There are plenty of 24-hour things to do in Dubai, and most of them are not what you would guess. Gyms, spas, an abra crossing, a supermarket run. So here are the 32 I actually use, grouped by what you need at 3am.
This is my living list of 24-hour things to do in Dubai. However, hours drift, so call ahead if you are crossing town. Vegetarian picks are marked (V).
24-hour restaurants in Dubai
Because the hunger does not check the clock. These are the reliable ones.
Brocolli Pizza and Pasta
Saucy, cheesy pasta at midnight. Also a Karama staple. (V options)
Pizzaro
Good pizza, and the Downtown branch runs late. (V options)
Lads Burger
Beef and chicken burgers, plus veg options. So no one gets left out. (V options)
Denny’s
An American diner doing pancakes, waffles and eggs. Although check current hours before a late run. (V options)
Zaroob
A personal favourite. Beiruti hummus, cheese and honey manakeesh, and it never disappoints. (V options)
Bombay to Mumbai Cafe
Paneer tikka at an odd hour. Therefore essential. (V options)
Zaatar W Zeit
Wraps and a solid vegan menu. Also open when little else is. (V options)
Boulvar — Radisson Blu, Dubai Creek
An extensive selection for the picky friend at 2am.
Sloane’s — Grosvenor House
A 24-hour open kitchen with hot and cold food, and views to match.
Milk and Honey
For the gourmet end of the late-night spectrum. (V options)
Maison Mathis
A three-course meal at any hour. So worth it for a late date. (V options)
Last Exit
Twelve food trucks on the drive out. Best in winter. (V options)
Ijaza Cafe — Jumeirah Road
A drive-through juice bar where the server brings the menu to your car. (V)
7-Eleven
The frozen red or blue slushie. No judgement at this point. (V)
24-hour things to do in Dubai beyond eating
The best 24-hour things to do in Dubai that are not eating.
Abra — Sabkha to Old Dubai Souk
Runs all day and night for a dirham. Therefore the cheapest thing on this entire list.
Gym 24
Open around the clock, with a separate ladies area.
The Warehouse Gym
Another 24-hour option. So the no-time excuse is gone.
Softouch Spa
A 24/7 spa, which sounds unlikely until the one night you need it.
24 Fitness Dubai
Open all hours for the genuinely busy and the less genuinely busy.
Ittihad Park
A walk to destress, whatever the hour.
Jumeirah Beach
The waves do not close. Although be sensible about it alone at night.
Sheraton Gym sauna
Sauna and steam late. However, the indoor pool shuts at 10pm.
Picolo Mondo Bay
Shisha with skyline views, running 24 hours.
Late-night shopping
Because sometimes 3am is when you remember you have no milk.
Baqer Mohebi
The Bur Dubai branch works around the clock. Also heaven for cheap thrills. (V)
Zoom
Every branch offers 24-hour delivery. So groceries or binge snacks, either way. (V)
Bars and lounges
Although few run a full 24 hours, these go later than most.
Noor Lounge — Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah
Your best bet at an odd hour, under a canopy of lights.
Mashrabiya Lounge — Fairmont The Palm
At the heart of Palm Jumeirah, and generous with it.
RotiBoti Lounge — Ramee Royal
Open until 5am. An oldie and a goldie.
Baar Bar — Majestic Hotel
The Tuesday AED 10 drinks are the draw. However, the food is genuinely good too.
W Lounge — W Dubai The Palm
Not 24 hours, but drinks until 4am.
Grand Lounge — Grand Plaza Mövenpick
For the late business meeting, if that is your life.
Ind-Chi — Fortune Hotel, Karama
Drinks with finger-licking food alongside. (V options)
Questions people ask
What are the best 24-hour things to do in Dubai?
The abra crossing from Sabkha is the cheapest and the most underrated. Also Zaroob for food, Gym 24 if you cannot sleep, and Picolo Mondo Bay for shisha with a view.
Are there 24-hour restaurants in Dubai?
Yes, plenty. Brocolli Pizza and Pasta, Zaroob, Zaatar W Zeit and Bombay to Mumbai all run late or around the clock, and most have vegetarian options.
Can you shop at 3am in Dubai?
You can. Baqer Mohebi in Bur Dubai runs 24 hours, and Zoom offers 24-hour delivery from every branch.
Do bars in Dubai stay open all night?
Not quite. However, RotiBoti Lounge goes until 5am and W Lounge until 4am, which is as close as it gets.
More ideas? See my 24-hour shisha places in Dubai, board game cafes in Dubai and affordable restaurants in Dubai guides. For current listings, Visit Dubai keeps a live guide.
