Dance the night away (post lockdown) at Dubai's art and music hub, Soho Garden

Dubai is for lovers of sun, luxury and escapism. And in a time of travel uncertainty and closed borders, it’s no surprise that social media is littered with cyber daydreams of making the United Arab Emirates city the first sunny stop when the airports recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Whenever that will be.

Two weeks before the UK went into lockdown, Soho Garden in Dubai had its doors open as world-renowned DJs Peggy Gou and Bedouin graced the stage in two consecutive nights as fans from all over the world enjoyed the high quality mixes right across from the Meydan Racecourse.

But that’s not all Soho Garden has to offer, while house and techno may not be your go-to genre - hip hop star Rick Ross performed on the same stage a few days later - the multi-purpose venue brings the soul of Central London’s Soho into the heart of Dubai with a mix of music, food and cocktails.

Designed like a cosmopolitan playground, it is easy to find yourself spending a lot of time in Soho Garden - thanks to the restaurants, brunches and day parties.

And during your trip, whether or not it’s your first time in Dubai, you may have to remind yourself to visit Dubai’s other popular hotspots because there is so much to do in Soho Garden alone.

The Glasshouse Bar

Where the majority of Soho Garden is outdoors - so you can catch up on the Vitamin D lockdown has deprived you off - The Glasshouse Bar has a roof and offers visitors a relaxing vibe with red sofas and a floral interior.

During bottomless brunches the bar serves a diverse menu. You’ll find that the indoor vibe can work as a perfect start to your evening as they serve up dinner and shisha, late into the night.

Negroni Bar

No matter how far into your night you may, no matter what you have consumed, or who is on stage, it will be hard to miss the view from this part of Soho Garden.

There will be no need to stand on your tiptoes to catch the sunset or the skyline as the city comes alive from wherever you may be sitting or standing.

For starters, there is no mistaking the Burj Khalifa twinkling in the foreground as you mingle with your friends, locals and other holidaymakers.

Bellini Bar

The closest bar to the main stage area is the Bellini Bar. It offers some of the fancier drinks - think champagne and cocktails that sparkle.

A favourite for Instagram lovers. The Tiki Bar has the biggest bar in Soho Garden and looks like something that was taken out of a Caribbean or Hawiian holiday brochure, thanks to the pool situated right by where visitors pick up their drinks and snacks. It will take looking right across the venue to remind yourself that you are actually in Dubai.