The Music Room

The stuff of nightlife legends, this Bur Dubai spit and sawdust spot is the premiere place to catch live music in the Emirate. With everything from heavy metal, to soul, hip-hop and ‘happy techno’ on the bill – The Music Room is the no fuss option for a guaranteed good time. They also have their own six-piece house band – EvolveR – to provide the tunes every night. The floor is sticky, drinks are cheap(ish) and the company is unpretentious – what more could you want from a gig venue?

Jazz@Pizza Express

Yes, it’s a British chain of Italian restaurants, but don’t let that put you picky jazz-lovers off Pizza Express. This popular hang-out takes its music offering so seriously, that it even has a weekly schedule of different professional acts performing each and every night. From solo crooners to a swing band and even open-mic (the risky option) this venue offers more than reasonably priced pizza. Although that’s also pretty damn good.

Blue Bar

Not quite as famous as some of the others on this list, this semi-underground lounge in Dubai World Trade Centre is one for the connoisseurs of – you guessed it – the blues. With its significant array of good malts and cigars on offer, Blue Bar is a classy way to see out an evening. As one would expect though, it gets rather smokey, so expect to wash everything you were wearing when you finally make it home.

McGettigan’s

Music and McGettigan’s go together like Keith Richards and hair accessories – i.e. perfectly. These guys are big champions of Celtic talent, and are due to welcome Irish legend Paul Brady in February. They also manage to persuade many of the high profile musical performers in Dubai to pop in for a pint after their gigs – anyone fancy standing next to Ed Sheeran or Paolo Nutini at the bar? Yep, thought so.

Barasti

Reminiscing about your ’90s youth? Fear not, as one of your favourite acts will probably be playing at Barasti, the beachside institution in the near future. From Toploader to Republica (remember them!) the stage at this laid-back open-air bar regularly plays host to the bands of yesteryear who belt out the tunes we all forgot we loved so much. (If you’re an opera lover, here are 7 Reasons You Should See Carmen And The Magic Flute At Dubai Opera Next Month)

The Irish Village

You can’t get much more Irish than Bob Geldof and Boyzone – both of which have graced the stage at this surreal lakeside pub in the sand – giving it the authentic seal of approval. With Guinness on tap, rib-sticking food on offer and plenty of outside space, The Irish Village is the ideal place to gather the troops and enjoy a bit of craic and a sing-a-long.

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