Dubai is as multicultural as cities can get and much of the emirate's nightlife venues mostly target its expat population.
However, if it's Arabic entertainment you're after, we've compiled a list of restaurants and hotspots that'll cater to your cravings.
1. Al Hadheerah
Al Hadheerah is an exclusive Arabian style outdoor restaurant in the desert of Dubai that offers a “1001 Arabian Nights experience".
Located in Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, it features a traditional bellydancer, Tanura performances, a live band, Dabkeh, and heritage camel and horse shows.
2. Em Sherif
Em Sherif is another restaurant offering a traditional experience that is similar to visiting your Lebanese aunt’s house.
Located in the heart of the city at the Address Downtown Dubai, the venue also features live entertainment, inviting musicians and singers to perform every night.
3. Sultan Basha
Located in Nassima Royal Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Sultan Basha restaurant is adorned with Arabic décor that will immediately set your mood for the Arabic experience ahead.
Here you can enjoy your Lebanese dinner while watching live entertainment that features an Arabic music band, famous singers, and a bellydancer daily.
4. Al Koufa
Established in 1993 in Bur Dubai’s Oud Metha Road, Al Koufa restaurant has been around for longer than most of us here in Dubai. The restaurant features Arabic and Emirati cuisine as well as an Arabic live band throughout the week.
“Traditional Arab music is second to none at Al Koufa, encouraging diners to get on their feet and dance the night away in a jovial mood,” the restaurant's website says.
5. Al Khaima
Al Khaima, which is Arabic for tent, is a traditional Arabic restaurant at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort.
Located right on the beachside, the setting is all about Arabic cuisine and shisha. It also offers a mix of Arabic entertainment including live music bands, belly dancing shows, and Tanoura performances.
6. Awtar restaurant
Awtar is an all-Arabic cafe at the Grand Hyatt with dramatic interiors that include a traditional tent-style ceiling.
The venue features shisha as well as Arabic music, live entertainment, and a bellydancer. The word awtar refers to the strings of an instrument.
7. Castello Restaurant & Cafe
With two branches at Mazaya Center and Jumeirah 1, Castello boasts a distinct décor and a dramatic ambiance that reflects Arabic heritage.
In addition to Lebanese dishes, the restaurant also offers alcohol-free, halal international cuisine. This is all complemented by the entertaining live Arabic music performances that they feature twice a week.
8. Ayamna Restaurant
Aymna is an Arabic word that roughly translates to “the good old days”.
This place is all about nostalgia, classical Arabic tunes, belly dancing and Dabkeh.
Ayamna restaurant at Atlantis, The Palm, will make you relive those good old experiences from the past.