All about The Arts Club in DIFC

• The Arts Club
• FAQs

London’s beloved The Arts Club now has a home in Dubai. The recently opened private members’ establishment in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the iconic club’s first international outpost. From renowned programmes to restaurants and more, here is everything you need to know about The Arts Club Dubai.

What is The Arts Club?

The original The Arts Club in London was established in 1863, providing a haven for literature, science and the arts enthusiasts. Several renowned artists and writers have been members here, including Charles Dickens, Frederic Leighton and Thomas Hughes.

The DIFC-based iteration of The Arts Club offers a similar appeal for art enthusiasts and the jet set in Dubai. Like its original counterpart, The Arts Club Dubai offers a unique platform for members to entertain, dine, exchange ideas and take part in a motley of cultural programmes.

The facility, designed by Foster & Partners, is spread across an impressive 65,000 sq. ft. and features four floors. With hospitality and elegance at its core, the club features three restaurants, several private event spaces and cocktail bars. 

Things to do at The Arts Club

From making new acquaintances and enjoying spectacular dining options to attending a rich cultural programme and dancing the night away, there are many benefits for the members of The Arts Club. Here’s what the members can indulge in at this stylish establishment:

Club Parties

The Arts Club celebrates seasonal events throughout the year in the form of parties and festivities. Family brunches are scheduled for the weekends with entertainment for younger visitors. There’s also a sumptuous dessert menu with selections from an in-house pâtisserie, in case members want to sweeten the celebrations.

Cultural Programme

The club’s Cultural Programme follows a social calendar of events to be organised throughout the year. It can feature everything from tastings, current debates and exhibitions to trips, studio tours, panel discussions, dances, live music and even cabarets.

Visit the rooftop

The opulent rooftop at The Arts Club Dubai was opened in early 2021. This 23,000 sq. ft. outdoor space serves as a relaxing retreat with a late-night lounge atop a standalone structure with spectacular views of the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Food and drinks

Members can have breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Arts Club Dubai. The following restaurants offer high-quality dining for all tastes:

Nikkei

Nikkei is a homegrown concept with cuisine that takes inspiration from Peru and Japan. With exotic flavours and bold cooking techniques, this upscale establishment upholds the highest dining and ambience standards.

Italian

This elegant Italian restaurant is a favourite for families with options that exhibit the best of Italy’s culinary simplicity. The classic Italian fare, made with the freshest and best produce, proves that the club spares no quarter for the comfort of its members.

Brasserie

Brasserie, inspired by London club’s beloved restaurant, operates as the club’s “engine room” and is open from early morning till late in the evening.

Club Classics

Apart from the mentioned restaurants, members can also order refreshments from the Club Menu at the member lounges, rooftop terrace or library.

Cocktail bars

The seven cocktail bars at The Arts Club Dubai have an exceptional team of waiters and bartenders. Members can also count on professional sommeliers’ expertise to guide them through a wine list, with options sourced from the finest vineyards around the world.

Oscuro

The club’s beautiful cigar lounge takes centre stage. Here, members can enjoy a selection of the most refined smokes in the world either indoors or outside in a private cabana.

Frequently Asked Questions

What membership types are available at club?

Those interested can choose from four types of memberships at The Arts Club Dubai:

• Full: Available to applicants aged 30 and above.
• Second: Available for spouses of Full Members.
• Young: Available for persons under the age of 30.
• International: This can be an add-on to Full, Second and Young membership. It will include access to The Arts Club branches in London and Los Angeles.

For a better perspective, here’s an overview of membership fees:

How do I apply for a membership at The Arts Club Dubai?

Those interested in becoming fully-fledged members at The Arts Club in DIFC can fill and submit an online form on their official website. A full review of membership rates can also be found on the website.

How do I contact the club and where is it located?

Here is the address and contact information of The Arts Club Dubai:

• Location: ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, Dubai
• Contact: +971-4-350-6506

What are the opening hours at The Arts Club Dubai?

You may visit the club during these times:

• Opening hours: 10:00 am to 01:00 am (Saturday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 02:00 am (Thursday and Friday)

Is there a dress code?

All members at The Arts Club Dubai are required to dress appropriately during visits. Local clothes are only allowed in the cigar lounge but not at the late-night lounges and bars. Additionally:

• Gym attire, shorts, beachwear, sports clothes and polo shirts with numerals or logos are not allowed.
• Jeans are allowed as long as they are not torn or scruffy.
• Those who want to wear collar-less shirts must accompany their attire with a jacket or blazer.
• Flip flops are not allowed, but members may wear elegant and smart sandals.
• Members may not wear baseball caps on the premises.

It is important to note that members who follow the dress code but do not appear well presented may be refused entry. Children are welcome over the weekend, provided they are appropriately attired.

Can members bring guests to the club?

Up to five guests are allowed per member at The Arts Club Dubai, unless a member makes a dining reservation or books a private party in advance for more than the allowable guest capacity.

Guests are also required to stay with members while in the club. In case they arrive before the member, they will be required to wait in the reception area.

What if my guests are under 18?

Guests under 18 are allowed to visit the club with a member during these days and timings:

• Days: Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays in the UAE
• Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm (guests under 12) | 10:00 am to 09:00 pm (guests aged 12 to 17)

That concludes our guide to The Arts Club Dubai. Arts aside, those who prefer active pursuits may consider applying for a membership at The Els Club, a golf club in Dubai Sports City. And if you can’t visit the restaurants at The Arts Club Dubai, the best restaurants in DIFC are well worth your time and tastebuds.

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(Cover image credit: The Arts Club Dubai)