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nightlife
Dubai nightlife
Bars come to life during the cooler months of October to April, when they open up their terraces to take advantage of the city's knockout views and perfect weather; during the summer, the scene tends to move into (over) air-conditioned interiors. Local licensing laws mean you have to cross the threshold of a hotel before you can get a sip of alcohol, and closing time for bars is generally 2 am, with some establishments stretching it to 3 am but no later. Bars are generally busy all week long, but the weekend days here are Friday and Saturday, so the party really kicks off on Thursdays. In clubs, there is usually a minimum charge if you want a table (it varies according to night and venue, but they will tell you on booking), and you have to call ahead. Although officially illegal, prostitution is tolerated to keep the expat labor force happy (men here outnumber women by three to one); bars effectively subsidize the world's oldest profession through regular ladies' night drink discounts. You'll spot very attractive prostitutes in even the most sophisticated of establishments, but it's all part of the nightlife scene here. Some nightclubs stay open during Ramadan, but live performers and outdoor dance music are banned, and everything is generally toned down.
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