Dubai might be synonymous with towering skyscrapers, luxury house living, and ultra-modern malls, but beneath its glitzy surface lies a growing craft beer culture that’s turning heads with flavourful brews, lively pubs, and international vibes. For Irish beer lovers, this city-of-contrasts offers an exciting opportunity to enjoy local craft, classic pints, and friendly pub culture far from home – all within a backdrop of world-class lifestyle experiences.
Why Dubai Is an Unexpected Brew Destination
First things first: beer in Dubai operates under strict alcohol laws. Consumption is legal for non-Muslims but restricted to licensed venues such as hotels, pubs, and restaurants; public drinking is prohibited. Licensed outlets are the only places you’ll find pints on tap.
Despite those rules, Dubai’s appetite for beer – especially craft styles – is increasing. The city’s hospitality sector has responded with bars and gastropubs showcasing everything from light lagers and IPAs to rich stouts and seasonal brews. This isn’t just pint-pulling for tourists – expats and locals are creating a genuine culture around quality beer.
Where to Sip: Dubai’s Best Beer Spots
Here are standout venues that any Irish craft beer lover should know about:
🍺 City & Classic Bars
Goose Island Tap House | FIVE LUXE JBR – A must-visit for craft beer lovers, this JBR favourite combines a lively atmosphere with expertly poured brews straight from Chicago’s famous Goose Island brewery.
Goose Island Tap House (JVC) – The brand’s other Dubai location in Jumeirah Village Circle remains a go-to for imported craft kegs and wide selection.
The Tap House, Dubai Hills & The Tap House, Downtown – These gastropubs go beyond basic beers, pairing international brews with gastropub-style food that feels right at home for Irish beer lovers.
🍻 Beer Gardens & Outdoor Spaces
Ernst Biergarten – A spacious beer garden inside 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, perfect for enjoying a cold craft pint under the stars after a day in the city.
Dubai is also home to a variety of casual beer garden experiences, offering relaxed alfresco pints – ideal when the temperature cools between October and March.
🍀 Irish Pub Culture in the Desert
For many Irish travellers and expats, nothing quite replaces a proper pub. Luckily, Dubai’s Irish bars are thriving, offering authenticity and personality:
The Irish Village – One of Dubai’s longest-standing Irish pubs, known for its outdoor garden, hearty pub fare, and pints that feel like home.
The Dubliner’s, The Irish Vicker’s, McGettigan’s JBR, and McGettigan’s JLT – All bring Irish warmth to Dubai’s social scene with live sport broadcasts, music nights, and classic pub menus.
Fibber Magee’s – SZR – A lively Irish pub right on Sheikh Zayed Road, perfect for watch parties or a big night out.
Harat’s Republic – In Business Bay, this spirited venue blends pub classics with stunning skyline views – great for meeting friends before walking along the Dubai Canal or checking out nearby Dubai properties with panoramic water views.
Visitors should also know that McCafferty’s Irish Bar expanded its flagship Dubai location into the world’s largest Irish pub, complete with 148 beer taps and massive live-sport screens – a landmark moment for Irish pub culture in the city.
Craft Beer Scene: Trends & Growth
While Dubai isn’t known for indigenous breweries in the way Belfast or Cork are, the craft scene in licensed venues has shown growth:
Though exact counts vary, reports show licensed venues serving craft beer increasing notably since 2020, with more bars and gastropubs expanding their rosters of unique and imported brews.
International collaborations and seasonal tap takeovers are becoming regular features – bringing beers from Europe, the U.S., Australia, and beyond to Dubai drinkers.
The Dubai Lifestyle Connection
What really sets Dubai apart for many visitors is the blend of craft beer culture with lifestyle luxuries. Many of the city’s best spots are tucked inside or around iconic Dubai properties – luxury hotels, penthouse bars with skyline views, and areas like Business Bay where premium residential living meets vibrant nightlife.
Imagine enjoying a locally recommended craft beer after touring a swanky apartment for sale overlooking the canal, or sipping a crisp IPA while friends debate the best beach clubs – the drink scene isn’t separate from life here, it is life here. High-end properties and lifestyle attractions like rooftop bars create a canvas where beer culture fits right in.
Tips for Irish Beer Lovers Visiting Dubai
Plan your nights around venues with beer-focused menus – gastropubs typically rotate imports and seasonal options.
Book reservations early at popular spots like The Tap House or Goose Island during peak seasons (Oct–Mar).
Enjoy responsibly – remember that all alcohol must be consumed in licensed venues, and public drinking is prohibited.
Dubai’s craft beer culture isn’t a traditional local brewery movement – but it’s a thriving, cosmopolitan scene where Irish beer lovers can find flavour, friends, and familiar pints in some truly unique settings. Whether you’re pairing a hoppy IPA with skyline views near a luxury house model home or settling into an Irish pub for live music, Dubai’s beer offerings are as diverse as the city itself.