Dubai's Best Karaoke Bars for a Night of Singing and Fun

Ever walked past a karaoke bar in Dubai and heard someone belting out Beyoncé or Adele like they’re on stage at the Grammys? That’s not just a performance-it’s the norm here. Dubai doesn’t do half-measures when it comes to nightlife, and karaoke is no exception. Forget the quiet corners and shy singers. In this city, karaoke is loud, bold, and sometimes hilariously over-the-top. Whether you’re with friends, on a date, or just need to scream your stress out after a long week, there’s a spot in Dubai where your voice won’t just be heard-it’ll be cheered.

Why Karaoke in Dubai Is Different

Karaoke isn’t just a pastime here; it’s a social ritual. Unlike in other cities where you might find a dusty mic in a basement, Dubai’s karaoke spots are designed like mini concert halls. High-end sound systems, LED screens that sync with the lyrics, and lighting that shifts with the beat turn every song into a full production. You’re not just singing-you’re performing.

And the crowd? They’re not just watching. They’re clapping, dancing, and sometimes joining in. Locals, expats, tourists-all of them get in on the action. It’s one of the few places where a 60-year-old Indian businessman and a 22-year-old Australian student will harmonize on a Drake track without a second thought.

The music library? It’s global. You’ll find Arabic pop next to K-pop, Bollywood hits next to classic rock. If you can name it, they’ve got it. And if they don’t? Just ask. Most venues let you upload your own playlist via app or even request songs through the host.

Top 5 Karaoke Bars in Dubai

1. The Song Room

Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, The Song Room is where serious singers go. It’s not the biggest, but it’s the most professional. Private rooms with acoustic panels, studio-grade microphones, and a sound engineer on standby make this feel like a recording session. The menu? Craft cocktails and gourmet bites-think truffle fries and smoked salmon rolls. You don’t just sing here; you elevate.

Best for: Groups of 4-8 who want to treat their night like a VIP concert. The minimum spend is AED 800, but you get 90 minutes of exclusive room time.

2. Karaoke by the Bay

Right on the Dubai Marina waterfront, this place has outdoor seating, string lights, and views of the marina boats bobbing in the night. The vibe? Relaxed but electric. You can start with a glass of wine on the terrace, then move inside when the energy picks up. Their playlist has over 10,000 songs, including rare Arabic tracks from the 90s that even locals forget.

Pro tip: Go on a Thursday night. They host open mic nights where anyone can sign up. Last month, a 72-year-old grandmother sang ‘My Heart Will Go On’ and got a standing ovation.

3. Big Bang Karaoke

Big Bang is the wild child of Dubai’s karaoke scene. Located in Al Barsha, it’s loud, bright, and unapologetically fun. Think neon signs, disco balls, and a DJ spinning between songs. The rooms are themed-space, jungle, retro 80s-and you can rent one with a dance floor. They even have props: wigs, sunglasses, inflatable guitars.

Perfect for: Bachelor parties, birthdays, or anyone who wants to laugh as much as they sing. The staff will hype you up, dance with you, and sometimes even join in. No judgment here.

4. The Velvet Mic

If you want something sleek and sophisticated, The Velvet Mic delivers. It’s in Jumeirah, near the Burj Al Arab, and feels more like a jazz lounge than a karaoke bar. Soft lighting, velvet booths, and a curated playlist of jazz, soul, and classic crooners. They don’t do pop hits. They do Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and Norah Jones.

It’s the only place in Dubai where you can sing ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ without feeling out of place. The bartenders know every lyric. They’ll even pause your drink refill to let you finish your chorus.

5. Sing & Sip

This one’s for the budget-friendly crowd. Located in Deira, Sing & Sip is the most popular spot among students and young professionals. No private rooms-just a large open stage with a big screen and a mic on a stand. You wait your turn, grab a cheap beer for AED 25, and take the floor when your name’s called.

The crowd here is wild, supportive, and unpredictable. Last week, a guy sang ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in three different accents. The crowd gave him a round of applause and a free round of drinks. That’s the Sing & Sip way.

What to Expect When You Go

You don’t need to be good. You don’t even need to know the lyrics. What you do need is confidence-and maybe a little liquid courage.

Most places charge by the hour, not per person. Prices range from AED 150/hour for basic setups to AED 500/hour for premium rooms. Some include food and drinks; others charge extra. Always check if there’s a minimum spend. A few places require a deposit to reserve a room, especially on weekends.

Opening hours? Most start at 6 PM and run until 2 AM. On Fridays and Saturdays, some stay open until 4 AM. If you’re planning a group outing, book ahead. Rooms fill up fast.

And yes, there’s a dress code. Not strict, but no flip-flops, tank tops, or beachwear. Dubai still has standards-even in karaoke bars.

Pro Tips for Your Karaoke Night

• Choose songs you know inside out. If you’re unsure, pick something with a simple chorus. ‘Sweet Caroline’ always works.
• Go with a group. Singing solo in Dubai is rare. Even if you’re shy, someone will drag you up.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for a backup singer. Most venues have a staff member who’ll duet with you if you’re nervous.
• Try a duet. It’s easier, more fun, and you’ll get more cheers.
• Bring a friend with a phone. They can record your performance. You’ll laugh at it later.

Who Should Go Where?

Not all karaoke nights are the same. Here’s a quick guide:

• For couples: The Velvet Mic-intimate, romantic, no pressure.
• For groups of friends: Big Bang Karaoke or Karaoke by the Bay-fun, loud, memorable.
• For serious singers: The Song Room-professional setup, no distractions.
• For budget travelers: Sing & Sip-cheap, lively, authentic.

What Makes Dubai’s Karaoke Scene Unique?

It’s not just about the music. It’s about the energy. In Dubai, karaoke isn’t a backup plan for a night out. It’s the main event. People come here to let go, to be seen, to be celebrated-even if they’re off-key.

And that’s the magic. No one cares if you can’t hit the high notes. What matters is that you tried. That you sang loud enough for the whole room to hear. That you didn’t hold back.

That’s why, after a long week of work, a business meeting, or a long flight, people still show up. Because in Dubai, karaoke doesn’t just entertain. It heals.