12 of the best places to meet colleagues and clients at Expo

Connecting Travel rounds up convenient and convivial meeting places for Expo 2020 Dubai business soirées

Wondering where to meet colleagues or host clients at Expo 2020 Dubai? After or even between conferences, refreshments will be welcome. Here are 12 recommendations to suit various occasions, from casual lunches and high-end dinners to shisha and expertly crafted drinks. For the remainder of November, Expo 2020 Dubai tickets are half-price at just AED45, saving you the cost of at least one tipple.

1. Iris Lounge
An offshoot of the popular Dubai restaurant, Iris occupies a two-storey space and features a menu inspired by flavours from the Mediterranean, Japan and South America. Hand-crafted cocktails and shisha are served upstairs.
Opening Times: 12am to 11pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 12am to 1am, Thursday to Friday
Location: Al Forsan Park, First Floor, Food Hall 3

2. Irish Village
Recreating the culture and hospitality of a traditional Irish pub, The Irish Village delivers a little taste of Ireland through both its classic dishes and drinks. The style of cooking is rooted in comforting family meals with generous portions.
Opening Times: 11am to 12pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 11am to 1am, Thursday to Friday
Location: Jubilee Park, Ground Floor

3. Alkebulan African Food Hall
Alkebulan toasts African culture with music (from blues, soul, afrobeats and reggae to afro Latino), delivered by DJs and performers from Tuesday to Saturday. Jiko Cocktails by Tribe Hotel Kenya brings together the flavours and spirits of Africa through shaken, stirred, muddled and strained creations from talented bartender Kelvin Thaiya. Bar Cane by Coco is the place to find a sweet fix, serving doughnuts and dessert cocktails.
Opening Times: 10am to 12pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 10am to 1am, Thursday to Friday
Location: Jubilee, Food Hall 2

4. Garden on 1 Sports Lounge
Garden on 1 Sports Lounge is a casual hangout for sports fans. Watch the latest events while you sip on craft ales and sample a host of grazing dishes to share. This spot is ideal for larger groups, with after-work entertainment including live music, bingo and quiz nights.
Opening Times: 12am to 11:30pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 12am to 1am, Thursday to Friday
Location: Mobility District, Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub

5. Jubilee Mixology
With views of Al Wasl Dome, the Jubilee Mixology rooftop bar features the world’s largest 360-degree projection and a resident DJ spinning house, lounge, jazz and more. A signature bar menu, curated by head chef Guilherme Freire, includes dishes such as cured hamachi, smoked duck and Wagyu sandos. The interesting drinks list is inspired by previous world fairs.
Opening Times: 10am to 12pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 10am to 1am, Thursday to Friday
Location: Al Wasl, Rooftop, Parcel C

6. Mudrá
Mudrá, by chef Matthew Kenney, is a lively rooftop venue with views across Expo and a good selection of plant-based cuisine for non-meat-eaters. The menu features pizzas, gourmet burgers and novel sushi preparations. DJ sets play from Thursday to Sunday, attract a party crowd ready to let their hair down.
Opening times: 10am to 12pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 10am to 1am, Thursday to Friday
Location: Sustainability District, Rooftop, Terra, The Sustainability Pavilion

7. Scarpetta
Bringing its first-ever burrata bar to the UAE, Scarpetta’s kitchen features bold flavours and seasonal ingredients. The signature pasta is made in-house daily and Scarpetta’s famous tomato and basil spaghetti is classic simplicity in both taste and preparation.
Opening times: 11am to 12pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 11am to 1am, Thursday to Friday
Location: Mobility District, Ground Floor, MS 02

8. Kojaki
Kojaki is a Japanese-Korean fusion concept where Korean barbecue meets Japanese robata. Chic and intimate, Kojaki’s feels luxurious. Book here to share a high-end dining experience with your clients.
Opening times: 10am to 12pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 11am to 1am, Thursday to Friday
Location: Opportunity District, First Floor, 0S 07

9. DA by CrabChic
Serving fresh seafood direct from Russia, DA by CrabChic stands out for its food quality and presentation. Diners can enjoy the live entertainment and outdoor seating with an array of shisha flavours to choose from.
Opening Times: 10am to 12pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 10am to 1am, Thursday to Friday
Location: Al Wasl, Parcel A Rooftop

10. BeHAPPY
BeHAPPY showcases some of what Belgium has to offer in the kitchen, from moules to hops. The rooftop venue is quickly becoming a favourite among Expo-goers for its relaxed ambience and friendly service.
Opening Times: 10am to 10pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 10am to 10pm, Thursday to Friday
Location: Belgium Pavilion, Mobility District

11. Switzerland Pavilion Rooftop Bar
Atop the Swiss Pavilion, this rooftop haven has views aplenty. Soak them up with the bar’s signature Expo 2020 cocktail or a glass of Swiss grape. They have a wide selection, to be enjoyed with a Swiss platter, fully loaded with cold meats and Swiss cheeses.
Opening Times: 10am to 10pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 10am to 10pm, Thursday to Friday
Location: Switzerland Pavilion, Opportunity District

12. The Local Aussie Bar
Set in the Australian pavilion and recreating the look and feel of an authentic Aussie local, guests looking for a laid-back ‘watering hole’ can enjoy Australian grapes and craft hops here.
Opening Times: 10am to 12pm, Saturday to Wednesday; 10am to 1am, Thursday to Friday
Location: Australia Pavilion, Mobility District