Looking for the best spots in Abu Dhabi for evening entertainment in the capital?
Whilst it’s true that Abu Dhabi doesn’t have quite the same thriving nightlife scene as neighbouring Dubai, there’s still plenty to get excited about after dark!
Abu Dhabi nightlife rolls out across a wide spectrum of venues and styles, so there’s something for everyone stepping out into the night. From sumptuous beach bars to cosy pubs and lavish nightclubs, our list below will help you to find your perfect night out.
Best Bars, Pubs & Restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Asia Asia
Fine dining at its best, Asia-Asia offers a variety of delicately prepared east-Asian inspired dishes. The indoor air-conditioned space is beautifully decorated with seats ‘under the cherry tree’, being popular with couples looking for a romantic spot.
In addition to delicious food, the drinks menu contains an array of signature cocktails and Asian beers. Why not start the evening here before heading to one of Yas Bay’s other night spots?
For a special night out, try the Essence of Asia package, which includes a 4-course tasting menu and three drinks for AED 300. Available daily from 6:00 pm.
Where to find Asia Asia: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
Open Sunday to Thursday 6.00 pm-1.00 am and 2.00 pm -1.00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Find out more about Asia Asia Abu Dhabi here
Lock, Stock & Barrel
If you’re looking for a grown-up but fun night out, look no further than Yas Bay’s Lock, Stock and Barrel. The outside terrace is the perfect place to unwind with friends over some tasty pub grub and a few of your favourite bevvies.
Inside is a phenomenal ‘modern-industrial’ club-like space with pool tables, big-screen TVs, comfortable seating, and high tables and bar stools.
There are special offers throughout the week, including Midweek Madness on a Wednesday and Thursday night between 8:00 and 11:00 pm, which includes three hours of unlimited bar bites and selected beverages for 200 AED.
Where to find Lock, Stock and Barrel: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
Open 4.00pm-1.00am Monday to Thursday, 12 noon -3.00 am on Fridays, 1.00 pm-3.00 am on Saturdays and 12 noon-1.00 am on Sundays.
For more details about Lock, Stock & Barrel, click here
The Warehouse Wine & Tapas Bar
The Warehouse is one of the best bars in Abu Dhabi for a sophisticated yet unpretentious night out. The decor complements the bar’s focus on tapas and fine wines from around the world, with grape barrels and leather sofas giving the bar a winery vibe.
There’s a lively atmosphere, good music, and loads of wine-paired deals throughout the week. An amazing promo available every day of the week is the persuasively named ‘Cheese and Wine not?’, which serves up two hours of limitless grapes, cheese and cold cuts for 160 AED per head.
Thursday nights are tapas nights; there’s live entertainment, 4 tapas plates and two hours of unlimited beverages for 160AED.
Where to find The Warehouse Wine & Tapas Bar: Pearl Rotana Capital Centre – Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, near ADNEC, Abu Dhabi
Open Daily 5.00pm- 2.00am.
Learn more about The Warehouse here
Cooper’s
Pubs in Abu Dhabi like Cooper’s make for a more casual night if you’re simply looking for great beer and conversation, away from the dress codes and flashing lights. The informal venue has dark furniture, patterned carpets and barrel tables to give it that British pub vibe and decent prices on nicely chilled beer.
Match days bring in sizeable crowds to watch the action on big screens and get the atmosphere pumping. No pub would be complete without some good old comfort food to be enjoyed alongside a few pints – besides, chicken wings and curly fries are never a bad idea.
Where to find Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant: The Park Rotana, Khalifa Park Road Eastern Ring Rd, Abu Dhabi
Open 12 noon -2.00 am Saturday to Wednesday and 12 noon – 3.00 am on Thursdays and Fridays.
Learn more Coopers and upcoming events here
Filini Garden
All great Abu Dhabi nightlife is initiated with a glorious sunset, and Filini Garden is arguably one of the best spots to experience it. You can watch the day turn to night as the sun goes down over lush golfing greens and the pretty creek below.
The atmosphere is one of a stylish garden party with a DJ spinning lounge beats. This is a popular evening haunt, so booking in advance is advisable. The Monday Bellissima Ladies Night is a brilliant way to start the week with a bang.
Where to find Filini Garden: Radisson Blue, Yas Island, Yas West, Abu Dhabi
Open 5.00 pm to 1.00 am on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5.00 pm – 3.00 am on Mondays and Fridays and 12.30 pm- 2.00 am on Saturdays.
Learn more about Filini Garden here
Dragon’s Tooth
This is a tiny, quirky cocktail bar adjacent to the Dai Pai Dong restaurant. Blink, and you’ll miss it, but you’re transported to old Shanghai once inside. The art deco bar feels glamorous and sophisticated; the staff are helpful and friendly, creating a unique atmosphere.
Where to find Dragon’s Tooth: next to Dai Pai Dong, in the old part of the Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island.
Open 4.00 pm-1.00 am Sunday to Thursday and 4.00 pm – 2.00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Learn more about Dragon’s Tooth here
Loca
Abu Dhabi ladies’ nights are a part of the party culture, but you won’t come across many Mexican bars in Abu Dhabi, making Loca Bar & Restaurant stand out. It’s a casual and fun spot to hang out and has a buzzing atmosphere.
Try some tasty dishes with friends and a range of hops, grapes and cocktails. Mondays see offers on street-food style plates, and Wednesdays are female-focused. The happy hour will also keep a smile on your face as you bop along to some fun tunes at this unique bar.
Where to find Loca Restaurant & Bar: The Galleria, Jazeerat Al Maryah Island, Sowwah Square, Abu Dhabi
Open 12 noon – 2.00 am.
Murphy’s Sports Bar
This traditional Irish pub, tucked inside the Al Ghazal Golf Club, is one of the best sports bars in Abu Dhabi. Sit at the bar with a cold beer as you watch the action on your favourite sports channels. It’s quite a welcome change from the dance bars of Abu Dhabi!
The decor is cosy and clean, with a pool table and dart boards, so there’ll never be a dull moment. Besides the sports bar, Murphy’s also features antique sofa seating to discuss tactics at halftime and a balcony bar for fresh air when emotions are running high.
Where to find Murphy’s: Al Ghazal Golf Club, Airport Freezone Area, Abu Dhabi
Open 10.00 am-2.00 am Sunday to Thursday and 10:00 am – 3:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Learn more about Murphy’s Sports Bar here
Best Lounges & Music Venues in Abu Dhabi
Siddharta Lounge at The Trilogy by Buddha Bar
One of the newest additions to Abu Dhabi’s nightlife scene is the Trilogy by Buddha Bar at Yas Bay. The three venue concept includes the Arabian-inspired Bushra restaurant, Zeera, which serves contemporary Indian cuisine, and the swanky rooftop Siddharta Lounge.
A delicious tapas-style menu, sophisticated signature cocktails and views across the water make Siddharta Lounge the perfect place to chill out. As the sun sets, the atmosphere intensifies with a live DJ, dancers and acrobats at the weekend and on ladies’ nights (Thursdays), making an evening at Siddharta Lounge one of a kind.
Note that a strict dress code does apply.
Where to find Siddharta Lounge: The Trilogy by Buddha Bar, Pier 71, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
Open 6:00 pm to 2:00 am daily.
Learn more about The Trilogy by Buddha Bar here
Hidden Bar
Hidden, as its name suggests, inside the Rosewood Hotel is the oh-so-chic Hidden Bar. Specializing in gin, the lounge bar runs a ‘Gin O’clock’ promotion every Saturday from 6:00 pm until midnight, which includes 2 hours of unlimited G&Ts, house grapes and hops and an antipasti board for 188 AED.
There’s a cosy outdoor terrace offering magnificent views over the water towards downtown Abu Dhabi as well as live piano music. The chilled-out vibe is perfect after you’ve spent the day at work or the beach.
Where to find Hidden Bar: Inside the Rosewood Hotel, Al Maryah Island.
Open 6:00 pm to 3:00 am daily.
Beach House Rooftop
This stylish rooftop bar in Abu Dhabi boasts panoramic views over the Arabian Sea and Saadiyat Beach, perfect for watching the sun go down before easing into the night. The open-air terrace keeps it fresh as you lounge on the soft sofas, perhaps partaking in some of the exotic flavours from the extensive shisha collection.
This is a great choice for Abu Dhabi nightlife if you prefer a more low-key party with a great ambience. Mediterranean finger food and a range of wines and cocktails help to loosen you into the evening.
Where to find Beach House Rooftop: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
Reopening in October 2022
Learn more about the Beach House here
Buddha-Bar Beach
Experience Abu Dhabi at night with the luxurious Buddha-Bar Beach. The tasteful seating is set on an elegant wooden deck right on the beach; just imagine the sunsets! This venue combines tastes, music and style with an amazing location to create an awesome evening in the capital.
Expert mixologists use ingredients from all over the world, creating divine cocktails and mocktails to be savoured alongside chilled-out beats. For a more energetic party vibe, look out for regular sets by international DJs.
Where to find Buddha-Bar Beach: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Open 5.00 pm – 12-midnight Monday-Thursday, 1.00 pm – 1.00 am on Fridays and Saturdays and 1.00 pm – 12 midnight on Sundays.
Learn more about Buddha-Bar Beach here
Manhattan Lounge
One of the best hotel bars in Abu Dhabi is the elegant Manhattan Lounge, situated at the St. Regis on Saadiyat Island. The luxurious bar and lounge is superb for groups; relax on modern couches and upholstered armchairs while sampling exceptional cocktails, with spirits such as blueberry-infused rum and honey-infused tequila.
There’s also a large terrace overlooking the gulf if you’re in need of a cool breeze. If you’re something of a cocktail connoisseur, be sure to try the Manhattan Lounge’s take on a Bloody Mary – the Arabian Snapper with a pinch of Zaatar.
Where to find Manhattan Lounge: St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Open 5.00pm – 2:30am.
Learn more about Manhattan Lounge here
Jazz and Fizz
High up on the 36th and 37th floors of the imposing Sofitel Hotel is the elegant and refined Jazz and Fizz. Relax and unwind with a glass of bubbly as you sink into an evening of smooth jazz and Arabic tunes.
Happy Hour is between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm with 50% off of selected drinks, making it the perfect start to any Abu Dhabi evening.
Note a dress code applies. No flip-flops or tank tops.
Where to find Jazz and Fizz: The Sofitel Hotel, Capital Plaza Complex, Corniche Road East, Abu Dhabi
Open 6.00 pm – 3.00 am daily.
Learn more about Jazz and Fizz here
Best Nightclubs in Abu Dhabi
White on Yas Island
If you love a big night out to let your hair down, head to Abu Dhabi’s glitzy new mega-club, ‘White’. This flamboyant party place is the largest indoor nightclub in the United Arab Emirates and will blow you away with its 360-degree projection mapping, huge LED animated screens and ultra-modern sound technology.
White is well known for its wild parties and world-class DJs, so get ready to dance the night away!
Where to find White: Yas Island, near Leisure Drive, Yas Tunnel, Abu Dhabi
Open Fridays and Saturdays 11.00pm – 3:30am.
Learn more about White on Yas Island here
Hysteria
If you seek a nightclub in Abu Dhabi to live it up into the early hours, Hysteria won’t disappoint. Dancing to bouncing beats under spectacular light shows will get your heart rate going, and with dynamic DJs, there are a number of different events throughout the week.
Hysteria aims to give partygoers an unforgettable experience with high-quality service and innovative concept nights. Ladies’ Night on a Wednesday always goes down smooth, and the Friday Arabic night is a superb way to welcome in the weekend.
Where to find Hysteria: Hilton Capital Grand, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi
Open daily 8:30 pm – 3:30 am.
Relax @ 12
Here’s a rooftop nightclub in Abu Dhabi you won’t want to pass on; sunset and a breeze on the 12th-floor terrace, anyone?
Evening drinks are hard to resist at Relax @ 12 as ambient lighting, plush red sofas and glass window walls set a decadent atmosphere. Spoil yourself with some sushi and superb cocktails before you hit the dance floor and forget all your worries up in the clouds. There’s also a hookah service to puff over some good conversation at one of the best nightclubs in Abu Dhabi.
Where to find Relax @ 12: Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel, Khaleej Alarabi Street, Adnec.
Open Saturday to Tuesday 5.00 pm – 2.00 am and Wednesday- Friday 5.00 pm -3.00 am.
Learn more about Relax @12 here
Drinking in Abu Dhabi – The Rules
Whilst the legal drinking age is actually 18, licensed venues are only allowed to sell alcohol to people over the age of 21.
The UAE continues to have strict rules about public decorum and decency. Whilst alcohol is increasingly available, it is still illegal to be ’drunk’ in public, and public displays of affection continue to be frowned upon. You may see some people flaunting these rules, but we encourage you to exercise caution when under the influence of alcohol in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
You can read more about Abu Dhabi’s current alcohol rules here
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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