< PreviousAll budgets covered 40 JULY 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Dinner: Savour a sizzling steak dinner for less Head to Prime68 for 5.30pm, where you’ll get to sample a three-course selection of signature dishes for Dhs245 (yes you heard right). This sky-high restaurant has an early- bird dinner with jaw-dropping views of both the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab next to the sunset, depending which side you choose to sit on. However, you’re guaranteed some gorgeous vistas either way. Start with French onion soup or truffle gnocchi, before delving into the mains, including Australian striploin or roasted salmon. What’s more, you’ll even get to pick your own steak knife and be treated to a library of sauces to dip into. You can also upgrade to a grape- pairing if you want. O Dhs245 (three-course menu), Dhs152 (additional for grape pairing). Daily 5.30pm-6.30pm. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, marriott.com (04 414 3000). Drinks: Sip on something cool at Salmon Guru This mixed-drink bar is known for its weird and wonderful concoctions, so don’t bother with a glass of grape and go for something different. If you can, opt for a stool at the bar where you can watch your creation being crafted, as well as a live DJ bringing the beats all night. If you get peckish then opt for one of the bar bites, but at around Dhs80 per mixed-drink, you might only have the budget for a drink (or two). O Open Mon-Thu 12.30pm-2am, Sat-Sun 5pm-2am. The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, @salmongurudubai (052 814 9537). Drinks: Soak up the vibes at Seven Sisters Looking over the Dubai Water Canal, this bar knows how to have a good time. Open most the nights of the week with live DJs and an edgy energy, the drinks list is pretty reasonable too, so you won’t have to slowly sip from the same glass all night. If you’re visiting on a Wednesday or a Friday, then be sure to grab a table on the air-conditioned terrace between 6pm and 9pm (there’s a Dhs30 happy hour). O Open Tue-Sat 6pm-3am. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, 7sistersdubai.com (056 775 4777). Pricey perfection There’s a blowout night on the cards and you’ve got the cash to make it a great one. For a special evening out on the town, what better place to do it than on one of Dubai’s most iconic locations, Palm Jumeirah. A popular spot during the day, after dark this neck of the woods gets even better, and you’re going to be spoilt for choice on where to hang your hat for the night. Luckily, we’ve got the perfect itinerary. BUDGET: DHS1,000 Activity: Dip in for a night swim at AURA Skypool Pack your trunks and get ready for some incredible skyline views as you look over Palm Jumeirah at night. The sky-high pool has 360-degree views so you can get a few lengths in and check out the city lights glittering below you. Not only does this make for quite the photo (time to practise SUSHISAMBAAll budgets covered TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM JULY 2025 41 Treat yourself to a night brunch Gallery 7/40 When we say the Big Fat Greek Brunch is loud, we mean really loud. As you’d expect from the Secret Parties people, this is a party brunch, not a chatting brunch. Do not go for a catch-up with mates you’ve not seen in ages as you will not hear a word they say. Not one. Instead, book a table with your best dancing buddies and get set for a night on your feet. Food is really good, with Greek mezze, tiropitakia and lamb pie to start, followed by platters of chicken souvlaki, Greek beef burgers, mussels and seafood orzotto, plus three delicious desserts. You’ll be serenaded by the live singer as you dine and pretty quickly, everyone is up and dancing. O Dhs350 (soft drinks), Dhs445 (short measures and house grape), Dhs545 (Italian bubbly, mixed drinks and hops). Fri 7pm-10pm. The Club, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, secretparties.com (04 580 3714). Miss Tess Secret Brunch – After Dark at Miss Tess is a spectacular party against the backdrop of panoramic Burj Khalifa views. Top-notch DJs and eclectic entertainers, including a brilliant Chinese dragon duo, lead the evening extravaganza, while you enjoy a seemingly never-ending sharing menu of Asian bites and main courses. Highlights are the rock shrimp tempura, California roll, king pao chicken and warm chocolate fondant. It’s a wild evening you won’t want to end but thankfully, with after-party packages at Treehouse from Dhs100, it doesn’t have to straight away. O Dhs345 (soft drinks), Dhs425 (house beverages), Dhs525 (premium beverages), Dhs745 (bubbly). Sat 7pm-10.30pm. Taj Dubai, Downtown, Downtown Dubai, secret-parties.com (050 189 6089). your best pose), the pool is temperature- controlled, so even though you’re 50 floors up, you won’t get chilly. Prices vary depending on which lounger you choose, but you can get access to the three-hour session from Dhs225 per person. O From Dhs225. Daily 8pm-11pm. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, auraskypool.com (04 566 2121). Dinner: Marvel at the view at SUSHISAMBA Whether you’re peckish before or after your night swim is up to you, but either way, your dinner is right upstairs. The famous Japanese-Peruvian restaurant sits above AURA Skypool, so get yourself glammed up and book a table for some small plates with an eye-popping view of the city. As well as a ceviche (and a couple of crispy taquitos), you have to try the signature Samba Dubai roll (it’s the only place in the world you can get it) with lobster, mango and wasabi for the ideal bite. If you’re loving the vibe and want to stay all night long, nip through to the Samba Room next door, where you’ll find live DJs and parties in the sky. O Open Sun-Thu noon-3pm, 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat noon- 3pm, 6pm-3am. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, sushisamba.com (04 278 4888). Dinner: Push the boat out at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal If you’re looking for an early dinner, then drive up the trunk of Palm Jumeirah straight towards Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis The Royal. Known for its creative dishes (you’ll surely have heard of the Meat Fruit), the discovery three-course set menu runs Tuesday through Sunday from 6pm to 7pm. Letting you sample some of the restaurants finest creations for Dhs550 per person, each dish is based around reimagined historical discoveries and fascinations. If you want a dinner that’s about more than just the food, this is it. It’s also a prime chance to get a nosey into the world-famous hotel, see the water droplet sculpture and admire the fire and water Skyblaze Fountain. It’s a real spectacle and will be a treat for the eyes (and the ’gram) at the end of the evening. O Dhs550. Tue-Sun 6pm-7pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2444). Drinks: Relax and enjoy the view at Barfly by Buddha-Bar Ready for some stellar views and cool vibes? Tucked into the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the rooftop spot Barfly by AURA Skypool All budgets covered 42 JULY 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Buddha-Bar has some incredible views over to Dubai Marina that are even better after dark. If you’re arriving early, the bar has a sunset deal on Sundays through Thursdays, where drinks start from only Dhs28. Or if you’re booked in for some after-dark sips, there’s a lounge inside dedicated purely to a classic Italian mixed-drink that’s definitely worth checking out. O Open Sun-Tue 5pm-1am; Wed-Sat 5pm-2am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, barflydubai.ae (054 994 1460). Drinks: Sit and soak in the vibes at Tagomago If you want a night out without blaring beats and packed crowds, then make your way round to this Balearic-inspired restaurant and bar. Offering up tables inside the standalone casa, out on the terrace and sprawling out onto the sand (that was shipped in from Ibiza itself), it’ll be dreamy no matter where you sit (although you’ll probably want to plump for indoors with AC). Playing soft Mediterranean tunes, you can sip on a crisp glass of grape starting from around Dhs70. You’ll also want to get stuck into a few of the tapas while you’re there, trust us it will be worth it. O Open daily 10am-1am. Azure Residence, Palm Jumeirah, tagomago.ae (04 832 6620). Not ready to go home: Sashay onto the dancefloor at BLING If you want to feel *really* bougie, then stop by BLING for a dance into the early hours. Located at the trendy FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, not only is this nightclub slick, but you can even drive your supercar inside it and park up on the dancefloor (really). Table prices are in the thousands, but you can opt to stand and be a part of the crowd for far less. Depending on the night of the week, you’ll be listening to sizzling Afrobeats, hip- hop or R&B all the way until 4am. O Open Thu-Sun 10pm-4am, Tue 10pm-4am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, blingdxb.com (058 869 8996). Barfly by Buddha-Bar Dinner by Heston Blumenthal Blow the budget BUDGET: *THE SKY IS THE LIMIT* This night out isn’t a common occurrence, it’s a special occasion or bucket list evening. The ultimate treat, you deserve to go all out with this one. In a city like Dubai, there are endless options of how your dream evening could look, so we’ve put together one dazzling option that will guarantee a memorable night out. Activity: Charter a private yacht tour This is a dream evening out, so it starts just before sunset, when you’ll be boarding your own private yacht to spend the next couple of hours on. Using VIP Yachts, you can choose from a selection of gorgeous boats in advance, and the cost will depend on just how upscale you want to go (some even come with hot tubs). Taking you out from Dubai Harbour into the sunset, watch the sky turn a fiery orange and enjoy a glass of something cold as the sea breeze blows through your hair. O Prices vary. Dubai Harbour, vipyachts.ae (052 708 3946). Dinner: Have a feast at Urla Expect only the best at this open-air restaurant, sitting proudly at the foot of Burj All budgets covered TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM JULY 2025 43 Khalifa. An Aegean-inspired restaurant, you’ll be treated to some incredible plates of seafood while the Burj light show kicks off every half an hour for your entertainment. Start with the octopus carpaccio or the marrow beef tartare, before digging into rich forkfuls of the wagyu paella with black truffle and mushrooms. Push the boat out with the fresh lobster linguini and seeing as this is an all-out night, finish with the Urla dessert platter (or cheese platter if you’re more of the savoury kind). O Open daily 3pm-3am. Address Downtown Hotel, Downtown Dubai, urlarestaurant.com (052 554 5997). Dinner: Have an immersive experience at Krasota If you want to seriously upgrade your dinner, book in for a special meal at the gastro- theatre, where you’ll be one of only 20 diners in the room. Dive into the innovative seven-course menu, which comes from world-famous chef Vladimir Mukhin, while being surrounded by a series of immersive projections. With each dish designed to reflect the theme of the menu, you can expect to be wowed by some pretty high-end ingredients. Alongside the incredible art show, this is a unique experience. O From Dhs1,500. Open daily 6pm & 9pm. Address Downtown, Downtown Dubai, krasota.art (04 433 1258). Drinks: See the city skyline from CÉ LA VI After-dark Burj Khalifa views don’t get better than this. Born in Singapore, this iconic sky bar now sits proudly on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View hotel, looking straight across the golden lights of Downtown. Expect a live DJ and high terrace tables, a perfect spot to explore all that the mixed drink menu has to offer. Or, as this is a bucket list night after all, perhaps a bottle of bubbly would be better suited. Despite being a luxe spot, the venue offers a ladies’ night on a Tuesday, where you can redeem free-flowing house beverages for Dhs150 from 10pm to 2am, so it’s possible to do this place on a budget, too. O Open Sun-Fri noon-3am, Sat 12.30pm-3am. Address Sky View Hotel, celavi.com (04 582 6111). Drinks: Sip drinks in the world’s tallest building at At.mosphere You can’t get much more ‘peak Dubai’ than drinks in the tallest building on the planet. At.mosphere is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even afternoon tea, but we recommend heading along for some drinks at the bar and taking in the sights of the city while sipping something creative before you dine. One for a special occasion. O Open daily 7am-midnight. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, atmosphereburjkhalifa.com (04 888 3828). At.mosphereSwim-up bars 44 JULY 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM La BaieSwim-up bars TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM JULY 2025 45 swim and sip W hat’s better than lying by a gorgeous pool with a cold drink? Sitting in the pool with said drink. These swim- up bars are at some of the city’s best pools. Here you can get refreshing bevvies and lip-smacking snacks without having to walk out from the cool water. Swim straight up and order at these swim-up bars, designed to keep you chilled all summer long. Sound good? Dive in. Areia Want a drink with a super backdrop? Take a seat at this swim-up bar on JBR and you’ll enjoy top views out to sea and across to Ain Dubai. Sip on an icy drink, relax and soak up the sun. Sounds like a good day to us. O Dhs200 (Dhs100 redeemable on F&B). Open daily 9am-9pm. DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Jumeirah Beach, JBR, hilton.com (04 453 3333). Bodrum Swim-Up Bar You might not have taken a flight to Turkey this month, but this one – at the far reaches of the Palm – feels like a holiday all the same. Soak up the vibes at this chic pool bar on Palm Jumeirah. Part of Rixos Dubai The Palm, you’ll get a full daycation when you check in for a day pass here. It might seem pricey (at Dhs699 on weekends), but you’ll get all-inclusive drinks during your time here (including the swim-up bar) as well as a buffet breakfast and lunch, plus access to the kids’ club for the little ones. Lounge on the beach, splash in the pool – the day with the gang will whizz by. O Dhs599 (Mon-Fri, all-inclusive), Dhs699 (Sat-Sun, all-inclusive). Open daily 9am-6pm. Rixos Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, rixos.com (04 457 5555). Cloud 22 This is one of the swim-up bars you don’t want to miss –Time Out Dubai’s Best Pool Club is the place to be right now. The staple of Atlantis The Royal, the rooftop pool features a chic swim-up bar as well as 60 sun loungers, 15 floating beds Ready to chill in the pool? Make a beeline for these top swim-up bars46 JULY 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM and 11 private cabanas. For something even more extra, go for the two-storey VIP cabana that offers AC and features two chic lounge rooms, a private bathroom, a stunning private pool and a suspended plunge pool. Swish. As for what’s on the menu, Mediterranean bites are available and signature dishes include smoked salmon and cream cheese caviar flatbread, Gillardeau oysters, wagyu sliders and ricotta cheesecake. Push the boat out. O From Dhs325. Open daily 10am-8pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 462700). Gulf Pavilion Glide through the water up to the bar at this swish JBR hotel, where you can sip on something ice-cold while still in the water. Like most swim-up bars, you could easily spend hours in this one sipping something cool, but once you’re done soaking, feel free to hop up onto a lounger and tuck into a flatbread, healthy salad bowl or a burger. O Dhs295 (Dhs175 redeemable, Mon-Thu), Dhs395 (Dhs225 redeemable, Fri-Sun). Open daily 9am-6pm. The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, JBR, ritzcarlton.com (04 318 6150). Cloud 22Swim-up bars TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM JULY 2025 47 Horizon This bar is one of the most popular longstanding swim-ups around and is all vacay vibes. Hidden under a cute thatch roof, paddle out to the bar and order a creative concoction while you enjoy a day out in the sunshine. You can make the most of the large infinity pool while you’re at it. O Dhs200 (adults, Mon-Fri), Dhs300 (adults, Sat-Sun), Dhs100 (kids, Mon-Fri), Dhs200 (kids, Sat-Sun). Open daily 8am-6pm. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Al Sufouh, destinationminaseyahi.com (04 399 3333). La Baie Looking for an adults-only day out? Head to La Baie for one of the best pool days and swim-up bars around. A cool Mediterranean vibe, signature sips and a stylish swim-up bar already scream ideal pool day, but there’s more. Picture this – dipping into the chilled pool and afterwards, cooling off in your private cabana with the finest grub at your call. You can’t get much better. O Dhs200 (minimum spend, weekdays), Dhs250 (minimum spend, weekends). Open daily noon-sunset. The Ritz Carlton, Dubai, JBR, labaiedubai.com (04 399 4000). Mare by Bussola For a chic, Insta-friendly (and adults-only) day out, book into Mare by Bussola. Slip into the water and float over to your underwater bar stool. Spend the day sipping an iced latte in the sunshine, or lounge on one of the comfy beds overlooking the pool. Peckish? Take a break for a pizza at the cute restaurant. O Dhs300 (minimum spend, weekdays), Dhs500 (minimum spend, weekends). Open daily 9am-7pm. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Spa, Al Sufouh, destinationminaseyahi.com (04 511 7319). Mai Bar Anantara’s position on the Palm’s outer crescent ensures great views over the Arabian Gulf while you take a seat at its swim-up bar. There are also the resort’s three lagoon pools that encircle the premier and deluxe rooms. You can order tropical mixed beverages served in a coconut, or dig in a refreshing carved watermelon bucket, along with other snacks and beverages. O Dhs300 (Dhs150 redeemable). Open daily 10am- sunset. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, anantara. com (04 567 8888). Mare by BussolaSwim-up bars 48 JULY 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Palmito Pool Bar The picturesque pool at JA Beach Hotel is surrounded by palm trees, transporting you straight to a tropical island. Set a little way out of the city you’ll feel like you’re on holiday here as you gaze out to sea and splash around in the water. Palmito Pool Bar serves mixed beverages, house beverages, hops, grape and soft drinks, so sit and chill. O Dhs350 (adults, Dhs100 redeemable), Dhs250 (kids, Dhs50 redeemable). Open daily 9am-6.30pm. JA Beach Hotel, Jebeli Ali, jaresortshotels.com (04 814 5555). Pool Bar, Bab Al Shams Ready to escape the buzz of the city for a little bit? Head along to the relatively recently revamped hotel in the dunes. The dreamy desert resort boasts its own cute swim-up bar that you can chill out at after a day exploring the desert or swimming in the main pool. Boasting everything from hops to mixed drinks, you can soak up the vibes and stay cool at the same time. O Dhs275 (weekdays), Dhs190 (weekends). Open daily 9am-9pm. Al Qudra Road, babalshams.com (04 809 6167). Pool Bar, Habtoor Grand Resort Dubai The Pool Bar at Habtoor Grand Resort is another great swim-up bar to try, if you haven’t already (it’s an oldie but a goodie). Float up to the bar and sip away on your favourite soft and house beverages, or you can even head to the shaded poolside restaurant and order the likes of salads, sandwiches, snacks, pizzas and desserts. O Dhs250 (Dhs150 redeemable, weekdays), Dhs350 (Dhs200 redeemable, weekends). Open daily 7.30am- 8pm. Habtoor Grand Resort Dubai, Dubai Marina, marriott.com (04 399 5000). Pool Bar, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre In the north end of town? The 18-metre oval-shaped pool is located among the hotel’s 38 acres of landscaped gardens. Surrounded by trees and flowers, the bar at the Courtyard Pool offers plenty of shade from the sun and an all-day dining menu. Be sure to try out a salad or some sushi after you’re finished perching at the swim-up bar. O Dhs120 (fully redeemable, weekdays), Dhs150 (fully redeemable, weekends). Open daily 10am- 7pm. Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Garhoud, lemeridien-dubai.com (04 217 0000). Pool Bar, Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa This is a real daycation, especially when you take a seat at the swim-up bar. Head down to this five-star Dubai Marina property for a day of relaxation that’s fully redeemable. With three lengthy swimming pools to take a plunge in, a splash pool, direct beach access, 19 acres of landscaped gardens and views across the sea, it’s a top choice. O Dhs400 (fully redeemable). Open daily 8am-8pm. Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, marriott.com (04 316 5550). Mai BarSwim-up bars TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM JULY 2025 49 SAN Beach S N Beach is among a chic line-up of beach clubs at the aptly named The Club nestled at the far end of Palm West Beach. It’s a grown-up beach club that invites you to relax and unwind by the cool lengthy pool or sip a cold drink in the submerged swim-up bar. Slip on your designer shades, order a platter of sushi and settle into your sun lounger, lulled by those beach club beats. O From Dhs200 (Mon-Thu), from Dhs300 (Fri-Sun). Open daily 9am-sunset. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, sanbeachdubai.com (04 458 0499). Zing Pool & Beach Bar Ready for a day out on the Palm? You can bag sunbed at this Palm West spot and while away a day in the sun. And the best news? There’s a swim-up bar and adults- only area too. Heading with the gang? Kids can’t head to adults area (with the bar) so you’ll have to take it in turns (or book the sitter), but the beach is huge so pack up the beach toys and head out for some fun. O Dhs200 (fully redeemable, weekdays), Dhs250 (fully redeemable, weekends). Open daily 10am-8pm. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, hilton.com (04 230 0073). Zing Pool & Beach Bar “Sip a cold drink in the submerged swim-up bar” Pool Bar, Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah Experience the grand 1,200sqm, 1.4m deep, free-form swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees and lush green lawns at Kempinski Palm Jumeirah. Order bites at Villamoré restaurant and dine in on land, or swim up to the pool bar to grab your snack. You know where to find us. O Dhs250 (Dhs250 redeemable, weekdays), Dhs250 (Dhs150 redeemable, weekends). Open daily 9am- 7pm. Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah Dubai, kempinski.com (04 444 2000). Raffles Dubai Surrounded by lush private gardens on one side and overlooking the stunning Dubai skyline on the other, Raffles’ pool restaurant and bar offer great views while you relax. The 22-metre-long pool has a wave-shaped pool deck that is temperature-controlled, so even when the heat rises, it will always be cool enough to walk on. There are also four loungers submerged within the water and an outdoor heated hot tub. O Dhs100 (Mon-Thu), Dhs200 (Dhs100 redeemable Fri-Sun). Open daily 7am-9pm. Raffles Dubai, Wafi, Oud Metha, raffles.com (04 324 8888). Take a trip Highlights, Abu Dhabi Go for the ultimate daycation at the stunning Rixos Premium resort on Saadiyat Island and you’ll get breakfast, lunch and pool access – including drinks at the cool swim-up bar Highlights. Splash around and sip while you enjoy the sea views. O Dhs695 (all-inclusive). Open daily 9am- 6pm. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, rixos.com (02 492 2222). Aquarius, Al Ain We know there is plenty of lush greenery in the Garden City of Al Ain, but those after some beautiful blue waters won’t be left high and dry either. If you are planning a staycation at Al Ain Rotana, then you can take a load off after touring the scenic sights at Aquarius. Relax in the aquamarine pool while enjoying a wide selection of sips. O Dhs150 (entry). Open daily 7am-9pm. Al Ain Rotana, Al Ain, rotana.com (03 754 5111). Azure Pool & Beach Bar, Ras Al Khaimah Dine on casual Mediterranean fare by the pool at Azure or swim up to the pool bar for a cool mixed beverage. Refresh and unwind in temperature-controlled swimming pools, set against the blue water of the Arabian Gulf. O Dhs200 (Dhs150 redeemable, weekdays), Dhs250 (Dhs150 redeemable, weekends). Open daily 8am-sunset. Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah, hilton.com (07 203 5555).Next >