Feel like trying somewhere new tonight?

We’ve said goodbye to a few Dubai institutions this year, but one of the biggest shocks was when we found out that Harry Ghatto’s was shutting up shop. But as the saying (sort of) goes, when one karaoke bar closes, somewhere another one opens – and the hip new spot to show off your vocal skills is Blind Dragon.

Blind Dragon decks

The Asian-themed bar is a trendy Hollywood import, the first of its kind outside of the States. A-listers like Cara Delevigne, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner have all been spotted at the LA bar, and it’s easy to see why – the private karaoke suites are a perfect place to party without worrying about paparazzi.

Style-wise, Dubai’s Blind Dragon has a similar look, with traditional lanterns, intricate wooden doorways and intense red lighting. It feels a bit like you’re stepping into an art house gangster flick (in a good way), not least due to the bartenders in silky bomber jackets, like Ryan Gosling in Drive. The patrons are just as stylish as the décor, especially given that they don’t start filling up the place until fashionably late (around midnight).

Blind Dragon interior

The karaoke suites are less extravagant but still glam: plush furnishings, huge TVs, adjustable lighting and a tablet menu for choosing your songs. It’s the biggest track selection we’ve seen – everything from crowd-pleasers such as Abba to ’90s one-hit wonders like Meredith Brooks. There’s also a function to create and queue up your own playlist, so you can stop scrolling through the list and really get into the zone.

Blind Dragon private room

The staff are incredibly attentive, so don’t be put off your stride by the waiters popping in and out to top up your drinks, especially when you’re midway through the tricky rapping bit of No Diggity. It’s all part of the service.

With a minimum spend of Dhs2,500 for a room, this karaoke wonderland doesn’t come cheap, but if you’re celebrating a special occasion, it’s one of the coolest spots to do so.

The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, Business Bay, Dubai, Tue to Sat 5pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4370033. Taxi: Al Habtoor City. facebook.com/blinddragondubai