Dubai by night

We stayed up all night to find out what happens in Dubai Discuss this article

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Dubai by night

So many things to do, so little sleep to be had…

Drive to Al Ain, but avoid the city centre and follow the signs to Jebel Hafeet. Numerous stops along the drive up the mountain mean spectacular sunset views at every turn.

Get picked up by a 4x4 at 3.15pm for an overnight desert safari. After an exhilarating dune-bashing session, you’ll settle down at a desert camp for an Arabic dinner, then stay the night before returning home the next day at 10am.
050 276 8111/04 357 2200; www.desertsafaridubai.com.

PADI night-diving courses are available at all scuba diving centres, including Al Boom in Fujairah, where groups meet at 5.30pm before going out to sea. The course costs Dhs1,400 and once you’ve passed your course, Dhs400 gets you three night dives.
04 342 2993; www.alboomdiving.com.

Set off into the mangrove swamps of Umm al Quwain to hunt down some crabs, armed with a spear and a torch. They’re later cooked up and served as a late dinner. Pick-up from anywhere in Dubai. 6pm-11pm. Dh170 per adult and Dh100 per child.
Flamingo Beach Resort, 06 765 0000; www.flamingoresort.ae.

Seven Seas: Marine offers the chance to charter your own yacht by night that seats up to 14 people, at Dhs1,800 per hour. Boats must leave Fisherman’s Village near Jumeirah Beach Hotel before 8pm. Dhs1,800 per hour for a private yacht.
050 770 4727; www.sevenseasdubai.com.

Catch a movie premiere every Wednesday at midnight. Most cineplexes take bookings for more popular movies and you may even score some freebies on your way in.
Cinestar Cinemas, 04 294 9000/02 341 4222; www.cinestarcinemas.com. Grand Cinemas, 04 232 8328/04 366 989; www.grandcinemas.com.

Try a spot of night-time angling with Deep Blue Sea Fishing. The company not only guarantees a catch, but won’t charge a penny if you return empty handed from your trip. Dhs2,500 for four hours and Dhs3,000 for seven hours.
050 450 1340.

For early-morning birdwatching, drive down to Dubai Pivot Fields at dawn, located in a blink-and-you-miss-it turn-off after Dragon Mart. Take the exit after the petrol station, drive for 100m and take a left turn at the sign. Drive along the fence with trees on your left side, and turn off the tarmac road when the trees end. There’s a gate here, but even if it’s shut, birdwatchers are allowed in if they close it after them. You’ll spot white-tailed plovers, red-tailed wheatear and heron.
E44 to Hatta/Oman, turn left at the Dubai Municipality sign. www.uaebirding.com.

Turn off right after Arz Lebanon on Beach Road. Follow the road and then drive onto the beach. It’ll be pitch black, but a great spot to watch the sunrise.

Join Balloon Adventures Emirates for an hour-long balloon ride to see the dawn breaking over the desert. Dhs950 per person.
04 285 4949; www.ballooning.ae.

Late-night restaurants Counter Culture This deli-style restaurant has a host of salads, sandwiches and mains to choose from. Dishes change during the day, offering variety at very reasonable prices.
Marriott Harbour Hotel (04 319 4000). Open 24 hours.

Zaatar W Zeit: Stop in for a late-night fix of specialty saj or try the shawarmas, rolls, chocolate-coated breads and ‘freshly zweezed’ fruit juices.
Sheikh Zayed Road (600 522231; www.zaatarwzeit.net). Open 24 hours.

Al Reef Bakery: The mother of all Lebanese bakeries has the best comfort food in Dubai. Shawarmas take a backseat to the mouthwatering kebabs, manakish and Arabic sweets.
Karama (04 346 1980). Open 24 hours.

Café Au Lait at Ramee Royal: Not shabby for a lobby café, there are a few options to choose from the à la carte menu, or stuff yourself with the breakfast buffet.
Ramee Royal Hotel, near Maktoum Bridge (04 334 4088). Open 24 hours.

Kan Zaman: The prime location just by the Creek makes Kan Zaman the ideal late-night shisha joint. The food is outstanding, with a few Emirati dishes thrown in.
Next to Heritage Village (04 393 9913). Open 11am-4.30am.

Jumeirah Beach snack bar Interestingly, this tuck shop on Jumeirah Open Beach actually never closes. Or that’s what they told us when we last asked.
Located on the Open Beach, at the base of the first jetty, near the police tower. Open 24 hours.