Sponsored content: The Dubai expat classic is all about value-for-money, and it’s just had a complete refurb’… 

The Jebel Ali Recreation Club has been open since the late ’70s, and so it’s a bit of a Dubai classic: it’s a few minutes from Dubai Marina and is a definite local for anyone living in the Gardens area or Jebel Ali.

It’s just been completely refurbished and it officially reopens on Tuesday November 28 with a tropical party at 7pm, which is open to anyone (but we’d book a table at one of the restaurants to be safe).

Expect Carnival-like performances and lots of dancing. The performances will run every 15 minutes for 3 hours from 7pm to 10pm. And the great news is that if you can’t make it on November 28, they will be hosting the same fiesta on Thursday December 7, Thursday December 14 and Thursday December 21. 

The revamped leisure club has four dining spots: there’s soon going to be a cinema by Reel Cinemas (amazing – we’ll bring you more info on that soon), the friendly Seafood Kitchen, the Italian C House Milano, the classic Jebel Ali Club and tapas joint Andalucia.

Jebel Ali Club’s USP has always been about value-for-money (and a friendly, laid back vibe), so here are some of the best offers you’ll find there…

The Ship’s Wheel

This is one of Dubai’s oldest pubs, and it has a real Working Men’s Club feel still, even though it’s moved location. It always has sports on the screen, and is also home to pool and darts tournaments. Happy hour is daily from 4pm to 7pm, with wine from Dhs23 and beer from Dhs25.

On Tuesday nights you can get a bottle of beer and a choice of three curries for Dhs90; on Wednesdays you can get a falafel, Southern chicken or angus beef burger plus a bottle of beer for Dhs80 and on Saturdays and Sundays it’s all about a full-on, slap-up traditional roast for Dhs95.

The pub is open until 2am, and so is a perfect port for those who work late.

The Clubhouse

This light and airy restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is particularly renowned for its all-day English breakfast. We particularly love the Sweet potato & chorizo hash (Dhs52): it’s one of our secret Friday breakfast spots.

There’s also a Friday brunch from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, with packages starting at just Dhs149. 

The Clubhouse’s bi-folding doors open out onto a wide terrace with an outdoor BBQ. There’s a quiz night on Mondays every week, and plenty of specials and events throughout the year. Follow them on Facebook for updates.

Seafood Kitchen

This licensed restaurant is inspired by the fish markets of Asia – think the flavours of Bangkok and Shanghai. It’s a great place to get proper Singaporean black pepper crab (Dhs130).

There are also plenty of chicken, tofu and noodle dishes on offer for those that aren’t fans of fish.

And there’s also C House Milano – the global restaurant concept was founded by Cristiano Iezzi, and is all about fun cocktails and upmarket yet comforting Italian and Mediterranean food. There’s pizza, risotto, pasta, the works…

And Andalucia, a brand new Spanish restaurant with a gorgeous terrace…

And then there’s the club itself…

The Jebel Ali Recreation Club has a fully-equipped gym, two tennis courts, two squash courts and a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. 

If you’re not a member you can rent out the tennis courts at a very-reasonable hourly rate of Dhs60 (members’ friends pay just Dhs20).

A single membership for the club costs Dhs5,000 a year, a couple membership is Dhs6,000 and a family of two adults and two children under 18 is Dhs7,000 (those that live in Nakheel communities get a Dhs500 discount off of each membership).

Non-members can visit the club for just Dhs100 a day on weekdays and Dhs150 a day on weekends and public holidays (and it’s Dhs50 and Dhs100 respectively for members’ friends).

Follow the Jebel Ali Club on Facebook and Instagram for further updates on their weekly deals, or call them on (04) 459 5100.