Over 90% of Dubai’s population are expats and we bet 99% of those expats have been to Barasti. This place is a local institution for laid back, casual Dubai good times whether you're in high heels or flip-flops.

It's BIG, with three floors of bars, lounge chairs, dining on the deck, a beach club and couches to smoke shisha, all in front of the private Barasti beach that overlooks the Palm Jumierah. Flocks of air hostesses, expats and people ready for a single mingle head to here  any night of the week with live sports on the big screens, live music and loose locals – Barasti has been nicknamed 'bar nasty' by locals who wish they could let go.

Friday afternoon and evening see the post brunch crews flock in for round 18. Ladies, if this is your bag, Tuesday is Pink in the City, a weekly affair where you pay 50 dirhams (under £10) for a glass of pink bubbles that they promise you will never see empty from 7.30-10.30pm. Boys beware: on ladies night you cannot enter downstairs until 9.30pm, after which, good luck to you.

This place is ripe for the people-watching. Sure it’s not perfect, but Barasti will bring you never-fail good times, Dubai style. See you in there.