of colors, vibrant neon lights, and uniquely served cocktails, guided by expert mixologists.
• Flashback: A secret speakeasy hidden in a Hollywood-themed hotel, echoing the 1920s with retro touches and unique cocktails.
• 7EVENTY8: Features Japanese-inspired interiors with a dramatic dragon mural, symbolizing the Japanese numbers 7 and 8.
• NYX: An exclusive Greek-themed bar with a shadowy and symbolic design, drawing inspiration from the Goddess of the night.

Dubai, renowned for its opulence and innovation, never falls short when it comes to reimagining nightlife. The city is home to a collection of themed bars that transport guests to different worlds without ever having to set foot outside its vibrant energy. From vintage aviation and cosmic wonders to jungle mysteries and prohibition-era secrets, Dubai’s themed bars offer unparalleled experiences. Let’s delve into some of these enchanting venues and discover what makes each stand out in the bustling nightlife scene.

A Tribute to Adventure: Amelia

Inspired by the legendary aviator Amelia Earhart, Amelia bar embodies the spirit of exploration with its striking steampunk aesthetic. This venue is a visual symphony of industrial design elements, complete with functional vintage airplane components like propellors and wings. Every detail within Amelia echoes the daring and adventurous spirit of its namesake, creating an atmospheric experience that takes patrons on a journey through time and space.

Amelia Lounge, Downtown Dubai, Mon to Fri 5pm to 7pm, Dhs145 set menu and drinks from Dhs35. Tel: (0)4 328 2805 @amelia.dubai

Reaching for the Stars: Galaxy Bar

For those who look to the heavens, Galaxy Bar offers a celestial journey through the cosmos. Ranked among the World’s 50 Best Bars, this intimate space-themed bar provides exclusive and luxurious encounters for a select few. Guests are enveloped in an atmosphere of cosmic wonder, delicately curated to ensure an unforgettable night under the stars, right in the heart of Dubai.

Galaxy Bar, Gate Village, DIFC, open Sun, Tues, Wed 8pm to 3am, Thu to Sat 9pm to 4m. Tel: (0)50 513 5908, galaxy-bar.com, @galaxybardxb

A Trip Through Time: Nonsense

At Nonsense, contemporary artistry meets the Roaring Twenties. This bar infuses modern technology with vintage elegance, featuring mesmerizing 3D mural projections and whimsical lighting that shifts with the mood. Baristas in psychedelic masks serve drinks that blend past and present in an eclectic embrace of neon colors and eccentric design. It’s more than just a bar—it’s an artistic expression that transcends time.

Nonsense, Unit D08, first floor, The Wharf, Bluewaters, Dubai. Fridays and Saturdays, 11pm to 3am. nonsensedxb.com / @nonsensedxb

Into the Wild: Amazonico

If the mystery and allure of the jungle call to you, Amazonico stands out with its lush, jungle-themed maximalist interiors. The sprawling multi-level venue boasts a bar that mirrors the vibrant ecosystem it represents, offering a mix of Latin American inspired drinks creatively served in vessels that resemble nature’s own creations. A visit here feels like a true escape into the wild.

Amazonico Dubai, DIFC Pavilion, Gate Village, DIFC, 12pm to 3am daily. Tel: (0)4 571 3999. amazonicorestaurant.com

The Golden Splendor of Gilt

Gilt at Burj Al Arab is a golden retreat where grand interiors meet cocktail mastery. The venue’s shimmering gold and metallic decorations create an aura of elegance, complemented by inventive drinks crafted by top mixologists from around the globe. Regular bar takeovers ensure the cocktail menu is just as illustrious as its prestige setting, making every visit a unique experience in luxury.

Gilt, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah, 6pm to 3am daily, reservations essential. Tel: (800) 323 232. jumeirah.com/gilt

An Eclectic Remix: Salmon Guru

Step into an explosion of color and creativity at Salmon Guru, where neon lights and eccentric designs converge in a delightful chaos. This bar is all about embracing the playful and unexpected, with expertly crafted cocktails served in uniquely designed vessels. Its vivid atmosphere is a testament to the artistry and innovation that make it a must-visit destination.

Salmon Guru Dubai, The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, 12.30pm to 2am Mon to Fri, 5pm to 2am Sat and Sun. Tel: (0)52 814 9537. @salmongurudubai

Secrets of the Silver Screen: Flashback

Behind a clandestine door in Paramount Hotel lies Flashback, a homage to the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age. This speakeasy’s 1920s theme resonates through its retro decor and cocktails that are nothing short of theatrical. It’s an invitation to step back in time and revel in a bygone era of charm and sophistication.

Flashback, behind a secret door, Paramount Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai. (04) 246 6666. paramounthotelsdubai.com

Mystic Elegance: 7EVENTY8

Japanese aesthetics come alive in 7EVENTY8, where rich cultural motifs and vibrant colors create a space of opulence and tradition. A striking dragon mural sets the tone for this bar’s inspired homage to the significance of the numbers 7 and 8 in Japanese culture—a harmonious balance of prosperity and fortune within a captivating setting.

7EVENTY8, The Dubai EDITION, Downtown Dubai, Thurs to Sat, 10pm to 3am, Tel: (0) 54 722 3351, @7eventy8_dxb

Divine Mystery: NYX

Inspired by the goddess of the night, NYX offers a hidden sanctuary of dark elegance where patrons can indulge in the shadows. Greek motifs weave through the design, echoing mythical themes and exclusive sophistication. This bar’s elusive allure makes it a coveted spot for those in search of something truly extraordinary.

NYX, Gaia Dubai, DIFC Gate Village 4, Dubai, @nyx__dxb