Want to belt out your favorite pop anthem with strangers who suddenly feel like your best friends? Dubai’s karaoke scene isn’t just about singing-it’s about letting go, laughing until your sides hurt, and dancing like no one’s watching (even though everyone is). Forget the quiet lounges and upscale cocktail bars. If you’re looking for real, loud, unapologetic fun, these are the karaoke bars that turn nights into memories.
1. The Piano Man - The Original Karaoke Experience
Open since 2015, The Piano Man in Dubai Marina didn’t just start the karaoke trend here-it defined it. This place isn’t fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. The stage is small, the lights are dim, and the sound system? It’s the kind that makes your voice sound like a pop star even when you’re off-key. The song library has over 10,000 tracks, including rare Arabic remixes and 90s Eurodance bangers you forgot existed. Groups of 4 or more get a free bottle of sparkling water, and the staff never judge. One night, a group of four British expats sang ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ from start to finish, complete with dramatic hand gestures. The whole room joined in. That’s the magic here.
2. Sing Sing Karaoke - Private Rooms with a View
If you’d rather sing without an audience, Sing Sing Karaoke in Downtown Dubai delivers. Each private room is soundproofed, climate-controlled, and comes with a touchscreen interface that lets you pick songs by artist, genre, or even mood. Want to sing Adele in a room lit like a candlelit spa? Done. Craving a hip-hop battle with your crew? They’ve got LED walls that change color with the beat. The food menu is surprisingly good-think Korean-style fried chicken and spicy tuna rolls. They also offer bottle service and late-night snacks until 3 a.m. This is where corporate teams celebrate big deals, and couples go on date nights that don’t involve dinner.
3. Karaoke Bar Dubai - The Budget-Friendly Crowd Favorite
Located in Al Kifaf, Karaoke Bar Dubai is the go-to spot for students, young professionals, and anyone who doesn’t want to pay $100 for an hour. The hourly rate starts at just AED 50 (about $13) with unlimited drinks included until 11 p.m. The walls are covered in neon signs, the playlist is all hits from 2000 to now, and the staff hand out glow sticks like they’re going out of style. On weekends, they host open mic nights where anyone can jump on stage. Last month, a 70-year-old Emirati grandmother sang ‘Despacito’ and got a standing ovation. No one expected it. Everyone remembered it.
4. The Singing Booth - For the Serious Vocalists
Don’t let the name fool you-this isn’t a phone booth. The Singing Booth in Jumeirah is a hidden gem for people who actually train their voices. The acoustics are studio-grade, the microphones are Shure SM58s, and the sound engineer is on standby to tweak reverb and pitch correction. They don’t have a bar, but they do serve espresso and herbal tea. The clientele? Former reality show contestants, music school grads, and expats who’ve been singing since they were kids. If you want feedback, they’ll give it-honestly. One regular, a former opera singer from Ukraine, recorded a cover of ‘Hallelujah’ here and posted it online. It got 2 million views. This isn’t just karaoke. It’s practice with a crowd.
5. Lush Karaoke - The Party Hub
Lush Karaoke in Business Bay is where the energy never drops. The moment you walk in, you’re handed a free cocktail (yes, included) and a glowing microphone. The dance floor is always packed, and the DJ spins remixes of pop songs with EDM drops right after each performance. There’s a photo booth, a confetti cannon (yes, really), and a leaderboard that shows who sang the most songs that night. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s exactly what you need after a long week. Groups of 6+ get a free custom playlist made by the staff. Last Friday, a team from a tech startup sang ‘I Will Survive’ as their victory anthem after closing a deal. They stayed until 4 a.m.
What to Expect When You Go
Karaoke in Dubai isn’t like the basement parties back home. It’s polished, loud, and surprisingly inclusive. Most places require a minimum spend-usually AED 150-300 per person-but that often includes drinks, snacks, and sometimes even a photo package. Reservations are a must on weekends. Walk-ins are welcome on weekdays, but you might wait an hour for a room.
Most venues offer English, Arabic, Korean, and Mandarin song lists. You’ll find everything from Rihanna to Fairuz, BTS to Abdel Halim Hafez. The staff speaks multiple languages and will help you find your song-even if you only remember the chorus.
Pro tip: Go with a group. Solo singers get the spotlight, but group performances? Those are the ones that go viral on Instagram stories.
When to Go and How to Save Money
Weekdays (Sunday to Thursday) are your best bet for lower prices and shorter waits. Many places offer 2-for-1 deals between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Some even have ‘Karaoke Happy Hour’-two hours of unlimited singing for the price of one. Sign up for their newsletters or follow them on Instagram. You’ll get alerts for themed nights: 80s Rock Night, Bollywood Throwback, or even ‘Sing Like a Sheikh’-where you dress in traditional attire and perform Arabic classics.
Pro tip: Avoid Friday and Saturday nights unless you’re ready for crowds. Lines form outside before 8 p.m. and the noise level hits 110 decibels. Bring earplugs if you’re sensitive.
What Makes Dubai’s Karaoke Scene Different
Unlike in Tokyo or Seoul, where karaoke is quiet and ritualistic, Dubai’s version is a celebration. It’s not about perfection-it’s about participation. You’ll see Emirati families singing together, South Asian friends belting out Bollywood hits, and Western expats trying their hand at Arabic pop. The diversity of the crowd is the biggest draw. There’s no pressure to be good. Just show up, pick a song, and let loose.
Some places even offer voice coaching sessions for $20 an hour. You can learn how to hit high notes without straining, or how to breathe properly while dancing. It’s not just fun-it’s a skill.
Final Thought: It’s Not About Talent
People think karaoke is about singing well. It’s not. It’s about showing up. It’s about laughing when you miss a note. It’s about the stranger who claps the loudest after your terrible rendition of ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’. In Dubai, where life can feel curated and polished, karaoke is the one place where being a little messy is the whole point.
Are karaoke bars in Dubai expensive?
Prices vary, but most places charge between AED 50 and AED 150 per hour. Some include drinks, food, or photo packages. Budget-friendly spots like Karaoke Bar Dubai start at AED 50/hour with unlimited drinks until 11 p.m. High-end private rooms at Sing Sing can cost up to AED 300/hour with bottle service. Weekday happy hours often cut prices in half.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially on weekends. Private rooms at Sing Sing and Lush Karaoke fill up days in advance. Even open-plan spots like The Piano Man get crowded after 8 p.m. On weekdays, walk-ins are usually fine, but calling ahead saves time. Most places let you book online through their website or WhatsApp.
Can I sing in languages other than English?
Absolutely. Most karaoke systems in Dubai support Arabic, Korean, Mandarin, Hindi, and Russian. Popular songs from Bollywood, K-pop, and Arabic pop are always available. Staff can help you search by artist or lyrics if you’re not sure how to spell the title. Some places even have dedicated sections for regional hits.
Is there a dress code?
No strict dress code, but smart casual works best. Flip-flops and tank tops are fine at budget spots like Karaoke Bar Dubai, but places like The Singing Booth or Lush Karaoke lean toward stylish attire. No swimwear, beachwear, or overly revealing outfits. When in doubt, jeans and a nice top are safe.
Are kids allowed in karaoke bars?
Most karaoke bars in Dubai are adult-only after 8 p.m. However, some, like Sing Sing and The Piano Man, allow children before 7 p.m. with adult supervision. Family-friendly karaoke events happen on weekends during the day, especially in malls like Dubai Mall and Ibn Battuta. Always check ahead if you’re bringing kids.
Do they offer food and drinks?
Yes. Most places serve snacks like nachos, wings, and sushi. Some, like Sing Sing and Lush Karaoke, have full menus with burgers, ribs, and cocktails. Drinks are usually priced separately unless you book a package. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are standard. Non-alcoholic mocktails are available on request. No outside food or drinks are allowed.
Next Steps: How to Plan Your Karaoke Night
Step 1: Pick your vibe. Want privacy? Go to Sing Sing. Want a party? Hit Lush Karaoke. Want to improve your voice? Try The Singing Booth.
Step 2: Book ahead. Use Instagram DMs or their websites. Most have WhatsApp numbers listed.
Step 3: Pick 3-5 songs in advance. Don’t rely on the touchscreen. Know your key songs.
Step 4: Go with a group. Even if you’re shy, having friends makes it easier to jump on stage.
Step 5: Bring a power bank. You’ll want to record your performance-and post it later.
Dubai doesn’t lack options for nightlife. But if you want to feel alive, connected, and completely unselfconscious, karaoke is where it happens. No bouncers. No VIP lists. Just music, laughter, and a microphone waiting for you.
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