Great — here are the best places in Dubai for live music and nightlife, grouped by style (live bands/rock, jazz & intimate, beach/party, and big-club rooftop). I included the neighbourhood, the vibe, what to expect, and quick tips for each spot.

Live bands / pub-rock (great for singing along and regular gig nights)

• Lock, Stock & Barrel — Business Bay / JBR: high-energy pub known as one of Dubai’s top live-music homes (rock, classic covers, house bands). Frequent weekday and weekend gig nights; casual dress. (dubainight.com)
• McCafferty’s (JVC and other locations): lively Irish pub atmosphere with regular live music, big outdoor areas and lots of sports/screens — great for a relaxed, noisy night. Recent reopening/expansion of the brand has increased its live-entertainment profile. (dubainight.com)
• Hard Rock Cafe Dubai: familiar chain with regular live bands and themed music nights — tourist-friendly and reliable for classic rock and cover acts. (whatson.ae)

Jazz, soulful & intimate live-music venues

• Q’s Bar & Lounge (Palazzo Versace): upscale jazz/soul lounge (Quincy Jones–curated concept was reported previously); expect mellow jazz, quality production and a hotel-lounge vibe — good for date nights and refined evenings. (propertystellar.com)
• Boutique jazz/speakeasies (examples across the city): Dubai has been seeing a rise in craft-cocktail speakeasies and small jazz bars (hidden entrances, reservation-only nights) — look for venues that advertise “live jazz/soul” for intimate performances. (propertystellar.com)

Beach clubs & open-air venues (day-to-night, live bands and DJ sets)

• Barasti Beach Bar (Mina Seyahi / Dubai Marina): classic beach bar with live bands, sport screenings, and an easygoing mixer crowd — good for sunset drinks and casual live sets. Frequently listed among the top live-music/nightlife spots. (whatson.ae)
• Zero Gravity / Cove Beach / Nikki Beach (various beachfront locations): expect DJs, live entertainers and big-party sundowners (best Nov–Apr season), often with cover or minimum spend for weekend nights. (whatson.ae)

Big clubs / rooftops with resident DJs and party production

• Sky 2.0 (Dubai Design District): open-air/nightclub with large production and themed DJ nights — popular for EDM/house and high-energy clubbing. Book ahead for weekends. (nox-agency.com)
• Soho Garden (Meydan): multi-space nightlife destination with DJs, outdoor terraces and regular big-name acts — good if you want variety in one complex. (mydubaitravels.wordpress.com)
• Yume (Meydan): stylish club with international DJs and panoramic views from the Meydan complex — for upscale, late-night dancing. (nox-agency.com)

Helpful tips for nights out in Dubai

• Booking: reserve tables or tickets in advance, especially Friday/Saturday and during high season (Nov–Mar). Many venues sell out for headline DJs or special events. (dubai-adult.com)
• Cover / minimum spend: expect cover charges or minimum spends at top clubs; beach clubs often charge for sunbeds or entry on busy days. Prices are typically higher than many Western cities. (dubai-adult.com)
• Dress code & age: smart-casual is safest for upscale spots; many venues enforce a 21+ policy (check before you go). Carry ID (passport or Emirates ID). (dubai-adult.com)
• Best nights: live-band pubs often have curated “live nights” (weeknights + weekends); big clubs peak Thu–Sat. If you want a quieter live-music vibe, try weeknights. (dubainight.com)
• Music variety: Dubai’s scene includes rock and covers, jazz/soul, Arabic fusion, indie and big EDM/house nights — so pick a neighbourhood/venue that matches the sound you want. (propertystellar.com)

If you want, I can:

• Suggest a 1-night itinerary based on the music/scene you prefer (jazz, rock, beach party or nightclub).
• Check live schedules and bookable links for any specific venue (I’ll look up tonight/this weekend’s events and entry details).

Which vibe are you after — relaxed live bands, jazz & cocktails, beach club sundowners, or full-on clubbing?