1 Hibiki Karaoke Lounge
Karaoke is the purpose, not a by-product of this long-standing Deira nightspot. So don’t bother turning up if you’re not willing to belt out show tunes and show star quality. There is a stage, good song selection and an understated Japanese style, plus a private lounge for personal gatherings and the less brave.
Free. Open Mon-Sat 7.30pm-3am. Hyatt Regency Dubai, Deira, www.hyattrestaurants.com (04 209 6701).
2 Kung
Walk in this Korean restaurant and you might not know there are wannabe Ed Sheerans and Adeles warbling away just feet away in private rooms and booths. Best enjoyed after dinner and with close friends, the rooms are equipped for up to 20 people but are set up for private shows rather than public sing-offs. Perfect if you’ve ever heard Time Outers sing.
Open daily 9pm-2.30am. Byblos Hotel, Barsha Heights, www.bybloshoteldubai.com (04 432 7966).
3 Lucky Voice
Possibly the most outrageously fun exhibitionist night out in the city. Not for shrinking violets this offshoot of a famed UK chain is a party spot for confident singers who want to belt out sing-along classics and soak up audience participation. In fairness there are smaller rooms and private sessions available, but who is putting on the fake giant glasses and swirling an inflatable guitar over their head and not letting anyone watch?
Open Mon-Thu 2pm-3am, Fri, 1pm-3am, Sat-Sun, 5pm-3am. Grand Millennium, Barsha Heights, www.luckyvoice.com (800 58259).
4 Mr Miyagi’s
The quirky venue knows more than most that a night out is supposed to be fun. Delivering humour, silliness and joyful originality at the drop of a hat, literally, it is one that encourages singing, dressing up and fun at all costs. Look no further than the Saturday night karaoke quiz for evidence of the fun-loving vibe and crowd.
Sat from 8pm. Mr Miyagis, Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City, www.mrmiyagisdubai.com (04 420 7489).
5 Porters English Pub
By no means is this a karaoke specialist, but in the tradition of the best British pubs a good old sing-song is encouraged. Especially on a Sunday night when karaoke machine is wheeled out and free beverages are given to those willing to sing for their supper.
Sun 9pm-1am. Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi, www.millenniumhotels.com (02 495 3936).
6 Taste of KoreaAnother Korean restaurant that just can’t resist handing out karaoke microphones with the all-you-can-eat barbecue. Unlike some of the specialist singing joints there might be a few fellow-diners who are more interested in their kimchi than your Kenny G, but if you can’t resist dinner with a mic then come ready to sing.
Open Sat-Sun 5pm-midnight. Cristal Hotel, Electra Street, Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi (02 652 0195).
