Smoke Rings

Exploring Dubai in search of just the right spot for a spot of shisha

- Neha Gupta Kapoor

In Dubai the ancient custom of shisha has become so ubiquitous that it is now illegal to smoke one of these water pipes while driving. But while some locals may be accustomed to a higher concentration of nicotine, the version of shisha found in restaurants and touristy places usually have a much lower tobacco content.

And so, if you’re looking for some cultural downtime in Dubai, it might be worthwhile to add shisha to your list. There are several shisha flavors that one can choose to puff on, ranging from fruit to mint. Though they’re commonly available at several venues in the city, there are a few that offer more than just a shisha experience. Here is a list of five places where one can grab a drink and enjoy a good meal while sampling shisha to last long into the evening.

360 DEGREES

It rises from the sea — well not quite literally. A pathway from Jumeirah Beach Hotel continues over the water and ends at a glass-walled circular room with rooftop seating. This party destination is said to have one of the best views in the city – with Dubai on one side and the waters of the Arabian Gulf on the other side. The most desirable seats, of course, are on the rooftop lounge deck. But when it gets too hot or too cold, the plush sofa seating inside by the windows is good enough.

The indoor restaurant, The NineZero, has a pan-Asian à la carte menu, but the setting is more like a bar and nightclub. Sunset is the best time to visit because the views are stunning in the afterglow, especially if you have shisha in one hand and a flavorful cocktail in the other.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel; open daily 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM; tel: [phone]; jumeirah.com.