From dancing bears to crowd karaoke, you’ve not properly partied in Dubai until you’ve been to one of these unique clubs…

Dubai’s nightlife scene is bigger and better than ever before. Al fresco super clubs? Check. Las Vegas legends? Check. But if you’re looking for something a little different, we’ve rounded up some of Dubai’s more unique party spots, complete with crowd karaoke, contortionists and break dancing waiters…

Cirque Le Soir

Contortionists, fire breathers and even sword swallowers have been known to grace this tamer sibling of the risqué London nightspot. It’s a real freaks ‘n’ beats formula – and although it might not be to everyone’s taste – it works. Coupled with bi-weekly ladies’ night deals, it’s definitely one to try if you’re after a more unusual clubbing experience.

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 11pm to 3am. Tel: (050) 9955400. cirquelesoir.com

House Party Bar

The aptly named House Party Bar is guaranteed to take you back to your college frat days complete with cheesy tunes and red plastic cups, while the space is cleverly split into a series of ‘rooms’. Giant Jenga? You’ll find it in the garden. Beer pong? That’s in the games room. Table tennis? It takes place in the kitchen. Ball pit? Yes, there’s even a ball pit in the play room.

The House Party Bar, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Mon and Thurs 6pm to 3am, Sun, Tues, Weds and Sat 6pm to 2am, Fri 4pm to 3am. Tel: (050) 995 5400. Facebook.com/HousePartyBar

Lucky Voice

If you want to sing your heart out one evening, karaoke spots don’t come much better than Lucky Voice. At their bi-weekly Wednesday and Friday brunches, you can expect to take part in crowd karaoke, and even get up on stage for a lip-sync battle. If you’re more of a shower-singer, opt for a private pod, where you can tackle 10,000 songs in a sound-proof booth.

Lucky Voice, Grand Millennium Hotel, Barsha Heights, Dubai, Sat to Weds 4pm to 3am, Fri 12pm to 3am. Tel: (04): 4478010. luckyvoice.ae

Maison Rouge

One of Dubai’s lesser known nightclubs is Maison Rouge. Filling a cabaret and dining experience shaped hole left behind by The Act, this intimate restaurant and lounge has more than a little burlesque feel about it. The shows range from ballet to sax players, and are on twice daily at 8pm and 10.30pm.

Maison Rouge Dubai, The Conrad, Sheikh Zayed Road, daily 8pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 352 8169. Facebook.com/MaisonRougeDubai

Mr Miyagi’s

It might not be the classiest of nights out, but who could say no to katsu and karaoke, both served up in spades at this lively Media City hotspot. Mr Miyagi’s boasts one of the most fun (and popular) party brunches in Dubai, complete with crowd karaoke, cocktails created from washing machines and team games that are guaranteed to bring out your competitive side. Couple that with the ultimate playlist of sing-along hits and a value daily happy hour, and you shouldn’t expect to leave without doing at least one Macarena lap of the bar.

Mr Miyagi’s, Level 9, Media One Hotel, daily 12pm to 2am. Tel:(04) 420 7489. mrmiyagisdubai.com

The Hatch

Who wouldn’t want to party 7 floors underwater on a historical ship? That’s exactly what’s on offer at The Hatch, an underground nightclub found on legendary liner QE2 Dubai. Serving as a pop-up after party for Blue Marlin’s famous day-to-night Friday house events, it’s a no-frills affair that’s all about the music. It’s got limited space, so pre-booking your ticket is a must if you want to guarantee you get on board. Techno heads, this one’s a must-try.

The Hatch, QE2, Port Rashid, Dubai, various Fridays. Tel: 050 375 9715. Thehatchdubai.com

Toy Room

Partying with a life size bear might not be your typical night out, but it sure is a fun one. For this, head to Toy Room, where head honcho Frank the Bear can be found causing mischief several days a week. Weekly nights are dictated by a largely R&B playlist spun by the resident DJs, while Frank can be found leading the way with champagne shows, dancing on tables and taking selfies with revelers.

Toy Room, Soho Garden, Meydan, Mon, Thurs, Fri 11pm to 4am, Weds 12.30am to 4am. Tel: (052) 463 3338. Toyroomdxb.com

Miss Tess

At this kitsch Asian restaurant in the Taj Hotel in Business Bay, you can expect to have your dishes served up by karate-kicking waiters, break dancing samurai warriors or even Mario and Luigi. Go here on a Wednesday, and you’ll be served up a lively evening brunch where literally anything could happen. While it’s more of a restaurant than a bar, it’s bar side, called the Lucky Cat, serves up some great Asian inspired cocktails – as well as a daily ladies’ night.

Miss Tess, Taj Dubai, Business Bay, daily 6pm to late. Tel: (04) 438 3121. misstessdubai.com

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