Monkey Bar Dubai guide: location, prices, dress code and the best time to go — everything to know before you book.
Key Takeaways
- Monkey Bar Dubai offers a lively rooftop experience at 25hours Hotel One Central, featuring tiki cocktails and small plates.
- Cocktails range from AED 84 to 88, with no cover charge and a diverse food menu including sushi and tacos.
- The best time to visit is during happy hour, from Sunday to Thursday, with peak crowds on Thursday and Friday nights.
- Dress code is smart casual, and the bar operates from 5pm to 2am on weekdays and until 3am on weekends.
- It’s recommended to check their Instagram for events and book ahead on busy nights for the best experience.
Monkey Bar Dubai has been popping up in group chats and Stories more than usual lately, and if you’re trying to work out whether it’s worth the trip, what it’ll actually cost you, and what to order once you’re through the door, we’ve done the legwork.
We update this guide as details are confirmed, so treat anything flagged below as a heads-up to double-check before you head out.
The Vibe: What to Expect
The name alone tells you this isn’t trying to be another minimalist, all-beige lounge. Expect a playful, slightly cheeky concept, built for a loud table of six rather than a quiet date, with a creative cocktail list and a soundtrack that keeps the energy up.
It’s the rooftop bar at 25hours Hotel One Central, built around tiki-leaning craft cocktails, Nikkei-influenced small plates, and a nightly rotation of DJs, with views out towards the Museum of the Future. Worth checking their Instagram grid for the latest event nights before booking.
If a proper rooftop setting is non-negotiable, compare notes with our Best Rooftop Bars in Dubai guide.
Location & How to Get There
It’s on the rooftop of 25hours Hotel One Central on Trade Centre Street, in the Trade Centre/DIFC-adjacent part of town rather than the Marina or JBR. If it sits within the Marina or JBR strip, it pairs well with our Best Bars in Dubai Marina guide.
World Trade Centre metro station is the closest stop, a short walk away; a taxi from Downtown or DIFC typically runs AED 20 to 30 depending on traffic. Weekend traffic around the main bar clusters gets heavy from around 9pm.
Prices & What to Order
Cocktails average AED 84 to 88 (think Coconut Mischief, Tropical Ember or the Peachy Primate Sour), there’s no standard cover charge, and the food side leans into tacos, sushi and truffle fries alongside the drinks menu.
Best Time to Go
Happy hour runs Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to 8pm. Midweek is calmer; Thursday/Friday hits peak volume. Walk-ins are fine midweek, but booking ahead is the safer bet on Thursday and Friday nights.
Dress Code & Practical Tips
Dress code is smart casual (no shorts or flip-flops for men). Open 5pm to 2am Monday to Thursday, and 5pm to 3am Friday to Sunday. No minimum age is published, though it’s a hotel rooftop bar so expect standard licensing-age norms. Follow @monkeybardubai for event nights and lineup updates. Smart casual is a safe default.
Final Word
Monkey Bar Dubai has clearly built enough buzz to be worth putting on your radar. Confirm the essentials directly with the venue and pair the visit with our Best Rooftop Bars in Dubai and Best Bars in Dubai Marina guides.
