 Arabic food is very popular and is available everywhere in the city , from the small shawarma diners in Deira and Al Karama to the restaurants in Dubai 's hotels . Fast food , South Asian , and Chinese cuisines are also very popular and are widely available . The sale and consumption of pork , though legal , is regulated and is sold only to non @-@ Muslims , in designated areas of supermarkets and airports . Similarly , the sale of alcoholic beverages is regulated . A liquor permit is required to purchase alcohol ; however , alcohol is available in bars and restaurants within hotels . Shisha and <unk> boutiques are also popular in Dubai . Dubai is known for its nightlife . Clubs and bars are found mostly in hotels due to the liquor laws . The New York Times described Dubai as " the kind of city where you might run into Michael Jordan at the Buddha Bar or stumble across Naomi Campbell celebrating her birthday with a <unk> bash " . 
