Packed with all nationalities, Dubai's nightclubs are very popular from about 23:oo until well into the small hours. Even on weeknights, there's a good scene, and at the weekend, many places are full to overflowing. There are a reasonable number of dedicated nightclubs, as well as numerous other venues with schizophrenic personalities that are bars or restaurants earlier in the evening, and then later turn into the perfect place to cut loose and shake your groove thang. For authentic club nights, look out for the increasingly common visits by international D1s and the special nights held all over Dubai by various event organisers (these are mostly held in winter).

Additionally, since you're in the Middle East, don't forget the option of Arabic nightclubs. Here you can sample a variety of Arabic food and enjoy a night of traditional Arabic entertainment, usually with a belly dancer, a live band and singer. These venues only start getting busy very late in the evening, and can still be empty when most other nightspots are packed, reflecting the Arabic way of starting late and finishing, well... later. For information on door policy and dress code, refer to the introduction to Bars.