When it opened, Alpha’s combination of small size, high ceiling and faux-Greek decor – all holdovers from its first life as a restaurant – made it a rather unlikely contender for the top dog of Dubai’s nightlife

American bar with a famously lively crowd

Swanky bar/club with atmosphere of exclusivity and chic

Tex-Mex food and drink spot in Garhoud

In keeping with its place in the Wafi Pyramids building

English theme pub in the Murooj Rotana complex

A huge and relatively new nightclub, Elegante is a venue that caters to the masses

Quintessentially dark-wooded English pub

Stylish sports bar. Yes, it is possible

Stylish bar/club in Oud Metha

Busy sports bar in Al Barsha's Golden Tulip hotel

Popular venue with a long bar (obviously) and an American vibe

A swanky Thai fusion restaurant/bar/club on Sheikh Zayed Road

Funky bar with graffiti walls and regular salsa nights

Fun nightclub with regular promotions and theme nights

Restaurant bar that becomes a lively club after dark

Popular dance nightspot, with a live Latino band and professional dancers

Popular bar/restaurant/nightclub with a Dixieland theme

Compact nightclub in the Dhow Palace Hotel

Located at the heart of Dubai Media City

Dubai's largest sports bar shows all sports and has karaoke night