Not at about £9 a glass lol. You can't just walk into a bar in Dubai, you need to know where they are, you don't just 'pass' then on your travels. They are hidden at the top of buildings, or in cellars at the back of hotels etc. Our hotel didn't even have a bar (millenium plaza). We ended up at the top of Sheraton four point, which had amazing views over the city to be fair!
I think you were going to the wrong places 95% of all hotels have atleast one bar and theres many out in public, on the beaches (barasti and zero gravity super popular every day of the week) and all around. The sky lounge on that sheraton is a nice spot of SZR but a bit dear.
Ofcourse the price is higher but friday brunch is excellent value for money where youll spend £40 for a 6 hour open bar and unlimited good food! Also the vast majority have happy hour deals for a few hours a day every day (bar the weekend) which is then half price! Entertainer vouchers also makes most things buy one get one free on meals so give it a google.
Also dont forget the weekend is Friday/Saturday here Can affect flight prices