Desert Nights
Dubai doesn’t take its “Vegas of the Middle East” moniker lightly. Boozy brunches are standard, internationally renowned DJs spin for the jet set, pop stars drop the mic in megaclubs and posh debauchery is always on the menu, (Tip: If you’re hopping hot spots, download Careem, Dubai’s chauffeur-on-demand app.)
Go All Out. Jay Z, Will Smith and Wyclef have all been spotted at the aptly named VIP Room, soaking up the exclusive scene inside the JW Marriott Marquis, which happens to be the world’s tallest hotel. (The club hits sister venues in St. Tropez and Paris.) NYC import Provocateur also draws the heat in its 7,000-square-foot arena at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, with an Alice in Wonderland-in-space vibe that combines European dollhouse frescoes, futuristic lighting and supersonic vertical speakers that electrify the ceiling.
Up on the Roof. A few flights above Provocateur is the rooftop bar Mercury Lounge, where stunning views of the Arabian Gulf compete with the human scenery. Inventive cocktails arrive draped with actual Barbie dolls. And just in case you weren’t distracted, man-made snow falls from the sky on occasion. Or, for sultry Ibizan ambience, sink into the aqua and white cushions under the stars of Cielo Sky Lounge, an outdoor canteen atop the Dubai Creek Yacht Club, bathed in purple light.
Surfside Libations. The Emirate’s thriving beach scene promises diversions from dawn to dusk (and then dawn again). Both Zero Gravity and Eden Beach Club offer raucous pool parties, sundowner cocktails, festival-caliber live music and eyebrowraising dance performances.