Whatever show, screening or experience you’re headed to, enjoy a drink beforehand at one of these hotspots…

The Loft at Opera

With its pastel-hued interiors, gold accents and outdoor terrace that gazes up at the Burj Khalifa, The Loft at Opera is a beautiful brasserie perfect for a pre-opera experience. Not to mention its handy location -it’s inside the roof of the opera house. If you’ve not managed to book a table, or just fancy going for drinks, pull up a stool at the bar and enjoy one of their signature cocktails, or head to the terrace and enjoy happy hour drinks for Dhs35 daily from 4pm to 7pm.

The Loft at Opera, Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, daily 4pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 362 7312. loftatopera.com

Kizmet

Quirky restaurant Kizmet promises ‘food for the soul’, but it’s also conveniently located for a pre – or post – Dubai Opera drink, as it’s only round the corner. If you fancy something to graze on while you drink, enjoy tacos for Dhs10 on Tuesdays, or oysters for Dhs5 on Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm.

Kizmet, Dubai Opera Unit 5, Downtown Dubai, 3pm to 1am Sun to Thurs, 10am to 1am Fri and Sat. Tel: (04) 33 88 717. kizmetrestaurant.com

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La Serre

On the corner of Vida Downtown is La Serre. It’s split between a more casual bistro and boulangerie on the ground floor, and an upscale French restaurant and chic cocktail bar upstairs. A live DJ dictates the tempo most evenings, and there’s an extensive wine list for wine connoisseurs to make their way through.

La Serre, Vida Downtown, Downtown Dubai, 12pm to 12am Sat to Weds, 12pm to 1am Thurs and Fri (bar timings). Tel: (04) 428 6969. laserre.com

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