Dubai gay clubs and bars

How can a feeling of belonging be forged in a setting where one’s existence is forbidden? That is the question that LSE’s Dr Centner and his co-author Harvard’s Manoel Pereira Neto explore in their groundbreaking research into Dubai’s expatriate homosexual men’s nightlife.

But it was not an easy topic to research. Dr Centner explains: “It's an illegal, or criminalised, identity and arrange of behaviours and practices, so in a very general sense, it's a taboo. And taboo subjects are very often under-researched, sometimes because people acquire a hard day gaining access, gaining that trust, but also because, even if people obtain that access, there could be significant repercussions for themselves as researchers, or for the people who are the research participants.

“As two queer researchers, we were able to enter the worlds of relatively privileged Western gay expatriates. Secrecy is often the norm, but the field was familiar to us, through previous visits and research projects.”

These were indeed ‘parties’ [but] not bars identified as queer. Not a

Gay Dubai
The public beach in Jumeirah, or JBR Beach, home to several Western chain hotels (see below) - ©

As you'd hope for , the United Arab Emirates is not a particularly gay-friendly destination. It has sodomy laws punishable with imprisonment, but with such a diverse population everyone knows there's plenty of gay locals and visitors. It's also slightly more liberal than other Arab states, with no internet control, although many Western sites are blocked and foreigners have been jailed and deported for simply attending private "gay parties." It's strongly advised that you respect local customs and laws, and elude public displays of fondness .
The city has a growing and exciting nightlife, mostly frequented by Western expatriates and wealthy Saudis. Obviously there are no gay bars and clubs in town, but everyone mixes at the highest spots, usually connected to hotels. Gay crowds also sit at the cafés of the Dubai Mall, using bluetooth connection on their cell phones to "connect" with others.

Gay-Friendlier Beach
The best beach for people-watching and gathering people is

Dubai Gay-Friendly Bars
Dubai has no male lover bars, as you may contain assumed. It does, however, hold an underground gay scene centred around private parties. That creature said, there are a number of gay-friendly bars. Just be mindful that public displays of affection are ill-advised in Dubai, for both gay and linear couples.
Dubai Gay-Friendly Bars
Level 43,Four Points by Sheraton - Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Although not a gay exclude - there aren't any, it's Dubai - Level 43 Sky Lounge is a very Westernized drinking experience. Located in Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, you'll be greeted with panoramic views of Dubai. The cocktail list is excellent. Most of the drinkers and staff are international.
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Last updated on: Jan
Grosvenor House Dubai, Al Emreef Street, Dubai, Joined Arab Emirates
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Located on the 44th floor of the

Hi!

The gay-scene in Dubai is really setting off now and tolerance is very high. (maybe not necessarily by the authorities, but by the general universal, bars & nightclubs - no problem)

You will notice many (especially Asian men) holding hands in Dubai. They have left their families in their abode countries, work here and send money to them after many years of only seeing their wives once a year, I assume they turn to each other for comfort & companionship. So it's nothing new here.

The modern thing is, however, to see the Western lgbtq+ community in full swing at parties all over town. It's not a problem, as long as you respect the identical rules that go for all other couples: this is a Muslim territory and public shows or affection (kissing, groping, etc.) are not appreciated they can even get you thrown out-of bars (me - guilty as charged >cheeky grin) or in trouble with the police if it get's too "raunchy".

Some nightclubs that acquire (an involuntary) yet happening gay-scene are
Jules Prevent - Airport Meridien Hotel (gay Philipino band & singers)
Peppermint Club - Fridays @ Fairmont Hotel (st