Iconic views
Outdoor seating looks across the lake towards Burj Khalifa and, when unobstructed, the Dubai Fountain.
Buhayra Lounge
Downtown Dubai
Buhayra Lounge is a poolside lounge bar in Downtown Dubai, set beside the water at Palace Downtown. Visitors come for outdoor shisha, Middle Eastern dishes such as mezze and grilled meats, and views towards Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
Reputation Score
4.5
★★★★★
822 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Waterfront shisha
You can smoke shisha beside the water, including from cabana-style seating.
Food quality
Reviews specifically praise the grilled meats, fresh mezze, seafood risotto and shish tawouk.
Attentive service
Several diners describe the team as responsive and professional, including during group meals and celebrations.
Quiet atmosphere
One couple found the lounge uncrowded, were seated immediately and enjoyed a relaxed dinner.
Family friendly
A family review says the lounge accommodated children and made the setting comfortable for a group with kids.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check availability. Ask what is available before ordering, as one visit found many menu items missing.
Choose winter. For outdoor seating, cooler months are the safer choice; summer humidity has made the setting uncomfortable.
Use valet. If driving, use the hotel’s valet rather than walking from Souk Al Bahar parking.
Allow traffic. Leave extra time at night or on weekends, when reaching the hotel can take twice as long.
Check fountain. Confirm the current fountain sightline before booking, since maintenance has previously blocked part of the view.
Avoid rush. If attentive service matters, avoid Friday-night peaks or allow extra time for the team to respond.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Palace Downtown Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, 9770
Burj Khalifa - Downtown Dubai, Dubai
| Mon | 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Tue | 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Wed | 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Thu | 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Fri | 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Sat | 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| Sun | 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
Popular Mentions
Umm Ali
Umm Ali is recommended as a dessert, with one review noting a 20-minute wait.
Chicken shawarma
Chicken shawarma was part of a well-received dinner order.
Watermelon Shiesha
Watermelon Shiesha is a named flavour mentioned positively by a returning customer.
Burrata salad
Burrata salad is mentioned as a favourite dish by one regular visitor.
Common Concerns
Slow service
Some visits involve long waits, including one where food was delayed for almost an hour and cancelled.
High prices
One diner felt the food was overpriced for quality comparable to mid-range restaurants.
Menu gaps
A review reported that many menu items were unavailable during the visit.
Summer heat
The outdoor setting can be uncomfortable in Dubai’s humid summer weather, even though individual coolers may be provided.
Mixed grill
A diner found the AED 220 mixed grill disappointing, describing the beef as dry and chewy and the lamb as fatty.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED125 or higher
shisha
“Shisha is AED125 or higher (look for entertainer vouchers) and drinks between AED25-50 (non alcoholic)”Google review · September 2021
AED25-50
drinks
“Shisha is AED125 or higher (look for entertainer vouchers) and drinks between AED25-50 (non alcoholic)”Google review · September 2021
AED 115
shiesha
“!! Place not expensive at all they just charge AED 115 for the shiesha”Google review · February 2021
220 dirhams
mixed grill platter
“Unfortunately the food quality didn't meet our expectation- the mixed grill platter at 220 dirhams included dry, chewy beef and very fatty lamb chop”Google review · November 2021
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Buhayra Lounge is a waterfront lounge bar at Palace Downtown in Downtown Dubai, and its main draw is the outdoor setting: you can dine, order drinks or smoke shisha while looking towards Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. Reviews describe it as calm and polished in the evening, with pool and lake views that make it appealing for a relaxed dinner or a special gathering. The food is more than a backdrop on stronger visits.
Guests mention fresh mezze, well-cooked grills, chicken shawarma, hummus, lamb kebab, spicy potatoes and seafood risotto. Shish tawouk and Umm Ali also receive specific praise, while the shisha is described as smooth in some reviews. Families have used the lounge comfortably, and one couple received a complimentary birthday cake.
Service is generally described as warm and attentive, but it is not completely consistent. Some diners report very slow service, including an almost hour-long wait for food, and Friday nights can be busy. Menu availability has also been an issue.
One review found the AED 220 mixed grill poor value, so asking about current dishes before ordering is sensible. Outdoor comfort depends heavily on the weather. Visit in cooler months if possible, and allow extra time for Downtown traffic at night or on weekends.
Hotel valet parking is available, while fountain visibility may vary during maintenance.