Dubai is a great place for music lovers to enjoy performances by globally renowned musicians, as the emirate has established itself as an entertainment hub to which mega stars keep returning. It is also a great city to discover up-and-coming musicians, both local and international.
We have compiled a list of bars and clubs in Dubai that regularly feature diverse genres of music, from jazz and soul to rock and roll and traditional Irish music, with a consistent rota of artists performing throughout the season.
Q’s Bar & Lounge
Perfect for a date night or even a solo night out, the Q’s Bar & Lounge is a vibe, and this is not surprising given that it is Grammy-winner Quincy Jones’ first-ever bar. The jazz bar regularly hosts big and small names in the music industry – best-known for its old-school lounge feel, complete with Versace fittings.
Location: Palazzo Versace
Fibber Magee’s
This Irish pub features live performances at least four times a week, ranging across traditional Irish music, rock and roll, and solo performances. The venue claims to be Dubai’s oldest Irish pub and is known to be a great place to go to for live music and to watch sporting events.
Location: Saeed Tower 1 - Sheikh Zayed Road
Lucky Voice
The name of this restaurant-bar gives away its USP. Originally launched in Britain, Lucky Voice Dubai is best known as a popular karaoke spot for groups, but also features live music events every week. Their in-house band is a major crowd-puller.
Location: Grand Millennium Hotel – Barsha Heights
Lock, Stock and Barrel
With four locations in the UAE (three in Dubai), Lock, Stock and Barrel is ‘music-first’ in its weekly events and deals. It has received multiple awards as the best live music venue in the city. The party bar also has a brunch offering targeted at music lovers.
Location: Grand Millennium Dubai – Barsha Heights and Business Bay, Rixos Premium Dubai - JBR the Walk, Yas Island – Abu Dhabi
Hard Rock Cafe
This brand is globally renowned for its rock and roll themed decor and memorabilia, served with American cuisine. With locations in 76 countries around the world, the chain has two Dubai locations. There is live music almost every night on the calendar that they update on their official website.
Locations: Dubai Festival City Mall and Dubai Airport (Terminal 3, Concourse B By Gate 25)
The Irish Village
The two branches of this popular haunt has musicians performing live for their guests nearly every day, usually solo singers. Irish Village also streams sporting events live in both of its locations. The Al Garhoud location next to the Dubai Tennis Stadium turns into a fan zone during global tennis tournaments.
Locations: Al Garhoud and Dubai Studio City
Jass Lounge
Inspired by the decor and ambience of jazz lounges of the 1920s, Jass focuses on creating the vibe that comes with the genre. The bar, which features live performances and soul music every week, is a nice spot to go for a friends night out.
Location: DIFC Gate 2
Oak Live Bar
With open mic nights, live music, karaoke nights and comedy performances, Oak Live Bar is a great option if you like your nights out to have lively entertainment as part of the package. If you have friends visiting the city, heading here can make for a fun night out.
Location: Courtyard by Marriot Al Barsha
McGettigan’s Dubai
Yet another Irish outlet, all the McGettigan’s branches in the city host live music events regularly. These restaurant-bars are also popular during major sporting events since they stream these live onto large screens, combined with themed food and beverage deals.
Locations: Dubai Science Park, DWTC Dubai, Hilton JBR, JLT Dubai, Hilton The Palm, Souk Madinat Jumeirah
