What do you do when the sessions end but the conversations are just getting good? You do not let the moment fade. Some of the best business moves happen when things feel casual and relevant. That’s where Dubai’s after-hours scene builds momentum.

At the CXO 2.0 Conference, attendees make the most of every moment—not just during scheduled sessions, but in the in-between spaces. There’s plenty of time throughout the day to connect, but the real depth often comes later. Maybe it’s dinner with someone you exchanged cards with earlier. Maybe it’s a quiet breakfast the next morning where a half-formed idea turns into a solid opportunity.

In a city like Dubai, those after-hours moments feel effortless. From rooftop lounges to late-night cafes, conversations flow naturally, and connections get stronger. With the leadership summit in 2025 drawing global attention, these informal meetups are becoming just as important as the keynotes. Because when the energy is right, business doesn’t stop at the doors—it just shifts into a new setting.

1. CÉ LA VI Dubai

Location: Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai

Travel Time From Venue: Approximately 20 minutes by car

This rooftop destination offers stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and a skyline that stretches for miles. CÉ LA VI combines contemporary Asian flavors with modern design and a sophisticated energy that attracts global executives and creative thinkers.

It is an ideal space for high-level networking. If you were discussing a potential business collaboration during our leadership conference in Dubai, this is where that conversation can move forward. For attendees meeting investors or international partners, the setting leaves a lasting impression and creates space for decisions to take shape.

2. Il Ristorante – Niko Romito

Location: Bulgari Resort, Jumeirah Bay Island

Travel Time From Venue: Approximately 25 minutes by car

Inside the Bulgari Resort, Il Ristorante offers a calm, focused experience for professionals who appreciate sophisticated surroundings. The Michelin-starred menu features discreet Italian cuisine in an atmosphere that is conducive to discretion and high-quality discussion.

This restaurant supports strategic, executive-level networking. For attendees continuing a high-stakes discussion sparked during the CXO 2.0 Conference, this space offers the privacy and atmosphere to move things forward. It is a natural choice for investor meetings or when turning vision into action.

3. Level 43 Sky Lounge

Location: Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road

Travel Time From Venue: Approximately 25 minutes by car

At Level 43 Sky Lounge, you will find an open-air terrace with panoramic views of the city. The energy is lively, but relaxed. Signature cocktails and skyline vistas provide a welcoming environment where the conversation flows easily.

This roof is ideal for catching up with someone after a session at our 2025 leadership summit in Dubai or looping back with an investor regarding the pitch you just made at the conference. The relaxed setting supports creative exchanges and early collaboration talks. For attendees wanting to follow up in a relaxed, informal setting, this spot strikes the perfect balance.

Source: FasterCapital

4. Hard Rock Cafe Dubai

Location: Dubai Festival City Mall

Travel Time From Venue: Approximately 15-minute walk or 5-minute drive

Hard Rock Cafe adds music, motion, and familiar charm to Dubai’s waterfront. Located just steps from our leadership conference venue, this space offers upbeat service, global cuisine, and a relaxed vibe that feels approachable.

This is perfect for casual networking or team gatherings. You might not plan a business pitch here, but you will likely leave with new connections. It is great for letting conversations evolve without pressure.

5. Attiko Dubai

Location: W Dubai, Mina Seyahi

Travel Time From Venue: Approximately 30 minutes by car

Attiko is a stylish rooftop lounge with views across Dubai Marina. Its blend of curated interiors, ambient beats, and a dynamic international crowd creates a setting that feels both relaxed and aspirational.

This venue suits spontaneous meetups and creative networking. It is especially relevant for startup leaders, branding professionals, or marketing experts. The energy here helps you connect beyond titles and job roles.

6. Arabian Tea House

Location: Al Fahidi Historical District

Travel Time From Venue: Approximately 20 minutes by car

Arabian Tea House offers a break from the city’s fast pace. The space features white arches, turquoise benches, and shaded courtyards inspired by Emirati tradition. It feels calm, local, and deeply inviting.

This is a place for reflective, values-based discussions. It works well for social impact leaders, cultural partners, or those who want to slow down and listen. If you seek depth over speed, this is your spot.

7. XVA Café

Location: XVA Art Hotel, Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai

Travel Time From Venue: Approximately 20 minutes by car

Hidden inside an art hotel, XVA Café combines minimalist design with a creative soul. Its plant-lined courtyard and vegetarian menu attract professionals who value simplicity and inspiration.

Conversations that begin at our leadership conference can easily continue here in a more relaxed and thoughtful setting. This café invites quiet focus, making it ideal for branding discussions, content strategy sessions, or creative planning. When innovation leads the way, the right atmosphere keeps the dialogue clear and intentional.

Make The Most Of Your Time After The Leadership Conference Concludes!

When sessions end, meaningful conversations often find the opportunity to move to more relaxed and inspiring settings, and our host city, Dubai, offers the kind of atmosphere where ideas evolve and partnerships take shape.

Each venue featured brings a different energy to networking. From casual catch-ups to focused business discussions, they create the space to build momentum.

Attendees of our 2025 leadership summit in Dubai will find the perfect setting to extend meaningful conversations. A well-chosen environment can turn a simple discussion into the start of something truly impactful.

Mark these spots—they could be where connections deepen, ideas flourish, and lasting partnerships begin. We’ll see you at the CXO 2.0 Conference this December!

FAQs

Q. What time do most networking spots in Dubai start getting busy in the evening?

A. Most venues begin to fill up around 7:00 PM, just as professionals wrap up their day. Rooftop bars, in particular, get busier closer to 9:00 PM, which makes early evening the ideal time for quieter, more focused conversations.

Q. Are these networking venues more suitable for one-on-one meetings or group settings?

A. Most of the featured spots cater to both. Rooftop lounges like CÉ LA VI offer semi-private tables for intimate discussions, while venues like Hard Rock Cafe Dubai have enough space for informal group meetups.

Q. Are any of the venues suitable for early morning or breakfast meetings the next day?

A. XVA Café and Arabian Tea House are great for early-day networking. They open in the morning and offer a calm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for follow-up conversations after the previous day’s sessions.

Q. What is the networking hour at the CXO 2.0 Conference, and why should I stay for it?

A. The networking hour takes place every evening once the final session ends. It is your chance to shift from structured panels to open, one-on-one conversations with other executives, investors, and thought leaders. Whether you are following up on a pitch or starting a fresh dialogue, this is where deals often begin.

Q. How does the business card exchange session work at the CXO 2.0 Conference?

A. This dedicated session encourages fast-paced introductions and meaningful exchanges. Attendees move through curated networking zones designed to maximize face time. Bring a solid stack of cards, prepare your value proposition, and follow up later that evening or the next morning to build on the connection.