Gay Travel to Dubai: safety tips, bars, clubs & hotels

Dubai is regarded as the Vegas of the Middle East.

Just like Las Vegas, it's a loud, glitzy, super touristic, and very modern city, with plenty of things to do. It's also a major transport hub, making it the perfect stopover to break up long trips.

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We've been to Dubai several times, mainly to visit some of our gay friends living there. Before we went on our first trip, we had serious concerns about our safety because of the harsh anti-gay laws. Despite this, we've always had a great time in Dubai, albeit taking extra care to avoid all public displays of affection.

In this article, we set out our practical tips for gay travelers to Dubai, as well as information about the (underground) gay scene, the best places to stay, and things to do. We are by no means promoting the destination as a gay friendly haven! This is simply an honest account based on our first-hand experiences traveling to Dubai.

Gay dating apps in Dubai

Gay rights in Dubai

Homosexuality is illegal across the entire United Arab Emirates, can lead to capital punishment! However, each Emirate has its own legal system, with Dubai the least severe, whereby homosexuality is punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine. Like in many Arabic countries, homosexuality is a massive taboo and is not accepted by society.

Being openly gay in Dubai is therefore dangerous! Whether you're a local or a foreigner. The reality for gay tourists who wish to visit Dubai is that you are unlikely to encounter any problems as long as you avoid all public displays of affection with your partner.

Previous arrests of gay tourists in Dubai happened as a result of public occurrences. For example, in 2008, a Lebanese/Bulgarian lesbian couple were arrested for kissing on a public beach. They were sentenced to 1 month imprisonment and subsequently deported. Therefore, if you are happy to accept going back into the closet, you will be fine in Dubai.

More recently, in March 2019, Little Mix performed in Dubai under a giant rainbow flag for one of their songs without any problems. In a country where being gay is illegal, this is a big deal! Compare this to the Mashrou' Leila's 2017 concert in Cairo, Egypt (where being gay is also very illegal) when fans waved rainbow flags, the police ended up arresting 70 people!

Must do in Dubai: visit the Miracle Garden

150 million flowers are arranged to form incredible displays including a castle, giant teddy bear and an Emirates A380 aeroplane at the Dubai Miracle Garden. You can easily visit on a tour that will also take you to the Dubai Butterfly Garden.

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Is Dubai safe for gay travellers?

If you do choose to visit a place like Dubai, you have to be aware that homosexuality there is a crime, punishable by imprisonment and/or a fine. Despite this, it has a large gay population living here who mainly work in the big airlines like Emirates. As long as you stay in the closet, you'll be safe in Dubai.

Despite the harsh LGBTQ laws, you will find Dubai is a fascinating place. It has one of the largest malls in the world, the highest building in the world (the Burj Khalifa), many excellent beaches, exciting busy traditional souks and even a 7 star hotel. It's also extremely safe with very low levels of crime. As a major transport hub, it's also a useful stop over for breaking up long trips.

Dubai has a reputation in the Arab world for being a liberal urban haven, largely because there is a large international expat population. For example, out of the total 9.5 million population, almost 8 million are expats mainly from South Asia, North America and Europe.

See Dubai from above in a helicopter!

For the most incredible experience why not splurge on a scenic helicopter ride over the city of Dubai? You can book a surprisingly affordable flight over the Persian Gulf Coast for unforgettable views and memories.

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Where to stay in Dubai?

Due to the harsh anti-gay laws of the UAE, you will not find any outright gay hotels in Dubai as you would in Fort Lauderdale or Key West for example! In Dubai, some hotels may even require two men sharing a room to have an extra mattress added, or they will only allow you to book a room with twin beds.

Yes it's sad that in this day and age there exists places where you can't be yourself and sleep with your partner in the same bed. However, the large international brands are more likely to allow gay couples to share a double bed, in particular the following:

We've listed our 3 favourite gay friendly places to stay in Dubai. If you're looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our article about the top gay friendly hotels to stay in Dubai.

01

The Sofitel Dubai Palm Resort & Spa

The resort is also home to 6 different restaurants as well as 4 bars and lounges. There's a high-tech fitness centre and 6 swimming pools so you'll be able to work off the calories from all the amazing food!

You can also enjoy many relaxing treatments in the So Spa which has 28 treatment rooms, seawater pool, sauna and massage rooms.

02

The Hilton Dubai Jumeirah

We particularly love the Sky Lounge; one of the best rooftop bars in Dubai and perfect for a romantic sunset cocktail. The Hilton Jumeirah is in an ideal location if you are looking to “shop 'til you drop” as it's right in the heart of Dubai's main shopping street; The Walk. You'll also be able to relax in the spa and health club if you're tired and sore from all that shopping!

Don't miss the Dubai Lake fountain show

When visiting the Burj Khalifa make sure you stop to enjoy the Dubai Lake fountain show featuring water, music and lights. For a truly breathtaking experience, you can even see it from the deck of a traditional “abra” water taxi.

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03

Aloft Me'aisam

The Aloft Me'aisam is the ideal place for gay travellers to Dubai who are looking for a more affordable option without sacrificing comfort. Aloft is a young, chic and gay friendly hotel without the huge price-tag many resorts come with. You will, however, still be able to enjoy their on-site spa, international restaurant and the cool W XYZ bar.

Must do in Dubai: the Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, and you can enjoy stunning views over Dubai from the observation deck. Make sure you book ahead to skip the queues and then relax in the lounge at sunset.

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Gay friendly bars in Dubai

Whilst homosexuality is a crime in Dubai, there still exists an active underground gay scene thanks to the large ex-pat population. Remember, this is where over 20,000 flight attendants call home, so you know there's going to be a few raucous gay parties taking place somewhere…our advice is to use Grindr or Scruff to connect with locals/ex-pats to find out exactly where!

In terms of outright gay bars in Dubai, there are none! There are however a handful of places which are liberal-minded, attract an international crowd and can, therefore, be regarded as being “gay friendly”:

Level 43 Sky Lounge

This was our favourite rooftop bar in Dubai. It's a large, trendy, blue-lit rooftop lounge located on the 43rd floor of the Four Points by Sheraton hotel. We love the views from up here – it's 155m (510ft) in the air. In addition, as the entire floor is the bar, you get a spectacular 360-degree view across the big city below. In terms of gay friendliness, it's the sort of place we felt comfortable with the odd PDA as most of the clientele and staff were a mix of mainly foreigners and young couples. This is our choice for a romantic cocktail with your lover, especially at sunset.

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Bar 44

Dress up in your finest, put on your fierce-est face and head on down to Bar 44 to be seen by the chic and fabulous! That's what it felt like coming here. Yes, it's all attitude, showing off, pose-darling! etc, but let's be honest, this is Dubai! Bar 44 is one of our favourites because despite the slight air of attitude, it's a gorgeous, super elegant and classy lounge. It's the sort of place you can bring a date or a group of friends you want to impress. It ticks all the boxes – pretty, excellent cocktails and gorgeous sunset views thanks to its location on the top floor of the Grosvenor House (44th floor).

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Gold on 27

Dubai is all about showing off and lots of bling bling bling! Gold on 27 is another come-here-to-be-seen opulent gem. It's also super unique because of its unique location – in the same building as the Burj Khalifa in the Burj Al Arab Hotel. As the name suggests, it's on the 27th floor – around 200m (656ft) high, and gold leaf decor is very much the theme here! We actually spotted a lot of cute guys when we came, mostly cabin crew on a night out. What started as a few cocktails to round off our visit to the Burj Khalifa turned into quite a decadent night out!

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101 Lounge and Bar

101 Lounge and Bar is more of a restobar. It's a high-end lounge bar famous for some very tasty tapas. It has a unique location close to the One & Only Palm Hotel with magnificent views of the Dubai Marina. Sunset is the best time to come for the most dramatic Instagrammable images. To reach it, you need to take a short boat ride from the Jetty Lounge. The only downside, it's quite expensive for what it is and the food portions are minuscule…definitely avoid coming here on an empty stomach if (like us) you're a big eater!

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Pure Sky Lounge

One of our favourite bars in Dubai for brunch on weekends. It is located on the 35th floor of the Hilton Dubai The Walk Hotel, with incredible views over the Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf. Sunset is, of course, the best time to come but not just for the views – this when they have their daily 6-8pm Happy Hour! The Hilton hotel is famous for being one of the most popular gay places to hang out and also stay, sometimes even hosting their own ad hoc LGBTQ events. Let's just say that our cabin crew friends always came here as their first choice of bars to go out for pre-drinks on a Saturday evening!

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Barbary Deli & Cocktail Club

We love the quirky vibe of Barbary. Their slogan pretty much sums it up – “the room is a decorous blend of clandestine bar naughtiness with an illicit parlour feel” – ooh er! It's actually a pretty classy place to come for drinks and a bite to eat. The food is worth a mention – Seby had the sea bass and I tried their poutine (Canadian chips with cheese curds and gravy). Best poutine I've had outside of Montreal! Later in the evening after 9pm, they usually have a live DJ set, which gives the place a more clubby vibe.

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Experience a romantic desert safari

You can't go to Dubai and not experience a camel ride in the desert, perhaps combined with an incredible Arabian meal and music under the stars. Get to know the traditional Arabian culture on a desert safari.

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Gay friendly clubs in Dubai

Gay parties in Dubai are usually only publicised via social media and word of mouth. Grindr is your best starting point for researching them. The following are the main gay clubs in Dubai to check out, which may either host a gay event during the week or will have a relaxed and liberal atmosphere. Just remember, always avoid public displays of affection to be on the safe side!

A side note, these always change, so we strongly recommend getting a VPN and connecting with locals on Grindr to find out where the latest party is happening. As of February 2020, we've heard that “Rush Desco” in Ras Al Khaima is the latest queer underground hangout in Dubai.

House of Queens

Officially this is marketed as a “ladies night”, but we'll let you appreciate the subtle queer undertone of this place. Cabin crew friends have told us this one of the best places to come for a gay old time, especially on the last Friday of each month. Connect with them on their Instagram to find out more up-to-date info. They have a London theme with nights called “The Shoreditch”. House of Queens is very much like a speakeasy joint, unassuming, inoffensive, tucked away in a corner on Industrial Avenue.

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AHS Events

AHS is a famous club promoter, famous amongst the LGBTQ community of Dubai. Whilst their events are not “officially” gay, it's well known and accepted locally for being one of the best gay clubs nights in Dubai. They usually have a party to coincide with big festivals and holidays like Halloween or Valentine's Day. Every event includes a famous international DJ – previous DJ guests of honour include Jhonny Daniels, Dani Toro, Alex Lo and Enrico Meloni. We recommend checking their Facebook page for details of the next event.

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Barcode Dubai

One of the most famous unofficial gay clubs in Dubai. Every other Friday or Saturday it has a Mykonos or Ibiza themed night which attracts the bulk of Dubai's LGBTQ crowd. The location changes every week, usually at safe space, such as one of the large international hotels. The theme here is chilled and soulful, usually house music. For the latest information, check out their Instagram – but obviously the marketing is heavily heterosexual for obvious reasons! You need to read in between the lines and connect with locals to find out the specifics of the next event.

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Fantasia Dubai

Fantasia is another popular unofficial gay party in Dubai, taking place at different locations, usually on Fridays. As with all underground gay parties in Dubai, the location is always in a safe space, like at one of the International chain hotels. Put it this way, when Britney and Beyonce came to perform in Dubai, it was at Fantasia – so you know the type of crowd that's gonna come here! Check out their Facebook page for more information, but for the most up-to-date advice, we highly recommend using the gay dating apps to connect with locals and ex-pats.

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White Dubai

White Dubai is one of the most famous clubs in the world and certainly one of the best nights out in Dubai. It's super popular with the clubbing kids of the city – trendy, hip – the type of place you want to be seen! It's also unique because it's set on an outdoor rooftop unlike the other clubs, so you're dancing away with a pretty impressive evening view of the big city below. Whilst this is not a gay club, it usually attracts a diverse queer crowd. Check out the events calendar on their website for the latest information.

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Traveling with PrEP and HIV medication to Dubai

Note that prescribed or over-the-counter medicines, you need to declare them. If you don't they may stop you at customs and detain you! The most useful information we've come across about this online is the UK Government's official advice for Dubai travel.

Officially, HIV travelers are banned from entering the United Arab Emirates if relocating for work or applying for a residency visa.

Transit passengers and tourists staying for a short-term period are fine but we can't find an official line on this. When I transited via Abu Dhabi in 2024 carrying PrEP medication in my hand luggage I had zero problems at customs: I was flying with Wizzair which required me to get a visa on arrival to officially enter the country, check in for my transit flight (yeah, thanks a lot Wizzair!) and go back through security.

Based on what other LGBTQ travelers have told us as well as online forums discussing this issue, it appears you may enter with up to 3 month's supply. However, please do NOT take our word for this, read your government's advice and reach out to the UAE Ministry of Health for a more specific answer by emailing [email protected] or calling them at +971 800 11111. In addition, pay heed to the excellent advice on the HIVTravel Travel Tips, such as carrying a prescription letter for your meds and avoiding disclosing your status to anyone unless you need to.

Our favourite restaurants in Dubai

There is no lack of options when it comes to fine dining in Dubai. Unfortunately, you will not find any restaurants in Dubai proudly hanging a rainbow flag. However, the huge expat population means there are many different types of cuisine to be found, from French patisseries to modern fusion, and everything in between.

We have enjoyed trying out some traditional Arabian cuisine during our time in Dubai, as well as experiencing romance in decadent restaurants with stunning views. Here are our five favourite restaurants in Dubai.

Al Hadheerah (traditional with a show)

For the ultimate experience in Arabian dining and entertainment, you have to go to one of Dubai's desert restaurants, of which there are quite a few to choose from. We loved Al Hadheerah, where you will enjoy a traditional feast of Arabic mezzah foods while watching belly dancers and listening to traditional instruments. They also have horse, camel and falconry shows as well as fireworks displays on Thursday and Friday nights.

TOMO (rooftop, modern Japanese)

If you're looking for something more modern, check out TOMO. Serving up authentic Japanese dishes with stunning views over Dubai creek, this is a great spot to go for a delicious dinner or even just sunset cocktails. Try the wagyu sukiyaki and watch it cooked beside your table. Don't forget to try a sweet dessert like their matcha green tea cake! TOMO is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle while still enjoying the twinkling lights from all those skyscrapers.

Pierchic (really fine dining, views, seafood)

Located at the end of the pier at Al Qasr Hotel, Pierchic is a Mediterranean seafood restaurant with captivating views across the Arabian Gulf. This is the epitome of romantic fine dining. The high-end seafood dishes include such delicacies as seared king scallops with foie gras or gin-and-tonic cured salmon! Of course, with this level of decadence, you can expect an equally impressive bill, but you can also feel good knowing that all the seafood is sustainably sourced and delivered fresh daily.

Arabian Tea House (traditional Emirati cuisine, Martha Stewart has been!)

Another one of our favorite places to have authentic Emirati cuisine is the Arabian Tea House, a cafe and restaurant that strives to showcase traditional Arabic hospitality. The building used to be home to a pearl merchant but now gives off a secret garden vibe with cute wicker furniture in the leafy courtyard. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner but don't serve alcohol. Instead, sample some of their many loose-leaf teas or a refreshing smoothie along with the Emirati meal platters.

Seva Experience (vegan food and wellness combined)

Technically a cafe, not a restaurant, we love Seva Experience because it is such an eclectic mix of wellness center/garden oasis/vegan cafe. This urban retreat located on Jumeirah Beach Road offers classes for yoga and meditation, naturopathic wellness treatments, reiki, or even aura and chakra readings. This is truly the place to come to find balance, peace, and healing. While you're there you can also relax in the rustic garden and eat some delicious vegan food! Come here to feel well, inside and out.

Best things to do in Dubai for gay travelers

There are so many amazing things to do in Dubai that you could easily spend weeks having the time of your life. These are our top ten favorite most romantic, exciting, and can't miss experiences for gay travelers in Dubai.

Helicopter Tour in Dubai

Can you think of anything more exciting and romantic than taking a helicopter ride over an amazing city like Dubai? There are so many stunning things to see in Dubai anyway, but seeing it from the sky on your own private helicopter ride is even better! It’s also surprisingly affordable to book your own short ride along the Persian Gulf Coast, taking in views of the Burj Al Arab, the Palm Islands and more. This is definitely an unforgettable experience that will make you feel like a rockstar!

Desert Safari

You can’t visit Dubai without experiencing a desert safari, especially if you go at night! Experience ‘dune-bashing’ in 4WD vehicles and/or camel-riding and even sandboarding depending on which company you use. This is also a great way to become acquainted with Arabian culture through food and dance. We recommend this safari since it includes everything mentioned above as well as pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation, a makeover and photo with a falcon, and possibly even quad-biking!

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is one of the most amazing and famous skyscrapers in the world, and a must-visit when exploring Dubai. It’s the tallest building in the world so of course, the views are incredible. We think it's a good idea to book a tour which skips the lines so you can enjoy your time on the observation deck and learning about the history of the Burj Khalifa.

Dubai Fountain Show

When visiting the Burj Khalifa make sure to stop and experience the breathtaking fountain show that is located in the Dubai Lake. This is the largest choreographed fountain show in the world, with lights and water reaching up to 500 feet into the air. The show is accompanied by a mix of classical, contemporary and Arabian music. There are performances at 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. during the day, and every 30 minutes at night. You can even watch the fountain show from a boat on the lake!

Dubai Mall

Next to the Burj Khalifa and surrounding park (as well as the fountain) is the massive Dubai mall complex. This is the second-largest shopping mall in the world and definitely a must-visit if only to marvel at the shops and attractions. Of course, with over 1,200 shops you could also do some serious retail therapy. The Dubai Mall is also home to cinemas, an indoor theme park, a haunted house, aquarium and lots of cafés and restaurants.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

If you do visit the Dubai Mall you definitely need to explore the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. There are over 300 marine animals on display, including sharks, a massive Australian crocodile and manta rays. As well as being able to walk through tunnels and see shark and ray feedings, you can even go diving with the sharks! Or perhaps you might prefer to simply feed them and have a behind-the-scenes tour with this day-pass.

Dubai Miracle Garden

If you are visiting Dubai between November and May then the amazing floral creations of Dubai Miracle Garden are another not-to-be-missed attraction. You may have seen photos on Instagram of this stunning garden, but nothing can prepare you for seeing (and smelling!) its 150 million flowers arranged in fantastic displays. Highlights include a floral castle, an Emirates A380 aeroplane and lots of figures such as Mickey Mouse and a giant teddy bear; all made from flowers!

Palm Jumeirah

You could easily spend a whole day exploring the Palm Jumeirah; the artificial archipelago built in the shape of a palm tree. This island is home to many hotels and resorts such as the famous Atlantis the Palm, and also houses a boardwalk, mall, clubs and lots of restaurants. Even if you’re not staying there, you can visit Atlantis the Palm to swim with dolphins, eat at Nobu restaurant or just enjoy the huge Aquaventure Waterpark!

Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the most popular attractions in Dubai, and it’s easy to see why. This massive waterpark has some thrilling water-slides and activities for adults. One of the slides even goes through a shark tank, but you can just relax on the beach if you’re not a thrill-seeker! You can also purchase combined tickets to explore the Lost Chambers adventure, which is based on the story of the city of Atlantis.

Day Trip to Abu Dhabi

Since it’s less than two hours away, you should also visit Abu Dhabi for a day while you’re staying in Dubai. This beautiful city is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and home to some stunning sights; such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Emirates Palace and the Etihad Towers.  If you’d like to visit the capital city without worrying about public transport, book this day-trip and learn about the history of the UAE as you explore! Check out our travel guide to Abu Dhabi for more inspiration.

Before you go

We've put together our best travel tips to help you plan your vacation in Dubai. This is everything the gay traveller should know before going to Dubai:

Should you boycott Dubai?

Let's call a spade a spade…it's illegal to be gay in Dubai, so any public displays of affection between gay couples, even accidental ones, are likely to get you into trouble. As a general rule, we don't avoid visiting a destination just because it has anti-gay laws as we believe boycotting such places is counter-productive. We wrote about this at length in our article about gay travel in Iran.

Having said that, thousands of LGBTQ travellers visit Dubai every day, whilst others reside here without any problems at all. Obviously this is not in any way like San Francisco or Madrid, but if you stay in the closet in public and take care with who you hang out with, and where, you'll be absolutely fine. It goes without saying you should be astute and aware at all times, and stay in the closet when in public for your own safety!

Gay map of Dubai

This is our gay map to Dubai to show you where everything we've mentioned in this article is located. Use it to find out where all the best gay friendly hotels, bars and activities are for your own visit to Dubai!

Read more travel adventures like this in our book!

We've published our very own gay travel book called, ‘Out in the World'. It has all our practical safety tips, first-hand advice, and travel stories from some of our favorite destinations.

We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!

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For more inspiration:

• Get the lowdown on what we think are the most gay friendly Arab countries
• Contrast this to the most gay friendly coutries in the world
• As well as the most gay friendly cities in the world
• Another fascinating country with dubious LGBTQ laws is gay Iran
• We also visited Lebanon, so check out our detailed Beirut gay travel guide
• Use our guide to gay Lebanon to research your trip in more detail
• For more LGBTQ love, check out what we think are the best Pride events in the world
• For Pride outfits, get inspired with our bumper guide to the best outfits and accessories for Pride events
• Read what it's like travelling as a gay couple in Asia

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