Last week, World’s 50 Best named the concepts that made it onto their list for 2021, and two bars from Dubai were included.

In the 17th place came Zuma, Dubai. Modern Japanese izakaya Zuma has outposts all over the world, but it’s the Dubai venue’s cocktails and hospitality that really stand out. The high-energy square bar allows for a view of the action regardless of where you are sitting. The menu is split into several sections, using unique ingredients to create signatures or give classic cocktails a Japanese twist. The Nomikai section features Japanese variations of Italian aperitivo, such as the Japanese Garibaldi, which adds yuzu cordial to the classic drink of Campari and cold-pressed orange juice.

Galaxy Bar, Dubai, took the 45th spot. The bar’s current menu draws inspiration from the constellations, and Greek spirit Metaxa features heavily throughout the cocktails, such as the refreshing Titan of the Sun, with Metaxa, green cordial, bitters and soda. Scorpius is the bar’s earthy take on a Negroni, with gin, Italian aperitivo, vermouth rosso, beetroot and chocolate bitters.

For the second consecutive year, Connaught Bar was named The Best Bar in Europe and The World’s Best Bar 2021, sponsored by Perrier. It is the quintessential London hotel bar, but in its poise, elegance and the leadership of Agostino Perrone, Giorgio Bargiani and Maura Milia, it has a distinct Italian accent.