Many first time visitors may assume that there is not much to do in the evening in Gulf Cooperation Council countries, however, each of the six possesses vibrant and varied night life, each with its own local flavour.

Though many of the GCC countries have strict rules regarding alcohol consumption and sale, and some have a strict dress code, especially for women, it would be wrong to assume that the only activity one can do in the nights is to visit the numerous malls, walk around the cities or just tucking in for the night. But as visitors see for themselves, each of the six GCC nations has a vibrant and exciting night life, customised, of course, as per the local culture.

Saudi Arabia

By far the biggest GCC country and home to holy cities of Mecca and Medina, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been known to take its religious laws seriously. Therefore, it is no surprise that visitors would not find any bars or clubs serving alcohol or find any venue with loud and deafening music and adorned with flickering lights with people of both genders having a blast of their life. Still, this doesn’t mean that the nightlife in the KSA is any less than in other places.

Shopping

One of the favourite pastimes of the locals in KSA is to go shopping. There is lot to see and explore in the markets and malls of Saudi Arabia. It is also the best way to socialise with the people here. Shopaholics will have a blast to find that all the shopping centres and bazars are open until midnight, with some of them even open round the clock. Visit the Souq Al Zal, set in the neighbourhood of Old Riyadh, that comes alive every evening at 6 and find intriguing antiques and carpets auctioned here. One can also pickup gold and diamond jewellery. Avid buyers are recommended to join the locals there on Fridays for Haraj, the biggest auction of the week.

When in Saudi Arabia, one should definitely look to buy food items with dates, camel milk soap, oud perfumes, camel milk chocolates, rugs and scarves which are unique to the Middle East.

Dining

For the gourmands, the Kingdom has a wide offer to cater to their needs and appetites. Almost all its malls and markets are lined with some of the best dining establishments. There are American fast-food restaurants, along with a variety of regional and international cuisine dining establishments.

The Riyadh Season

The Riyadh Season is a 5-month long arts and culture festival that kicks off every October. It covers everything from live concerts to food and sports, along with no barriers to music either. Genres like Reggaeton and EDM are also played and performed once the sun goes down.

Dress code to keep in mind

Though the codes are eased for visitors, they still need to meet some basic rules to prevent getting any disapproving gazes. Female tourists are exempted from wearing the ‘abayas’ (headscarf), but are expected to avoid any revealing and transparent attires. Women should opt for long and loose outfit that covers their bodies. While men should always wear clothes that cover their shoulders and legs and avoid clothes with graphic and message content that can offend the public sentiment.

UAE: Sharjah

Of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates, Sharjah could be considered more conservative like Saudi Arabia, alcohol is banned in Sharjah. So, for visitors looking for the usual disco lights parties served with bountiful of alcohol servings, Sharjah’s nightlife is not the place. However, those who can look beyond alcohol and discos to have a fun nightlife, there is a lot that Sharjah has to offer.

Al Majaz Waterfront

Take a leisurely walk in the evening at the Al Majaz Waterfront’s path that goes around an entire lake.Watch the colourful dancing fountain there that displays strands of water in different flickering lights, dancing to the tunes of some engaging music, and coming to a halt every 30 minutes.

There is a variety of rastaurents, cafes and coffee shops nearby to choose from. The Al Majaz Waterfront is also well equipped with public facilities, parking areas and even WiFi. So, take your time to spend a wonderful evening here.

Romantic Cruise on Khalid Lagoon

Bring your partner along to spend a beautiful evening in an old-fashioned cruise that provides just the right elements for a romantic cruise as it sails on the Khalid lagoon

Blue Souk

Visit the Blue Souk, to witness the magnificent building in glorious golden lights before entering inside to experience one of the best Emirati shopping cultures. The Souk comprises of 600 shops on two floors, in which one can find almost everything ranging from everyday household decorations to exotic souvenir items. Those with good bargaining skills can get big discounts on the upper floor.

Sharjah Aquarium

Explore the stunning underwater world of the Sharjah Aquarium that houses 20 large tanks, consisting of a large variety of marine animals. With more than 250 aquatic species, one is bound to gape as they watch eels, reef sharks, seahorses and many more swimming right before their eyes.

Sharjah Classic Cars Museum

For the fans of classic cars, the Sharjah Classic Cars Museum is just the right place. With more than 100 vintage cars, it’s the perfect destination for car-lovers to visit in the evening as it remains open till late evening hours.Get to see the iconic 1969 Mercedes Pullman Limousine, and the 1974 MG Midget restored so meticulously that one can see own reflection on its shiny surface.

Ras Al Khaimah

Perhaps what makes Ras Al Khaimah’s nighttime destinations so appealing is that it is never as crowded as Dubai, and even has some of the best nightclubs, and vibrant bars along with other intriguing activities too.

Club Acacia

Located at the striking property of Bin Majid Acacia Hotel and Apartments, Club Acacia is one of the most popular places to party. Apart from the show bands and DJs performance, the club also features belly dancing performances which is sure to keep the evening fun-filled. For those keen on trying something other than just dancing, private karaoke rooms along with some snooker and darts are also available.

Pulso

Unlike other nightclubs, Pulso doesn’t have any DJ but an in-house band that plays live for the audience. It is the perfect place to just relax and have a leisure time. It is the place to take time to chill, listening to the band play and to indulge in the tempting selection of food and wines along with other beverages prepared by the restaurant of the club. Those in the mood can even shake a leg or two to the music.

Dinner cruise on traditional wooden Dhow

Apart from just the nightclubs and bars, Ras Al Khaimah also offers other night activities. One such activity is a dinner cruise on a traditional Arabian wooden ‘Dhow’. The 3-hour evening sailing trip takes place in Ras Al Khaimah’s creek. Enjoy refreshments before sailing, and savour an array of fresh seafood dishes, dates, and other appetising dishes. At an extra charge, the cruises also provide alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. Apart from taking in the city lights and landmarks as the boat sails on the creek, guests can also enjoy the engaging music and exotic performance of the belly dancers on board.

Abu Dhabi

Though Dubai is well known in terms of being the party hub for party animals, the UAE capital Abu Dhabi is not very far behind in providing some of the best party life in the GCC.

Ladies’ Night Out

Ladies can put their best outfits and bring along their girl friends to join the ladies’ night out in some of the best bars and party establishments that Abu Dhabi has to offer. They can get free drinks on the house, discounted admissions and have fun as DJs play loud throbbing music to lift their mood.

The Yacht Club holds some of the most amazing parties on its terrace, while the Pacifico Tiki Bar Ladies Night has some great views over the Yas Island along with a chilled atmosphere and top deals. There is also the Go Geisha Ladies Night at Asia Asia, that offers three course meals and free drinks.

Pool parties

Pool parties are a thing in Abu Dhabi. The Al Maya Island & Resort offers some of the best pool parties in the town. Hidden away from bustling city life, the luxurious sandy island throws the party that starts at midday and ends at midnight every Friday. Visitors can relax on the sun loungers and order refreshing beverages and food. They can also take the dance floor or dive in the large pool.

Liquid Rain is another such event hosted at Aloft Abu Dhabi’s huge pool and poolside area to hold some of the best pool parties thrown in Abu Dhabi. The highlight of the event is the spray of waters from sprinklers fitted above the entire dance floor. It is activated along with the music played by the DJs, so that when guests are shaking to the beats of the music, they get entirely doused by spray of water- similar to rain, which is perhaps why the event has been named so.

Yas Waterworld

For those seeking some adrenaline rush at night, the Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi’s late night theme park is just the place. With over 40 slides, rides and attractions, one is in for a thrilling fun evening. The park caters to every age. Families will have a wonderful time here as kids are offered the opportunity to learn ways of swimming like a mermaid at Mermaid School. In the meanwhile, parents can have a superb time at the first ever water cinema.

Dubai

Home to many renowned DJs, Dubai has been known to be the ultimate party destination, not just in the GCC, but in this part of the world. Millions of visitors from across the globe come to witness its wonderful spectacle of nightlife.

Happy hours

For those on a tight budget, Dubai’s famous happy hours are the best bet for enjoying a pocket friendly party. Almost every pub and bar offers happy hours discount on particular days or sometimes even through weeks. Happy hours normally start from 5pm or 6 pm and go on for three hours. It is extremely popular among large groups such as office crowds or a big group of friends as the deal is ideal for large groups.

Stereo Arcade

Adorned with neon lights, paintings and sketches, Stereo Arcade has become a popular nightclub amongst the young population. Pay a visit to this laid-back club at the DoubleTree JBR, where guests are greeted with great hiphop and old school music booming along with arrays of various beverages being served.

Overnight Desert Safari

After some adrenaline-fuelled sessions of sports and activities, one can opt for an overnight desert safari in Dubai as it may be the best time to relax and soak in the heat of the bonfire as one gazes up to see billions of stars in twinkling in the dark sky. One can get a taste of the life of Sheikhs as one listens to some traditional music and watchestanoura dancing and belly dancing. It is also possible to have the henna paintings offered in the camp.

Horse riding under the full-moon

Perhaps one of the unique activities the vast gamut of nightlife options in Dubai is the concept of horse riding under the moonlight. The Mushrif Park, one of the oldest parks in Dubai offers this exclusive experience only thrice a month. One can have a delightful experience of horse riding, as they take in the cool breeze and the calmness of their surrounding while riding a horse under the beam of the moon.

Qatar

With bars, nightclubs, and restaurants lined up in the capital and other neighbouring areas, each bar and club in Qatar is bound to give a different experience.

Champions Sports Bar

For sports buffs, the Champions Sports Bar, promises to give one of the most memorable evenings to allow watching a live telecast of the top favourite sports. With sport-themed decors, the club features 40 screens through which people can delight in watching live sports along and enjoying sipping delicious drinks and munching in some savoury snacks.

The Den

For those who prefer going out to bars and clubs with less crowds but at the same time look for a similar vibe and atmosphere, The Den is the right place. Studded with wooden panels and styled in an European setting, the club offers great music and high spirited ambience. Known for its all kinds of premium shorts and signature mixed beverages, one is bound to have a gala time here.

Sky View Bar

One can view the magnificent night skyline of Doha when visiting the Sky view bar, in La Cigale hotel in Doha. Located on the 15th level of the La Cigale Hotel, the Sky view bar is a wide open-air, balcony-style terrace with wonderful seating and provides a privacy and intimacy for drinking and dancing.

Featuring a live DJ and band one can take in the serene view, while listening to the performance.

Crystal At W Doha

With international DJs playing some of the most exciting music, Crystal At W Doha is a place that will probably not even let you think of any other nightclubs out there. One of the unique aspect of this night destination is that, it features different themes every night making you more excited in guessing what may be the next.

It is also known to host ladies night, during which men aren’t allowed and is only exclusive to the ladies to have the best of their night without any barriers.