Dubai’s nightlife doesn’t just mean rooftop lounges and VIP clubs. If you want to let loose, belt out your favorite pop anthem, or turn a group dinner into a full-blown concert, karaoke is where the real energy happens. Forget quiet bars - Dubai’s top karaoke spots are loud, lively, and built for people who don’t care if they hit the wrong note. You don’t need to be a star. You just need to want to sing.
Why Karaoke in Dubai Is Different
Karaoke here isn’t just a side activity. It’s a full experience. You walk into a venue and get a private room, a massive screen with lyrics synced to the original music, and a sound system that makes your voice sound better than it ever has. Most places offer unlimited drinks for a set time, snack platters, and even themed lighting that changes with the song. Some even have professional backup singers if you’re too nervous to go solo.
Unlike other cities where karaoke is stuck in basement rooms, Dubai’s venues are sleek, modern, and designed for Instagram moments. Think neon lights, velvet booths, and LED walls that turn your performance into a music video. It’s not just singing - it’s showtime.
1. The Song Room Dubai
Located in the heart of Dubai Marina, The Song Room is the go-to spot for groups who want luxury with their lyrics. The rooms are soundproofed with studio-grade acoustics, and the menu includes premium cocktails and Japanese-inspired bites. Their song library has over 50,000 tracks - from ABBA to Bad Bunny - updated weekly.
What sets it apart? The staff don’t just hand you a mic. They ask if you want a spotlight, fog machine, or even a confetti cannon for your final song. One regular told me they celebrated a birthday with a full band joining in on “Bohemian Rhapsody.” No joke. The room went wild.
2. Sing Sing Karaoke Bar
Just off Sheikh Zayed Road, Sing Sing is where locals go when they want to feel like they’re in Seoul or Tokyo. The vibe is more casual, more fun, less fancy. You’ll find students, expats, and families all singing their hearts out in cozy, brightly lit rooms.
Their app lets you pre-select songs before you arrive, so you don’t waste time scrolling. They also have a “Duet Mode” where two people can sing together with harmonized vocals - perfect for couples or friends who want to embarrass each other. Their karaoke host, Ahmed, knows every Arabic hit from the 90s and will cue up “Habibi Ya Nour El Ain” if you ask.
3. Red Dot Karaoke Lounge
Red Dot isn’t just a bar - it’s a full-on party zone. Open until 3 AM on weekends, it’s the only place in Dubai where you can start with cocktails, move to karaoke, and end with a dance floor that’s packed by midnight. The rooms are smaller here, which makes the energy tighter and louder.
They’ve got a “Challenge Wall” - pick a song you think you can’t sing, and if you finish it without stopping, your next round is free. People have tried “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “I Will Always Love You,” and even “Despacito” in Spanish. Half the time, they nail it.
4. The Velvet Room
If you’re looking for something quieter but still high-energy, The Velvet Room in Al Quoz is your spot. It’s more intimate, with dim lighting and plush seating. The crowd here leans toward older expats and professionals who want to unwind after work without screaming over bass-heavy beats.
The song selection is heavily weighted toward classic rock, jazz standards, and 80s ballads. Think Frank Sinatra, Queen, and Whitney Houston. They even have a “Slow Night” every Wednesday where the tempo drops and everyone sings duets. It’s surprisingly emotional - and the wine list is excellent.
5. Karaoke by the Beach - The Beach, JBR
This one’s a hidden gem. Open only on Friday and Saturday nights, Karaoke by the Beach lets you sing under the stars with the Dubai skyline behind you. You don’t book a room - you grab a table near the sand, and a mobile karaoke rig rolls up. It’s BYOB, so bring your own drinks, and the staff brings snacks.
It’s not fancy. No LED walls. No fog machines. But there’s something magical about singing “Sweet Caroline” while the waves crash nearby. Locals call it the most authentic karaoke experience in the city. No pretense. Just music, moonlight, and friends.
What to Expect When You Go
You don’t need to book far ahead unless it’s a Friday or Saturday. Most places accept walk-ins until 9 PM, but after that, you’ll need a reservation. Prices vary: private rooms start at AED 150 for two hours, including two drinks. Premium venues charge up to AED 400, but that often includes unlimited drinks and food.
Most places have English, Arabic, and Mandarin song libraries. If you’re singing in a language they don’t have, they’ll usually find a backing track online and play it anyway. The staff are used to foreigners - they won’t judge you if you mess up the lyrics.
Pro tip: Avoid Mondays and Tuesdays unless you want the place to yourself. Weekends are packed. If you’re with a group of six or more, ask for a “VIP Package.” It usually includes a dedicated server, free photo prints of your performance, and a playlist curated by the host.
What to Sing
Don’t pick a song just because it’s popular. Pick one you can actually sing. Too many people choose “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “My Heart Will Go On” and end up silent for the bridge. Stick to songs you’ve karaoke-ed before - or ones with simple choruses.
Top picks in Dubai right now:
- “Uptown Funk” - Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (everyone knows the moves)
- “Shape of You” - Ed Sheeran (easy melody, crowd sings along)
- “Habibi Ya Nour El Ain” - Amr Diab (the Arabic classic that always gets a standing ovation)
- “I Gotta Feeling” - Black Eyed Peas (guaranteed dance break)
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” - Journey (the ultimate group finale)
Who Goes There?
Dubai’s karaoke scene is a melting pot. You’ll see British expats belting out Adele, Filipina nurses belting out OPM hits, Emirati families singing Nasheed covers, and Indian professionals rocking out to Bollywood bangers. There’s no dress code. Jeans and a t-shirt are fine. Some people come in themed outfits - think glitter, sunglasses indoors, or full-on concert gear.
The vibe? Friendly. No one’s there to judge. Everyone’s there to have fun. Even the quietest person in your group will end up on stage by the end of the night.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s karaoke bars aren’t just about singing. They’re about connection. About letting go. About turning strangers into friends because you all screamed the chorus of “Livin’ on a Prayer” together.
If you’re visiting and want to experience Dubai beyond the malls and the desert, skip the fancy clubs. Head to one of these places. Grab a mic. Sing like no one’s listening - even though everyone is.
Do I need to book a karaoke room in advance in Dubai?
Yes, especially on weekends. Most popular spots like The Song Room and Red Dot fill up by Thursday for Friday and Saturday nights. Walk-ins are accepted before 9 PM, but you might wait. Booking 24 hours ahead guarantees your room and avoids disappointment.
Are karaoke bars in Dubai expensive?
Prices vary. Budget-friendly spots like Sing Sing start at AED 120 for two hours with two drinks. Upscale venues like The Song Room charge AED 300-400 for premium rooms with unlimited drinks and snacks. Most places offer group packages - for six or more people, you often get free food or a free round of shots.
Can I sing in languages other than English?
Absolutely. Most karaoke bars in Dubai have extensive libraries in Arabic, Hindi, Tagalog, Mandarin, and Russian. If your song isn’t in the system, staff can usually find a backing track online and play it. Just ask - they’re used to it.
Is karaoke in Dubai family-friendly?
Some venues are, some aren’t. The Velvet Room and Karaoke by the Beach welcome all ages. Places like Red Dot and The Song Room are 21+ after 8 PM. Always check the venue’s policy before bringing kids. Daytime sessions (before 6 PM) are often family-friendly across the board.
What’s the best time to go for a fun night out?
Friday and Saturday nights are the liveliest, but they’re also the busiest. For a more relaxed vibe, try Thursday or Sunday. If you want to avoid crowds and still have fun, go between 7 PM and 9 PM. The energy is high, but the rooms aren’t packed yet.
Do karaoke bars in Dubai serve food?
Yes. Most offer snacks like nachos, sliders, and spring rolls. Upscale venues like The Song Room serve full menus - sushi, grilled meats, and desserts. Some even have dessert karaoke - sing while eating cake. It’s a thing.
Next time you’re in Dubai and want to feel the pulse of the city’s real social scene, skip the VIP bottle service. Grab your friends, pick a song, and let the music do the talking.