The city of Dubai, known for its opulent skyscrapers and luxury lifestyle, boasts a nightlife where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. At the heart of this unique lifestyle is the cosmopolitan city's penchant for Shisha lounges. The night skies over Dubai echo with laughter, chit-chat, and the bubbling of aromatic Shisha—a time-old tradition that sets the tone for relaxed socializing. Armed with my fair share of experiences in these lounges, today, I bring you a detailed insight into some of the best Shisha lounges across Dubai.
First on the list is the Arabian Tea House, doused in a nostalgic aura that takes you back centuries. Nestled amongst the traditional Arabic houses turned museums in Al Fahidi District, this place serves a potpourri of over a hundred flavors of Shisha. I reckon sitting in the verdant courtyard, surrounded by white woven wicker furniture, puffing sweet and aromatic Shisha and sipping on authentic Gulf tea, you realize how gracefully Dubai preserves its traditions. I often come here when I long for those evenings of soothing solitude amid the bustling city life.
Worn out from the humdrum of city life and desiring a little beach vibe? Head straight to Barasti Beach Bar. This happens to be one of my favorite go-to places, which transcends from an idyllic beach setting by day into a dizzyingly vibrant Shisha lounge by night. Apart from the spectrum of Shisha flavors, what's awe-inspiring about this place is its jaw-dropping urban beach setting with the Arabian Gulf as the backdrop. It's just the experience one craves.
The next wonderful place I need to share is Q's Bar and Lounge, hosted within the renowned Palazzo Versace hotel. The avant-garde aesthetic, combined with an intimate, inventive, and enticing ambience, sets it apart. This is where I regularly meet with my buddies, sharing a puff along with unwinding music, curated by music legend Quincy Jones himself. Remember, this is a heady mix of posh vibes, exquisite Shisha, great cuisine, engaging music, blended with the Versace touch.
Imagine a scene set amidst sprawling verdant lawns, the glittering skyline in the backdrop, sophisticated gazebos, and an utterly relaxed aura. That's the Skyland Lounge at the Stella Di Mare Dubai Marina Hotel. Their Shisha menu, just like their panoramic view, is diverse and indeed a feast for the eyes (and of course, my senses!). I recall one memorable evening when I learned to blow smoke O-rings right here, and trust me, it's peaceful energy has remained my constant go-to recharge point ever since.
Sprawled over the roof top of Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, the Mercury Lounge is a charismatic corner offering stunning 360-degree views of Dubai's skyline. What I admire about this place is how it flamboyantly reflects the multifaceted essence of Dubai! The neatly aligned classic, Arabian-styled canopies under the starlit sky make the Shisha experience not just about getting your ‘smoke ring game’ on-point but also experiencing the intriguing Dubai's nightfall.
The Symphony Lounge at Pearl Marina Hotel is another fantastic setting where puffing on Shisha isn't merely an act but a symphony—an orchestration of tradition and modern vibes. What's intriguing is their knack for serving some unique Shisha concoctions that you won't find elsewhere—I guess that's part of the ‘symphony’. Trust me, the feeling of relaxation that envelops you as you watch the yachts swaying on the waves while puffing your Shisha pipe is rather unparalleled.
For days when you crave some retro funk along with aromatic plumes of Shisha smoke, Tribeca Kitchen and Bar is the place to be. This New York-inspired bar offers a wide selection of organic wines, cocktails and, of course, a very promising Shisha menu. One sunny afternoon here, I was able to successfully switch from tobacco-heavy options to the wonderful world of fruit-based servings, thanks to their delightful range!
Let me extend this piece of advice— be it for the aesthetics, selecting flavors and brands, or getting the perfect thickness of smoke, take time to explore and find what works best for you. After all, puffing on Shisha is not just about fascination for the plumes—it is indeed an experience, and your choice of the venue plays a critical part. Embrace Dubai's Shisha stops: journey through tradition, experience the present, and predict the future—One puff at a time!