10 to try: Karaoke

Prepare to fight for the microphone. It’s karaoke time as Time Out selects 10 of the best sing-along spots in Dubai 4 Comments

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Arbat Club: One for the Russians, or the more ambitious English singers among us. This Deira-based Russian warbling spot is one of Dubai's many bars best described as 'an experience'. For the most part, it's a positive one.

The performers are brilliantly confident, regardless of their singing skills, while the audience is enthusiastic enough to gloss over the occasional wrong note. What's more, there's some pretty tasty grub on offer. Most certainly worth a look in.

Rock Bottom Café: Who doesn’t have fond memories of entering the hallowed doors of the legendary Rock Bottoms? Home to many a fantastic night out and Dubai’s hardened commitment-dodgers, seven nights a week.

Under the lively tutelage of DJ Josh Anderson, boys and girls grapple for the mike, in the belief that they may have a gift for song. We salute them and proudly add Bur Dubai’s finest to our karaoke hall of fame.

Harvesters Pub: Harvesters has something that every karaoke bar should - poor lighting. After all, there is nothing more likely to stun a fledgling performer, than the prospect of over-illumination on their maiden voyage.

Luckily Harvesters has darkness to spare. We would even go so far as saying it would be possible for late arrivals to miss their party, entirely. Fortunately this is a plus among the amateur warbling fraternity, to whom darkness means mystery and the prospect of remaining incognito. Always a bonus, should your performance take a nosedive.

Double Decker: The perfect place to warble to your heart’s content, with the help of a loyal crowd, a song book full of karaoke classics, and a balcony as a stage. Thankfully said balcony is secure enough to prevent even the most enthusiastic performer from plummeting into the crowd below.

Singers can thus belt out their best effort, safe in the knowledge that the excitement of being elevated from your beloved audience, much like a stadium rock legend, far outweighs the chance of taking a topple.

It's Mirchi: Karaoke? Curry? And prizes? This Kurryoke special might just be the best Friday night out in Dubai. What’s more, the plentiful Indian cuisine’s not bad either. Remember to time your performance wisely though, nobody likes a windy warbler, then hit the stage in hope of a prize. Bring on the musical shame.

Harry Ghattos: This Japanese hideaway offers the ultimate in karaoke and dining, under one roof. Theme nights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with accompanying drinks promotions, are always popular. There are no fancy stages or introductions here, it’s first come first served with the song book so be prepared to wait for your moment in the spotlight.

On a weekend, determined performers may have to take their place in the queue behind the constant stream of other wannabes determined to share their ‘gift’ with the assembled throng.

Hibiki Music Lounge: If you’re up for a trek through the Deira traffic, this Hyatt Regency staple is a real diamond in the rough. Located on the 1st floor, it takes the award for being the first authentic karaoke lounge, not only in Dubai, but also in the UAE.

Yes, it appears that there was life before public humiliation. Luckily, this sad state of affairs is behind us and, in this particular musical ‘lounge’ at least, karaoke has been turned into something of an art. What’s more, if you’d rather keep your crooning between friends, Hibiki offers three private rooms in which you can perform in front of your hand-picked ‘fans’.

Time Café: How polite, a sports bar and karaoke venue under one roof. What more could any self-respecting Dubai-dweller ask from an evening out? Reasonable prices, a fun crowd, and cheesy Karama location make this café of croon a worthy addition to the list.

Four free drinks for females ensures that performers of the fairer sex are first on stage, while male counterparts quiver on the sidelines. Luckily, as the night progresses, the playing field evens, as previously retiring male punters discover their inner Robbie Williams.

Checkers Bar: Nestled in Bur Dubai, Dubai’s Bermuda Triangle of taste, Checkers at The Majestic Hotel is a must-see on the karaoke map. A cheery, and encouraging crowd, buoys the spirits of even the most suspect singer. There’s no standing on ceremony here, just grab the mike and get on with it. (04 359 8888), Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai.

Ciro’s Pomodoro: Who would have thought it, karaoke at Le Mina Seyahi? But yes, ‘tis true. Every Saturday night, this popular Italian eatery replaces its usual musicians with a large microphone and a spotlight, in the hope of encouraging the gathered clientele to round off their weekend in style.

And, surprisingly, many do. Making Ciro’s Pomodoro, the most unusual, and alluring, of our karaoke 10 to try.