Good news for those who love a beverage, Expo 2020 Dubai has a great selection of licensed venues ready to tease your taste buds and cool you down after a long day of exploring the world
It goes without saying, staying hydrated while exploring the “greatest show on earth” is essential, but if you’re looking for something a little stronger than water or soft drinks, you’re in luck!
In fact, Expo 2020 Dubai apparently has 75 venues where you can grab a drink! Not all are well advertised and in keeping with the family nature of the event it’s kept low-key – you won’t be walking around the event with glass in hand – but the opportunities are easy to seek out if you know where to go.
Don’t forget to also check out:
- Our complete visitors guide to Expo 2020
- Ticket pricing and see who’s eligible for FREE entry to Expo 2020
Our favourite bars at Expo 2020 Dubai
We’re yet to check them all out (yet!) but from our opening few weeks, here’s where you can grab an alcoholic beverage in a great setting while exploring Expo 2020.
Please drop us a line in the comments if there are any great spots we’ve missed and bookmark this page, we’re adding more reader suggestions every week!
Be Lounge and Rooftop Bar – Belgium Pavilion
One of the most exciting installments at Expo 2020 that beer-lovers will want to check out is Be Lounge and Rooftop Bar, alongside Be Happy Restaurant, Belgium Pavilion. Enjoy a wide selection of Belgium beers along with tapas-style smaller bites and bubbles whilst watching the sunset from this beautiful rooftop setting, taking full advantage of their tall west-facing roof.
Where to find it: 4th floor, Belgium Pavilion in Mobility (There’s a separate staircase up if you’ve already checked out the pavilion, restaurant on the 3rd floor if you want a full meal to accompany your beer)
Baden-Württemberg’ House
For a large building, it still seems to be a real hidden gem! Not included as one of the 192 country pavilions as it’s actually a German region, you’ll find a complete bar inside with evening happy hour including Pretzel and Rauthaus beer specials 5:00pm to 8:00pm, Wine Time 5:00pm to 8:00 pm and It’s Gin O’Clock 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Enjoy the sunset from their back balcony after a busy day at Expo.
Where to find it: Opportunity, in between Monaco and Indonesia
Irish Village
Long known as the epicentre of entertainment for laid-back drinks in Dubai, fans of the pub chain will be delighted to know you can kick back with your Guinness, favourite brews, and a wide selection of drinks and bar snacks at Irish Village Expo 2020.
Where to find it: Adjacent to Jubilee Park (close to the Irish Pavilion but not attached, almost behind the stage)
The Local Aussie Bar – Australian Pavilion
The Local inside the Australian Pavilion makes for a wonderful change of pace in a relaxed outdoor setting. Their beers on offer include Mountain Goat Pale Ale, James Boags, and Pure Blonde (low carb beer), alongside classic drops of Aussie wines, and dark and stormy (rum and coke).
Note all bottled drinks will be poured into plastic cups as you enjoy in the beer-garden style setting. The Australian Pavilion has a cracking lineup of nightly entertainment on their small stage, along with a self-play DJ full of Aussie hits to keep everyone in the party mood. A nice relaxed family-friendly opportunity to put up your feet for a bit.
Where to find it: Close to the Mobility Pavilion and the Sea entry/exit.
Garden on 1 Sports Lounge
Providing guests with a relaxing sports lounge atmosphere after a hard day on the feet exploring expo, kick back and watch your favourite sports, play some pool or grab an easy bite at Garden on 1.
Where to find it: Mobility (near Sea entrance, behind Barbados Pavilion)
Iris Lounge
A popular nightlife fixture in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be found at Expo 2020. Spread out over two floors in the heart of entertainment district Al Forsan (head beyond the UAE Pavilion), you’ll find family-friendly dining on the lower floor, whilst upstairs is all about cocktails and shisha with live entertainment thrown into the mix.
Enjoy ladies’ specials from 4:00 PM on a Tuesday, plus happy hour daily 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Saturday to Thursday.
Where to find it: Al Forsan Park (opposite Germany Pavilion)
Bohemia – Czech Republic Pavilion
Look out for hops on tap at the modern Czech pub Bohemia. Situated at the very start (or end!) or Sustainability if you are entering from Earth Plaza this one can be a perfect way to cleanse the pallet at the end of a busy day walking.
Open Saturday to Wednesday, from 10: 00 AM to midnight, and Thursdays and Fridays, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Where to find it: Sustainability District (near the Earth Plaza/Sustainability gate)
Jiko and Bar Kane in Alkebulan
The African Food Hall “Alkebulan” is a must at Expo 2020.
Make sure to check out Jiko from Nairobi boutique hotel Tribe and Bar Kane from Chef Coco. Sip down on delicious handmade cocktails whilst enjoying the sun setting over the water feature.
Where to find it: 1st floor, Alkebulan, Jubilee Park
Jubilee Mixology
Opening in November, a new contender for the top outdoor drinking spot at Expo 2020, Jubilee Mixology is located on the rooftop of the media centre, overlooking Al Wasl Dome. With bright furniture and faux-foliage, you’ll find upmarket bites and cocktails inspired by previous World Fairs.
To set the mood, Jubilee Moixology will be featuring a string of guest DJ’s throughout the season from jazz to lounge and house tunes.
Where to find it: 10th floor Media Centre
Warhols Bar & Bistro – Slovakia Pavilion
This super trendy little bar and restaurant is another hidden gem! Found smack in the middle of mobility district it’s a bit overlooked by other giants around it such as Russia, but make sure you seek it out (and their exhibition is pretty cool too!)
Run by Chef @Ericlorincz get set for some good old fashion fun and hospitality.
Where to find it: Slovakia Pavilion (centre of Mobility area)
The Wine Bar – Lebanese Signature
Set at the end of the Lebanon Pavilion experience, The Wine Bar – run by Lebanese Singature – has a beautiful indoor and outdoor setting for a full wine tasting experience of Lebanon’s finest drops. Buy by the glass or the bottle, as well as disers and gins.
Look out for their special calendar of events including tastings, Master Classes and collaborations with other pavilions.
Where to find it: Lebanon Pavilion, Opportunity (between Pakistan and Indonesia)
And the best of the rest
We hope you find something at Expo 2020 to tantalise the taste buds and keep your cool while trekking around Expo. We’ve only touched on some highlights here.
Many more restaurants within the pavilions and around the expo grounds are serving alcoholic drinks, to mention but a few you may want to try:
- Enjoy Hofbräu beer and German wines with your schnitzel at Campus Kitchen, Germany Pavilion
- Largers and IPA on tap at the USA Pavilion cafe/restaurant
- Cans of craft beer for only 35AED at the New Zealand Pavilion restaurant Tiaki
- Draught beers can be found on tap in Openarium – the Lithuania Pavilion
- Vegans aren’t left out on the dining fun with plant-based restaurant Mudrá from celebrity chef Matthew Kenney operating from Sustainability Pavilion with cocktails on the menu
- For casual diners, Ecco Italian eatery found in Opportunity District offers Birra Moretti on tap with your pizza and pasta pay & collect system dining
- Da by CrabChic offers up market Russian seafood served with a decent selection of alcoholic bevvies, Al Wasl
Looking for a drink elsewhere in Dubai? Before you jump in, make sure you check out our guide to drinking alcohol in Dubai, a must read for Dubai first-timers to understand the rules and potential consequences of drinking to excess when in Dubai. We’ve also got dining and nightlife guides for the best bars in Dubai Marina + Downtown Dubai Bars
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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