Nightlife hotspots: Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead global list

Dubai: Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been ranked among the world's most attractive cities for nighttime visits. A study conducted by UK-based travel agency Travelbag placed Dubai in third place and Abu Dhabi in 12th. The research focused on the increasing demand for nightlife tourism. Every year, a major number of visitors flock to the UAE, with a noticeable surge in recent years of those enjoying the cities' beauty and activities after dark.

Beyond their stunning cityscapes, the UAE cities are also globally recognised for their safety. Both cities received high ratings for nighttime safety. Abu Dhabi was even named the safest city in the world for nighttime travel, with Dubai securing a spot within the top three. Travelbag's study evaluated factors such as nighttime entertainment venues and the quality of the urban environment. Dubai boasts 190 venues that operate late into the night, with a noise and light pollution score of 52.58 out of 100. Abu Dhabi has 62 nighttime entertainment venues and a lower pollution rating of 47.

Because of the UAE’s high daytime temperatures, many tourists choose to explore the cities at night. As a result, several tourist attractions have now planned special nighttime events. Night desert safaris are also highly sought after. The study indicates that approximately 22 per cent of tourists visiting the UAE expressed interest in nighttime activities. To make the most of this trend, beaches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain open at night too. These efforts have contributed to the efforts of the UAE to seek high ranks among leading nightlife tourist destinations.