Dubai makes a splash at The World’s...

This year, three Dubai-based venues are recognised among the industry’s elite

The 13th edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars list was announced at a live awards ceremony in London last night.

This year saw the return of the awards being celebrated in person following a virtual announcement in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The awards recognise the work of the entire bar sector over the past year and aim to inspire and aim to encourage hospitality venues in the next crucial stage of recovery.

The 2021 edition of the annual ranking saw bars from 17 countries listed, and London’s Connaught Bar retained the no.1 spot, picking up The World’s Best Bar and The Best Bar in Europe titles.

Dubai’s Zuma was once again crowned The Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa, and cranked on the World’s 50 Best Bars list at no.17.

Also based in Dubai’s DIFC district, Galaxy Bar made its World’s 50 Best Bars debut at no.45. The relative newcomer was named Campari One To Watch last year.

Commenting on the achievement, Tashas Group founder & CEO Natasha Sideris said: “I never would have imagined that what was once a storeroom would become one of the World’s 50 Best Bars! I am truly proud of each member of my team, especially Krystian Hordejuk for living the ethos of Galaxy Bar and carrying the torch so high. Being in the top 50 alongside major league venues such as The Clumsies in Athens or Dante in London, is not only a fantastic recognition for us but also for the UAE and the Middle East.”

Another Dubai-based venue Bulgari Bar Dubai made it on to the long list of 100 bars at no.58.

The World’s 50 Best Bars content editor Mark Sansom said: “Connaught Bar, we salute you – to be named The World’s Best Bar for two consecutive years is a feat that previously only two bars have achieved in the awards’ 13-year history.

“It’s a testament to Ago Perrone and his team’s continued pursuit of excellence, which is encapsulated in the way they have developed and modernised the Martini cocktail.

“It’s been another incredibly tough year for hospitality and the industry’s resilience and togetherness through these challenges is humbling. We hope that the positive stories around the bars’ success in the awards will help to drive vital business in the weeks and months to come.”

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This year’s full list of The World’s Best Bars is below: