Recent years have seen a big shake-up in Abu Dhabi’s nightlife scene, with many new developments around the city and an increasing number of stunning rooftop bars opening up.
Whilst most are not of the magnitude of those in Dubai, they offer a small and sophisticated setting with unique views and experiences to allow for a memorable evening in the UAE’s captivating capital.
Whether it’s for the view or the general ambience, here’s our roundup of some of the best rooftop bars in Abu Dhabi.
1. The Beach House’s Shala Rooftop Bar, Park Hyatt
If you want to be whisked away to a chilled-out beach setting with stunning views of the Arabian Sea, head to the Beach House at the Park Hyatt on Saadiyat Island. Between the cool beats of the gentle beach house playlist, listen to the waves lapping against the sand just meters away from the bar at one of the best lounges in Abu Dhabi.
Whether you choose to sit in the beachside restaurant or upstairs on the roof terrace, you’re assured some of the best food in Abu Dhabi, as well as carefully crafted cocktails. It’s the perfect setting for sophisticated cocktails or a romantic evening meal.
Open 12.30 pm to 12 midnight Sunday to Wednesday and 12.30 pm until 1.00 am Thursday to Saturday.
Where to find the Beach House: The Park Hyatt Hotel, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Learn more about The Beach House here
Can you drink Alcohol in Abu Dhabi? Don’t miss our lowdown on Abu Dhabi’s alcohol rules.
2. Siddharta Lounge, Yas Bay Waterfront
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.
Open Monday to Thursday 5.00 pm until 2.00 am and Friday to Sunday 5.00 pm until 3.00 am
Where to find Siddharta Lounge: The Trilogy by Buddha Bar, Pier 71, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Learn more about Siddharta Lounge here
3. Glo Bar, The Rosewood Hotel
Situated by the pool on the 3rd floor of the Rosewood Hotel, Glo offers stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline in a relaxed yet sophisticated setting. Enjoy laid-back beats under the signature tree-like ‘Glo-Brellas’ that light the night sky.
Every Tuesday is ladies’ night with three free drinks for ladies between 6:00 and 9:00 pm and 20% off all food and beverages from 9:00 pm until closing. There’s a DJ and live music from resident saxophonist Milan, who is sure to wow with his exuberant performance.
Open Sunday to Thursday, 12 noon until 1.00 am, and Friday and Saturday, 12 noon until 2.00 am
Where to find Glo: The Rosewood Hotel, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.
4. The ANNEX, Edition Hotel
Edition Hotel has brought a new level of sophistication to Abu Dhabi’s nightlife. Found in the Al Bateen Marina area of the city. The Annex is a multi-level social space with a club on the ground floor, a lounge with pool tables and a rooftop bar on the third floor.
The bar has superb views over the Marina towards Etihad Towers and its surrounding high rises. It is known for its modern decor, beautiful luxury touches, great service, and delicious Peruvian-inspired menu.
Every Thursday is ladies’ night, with ladies enjoying unlimited selected beverages from 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm for 100 AED, plus there’s also 30% off the food menu. Gents can enjoy 2 hours of unlimited beverages for 150 AED.
Open Thursdays 5.00 pm to 2.00 am and Fridays and Saturdays, 7.00 pm to 4.00 am
Where to find The Annex: Al Bateen Marina, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi.
Learn more about the Annex here.
5. Diablito, Yas Marina
Looking for easy Mediterranean bites in a relaxed atmosphere? Relaxed rooftop restaurant in Abu Dhabi Diablito is in the heart of Yas Marina, overlooking the luxury yachts and the W Hotel Yas Island. The menu includes pizza, Spanish omelettes, paella and a good range of mocktails and cocktails.
With an outdoor terrace on the ground floor and an open rooftop bar, it’s a wonderful winter spot, in prime position for GP action in November but enjoyable throughout the winter al fresco dining season in Abu Dhabi.
Open Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 noon until 12 midnight, and 12 noon until 2.00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where to find Diablito: Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Learn more about Diablito here.
6. The Overlook, Yas Island
Located on level 7 of the WB Hotel, the Overlook offers a calm oasis from the hustle and bustle of Yas Island’s theme parks. The sophisticated space includes indoor and outdoor seating by the hotel’s beautiful infinity pool.
It’s not the liveliest bar on our list, but it boasts beautiful sunset views, views across Yas Island, the mangroves and the Arabian Gulf beyond.
Tuesday nights are taco night at the overlook, with lots of tasty Mexican toppings to choose from. Guests can also enjoy happy hour from 5.00 pm until 9.00 pm with 50% off of selected drinks (available daily).
Open Monday to Friday 12.00 pm until 2.00 am and Saturday and Sunday 11.00am until 2.00 am.
Where to find The Overlook: The WB Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Learn more about The Overlook here
7. Brick Kitchen and Rooftop Bar, Aloft
Located on the 12th floor of the Aloft Hotel in the Capital Gate area of the city, Brick Kitchen and rooftop bar offers incredible views across to the Abu Dhabi landmark, Capital Gate Tower (the world’s “leaniest” tower) and extends over the outskirts of the city to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the distance and the Arabian Gulf beyond.
The kitchen’s signature brick ovens, Henry and Henrietta, cook up a storm – dishes include Spicy Beed Chorizo and Roasted Spicy Cajun Chicken Wings, as well as delicious wood-fired pizzas.
Why not make a reservation for Brick’s Thursday Night Brunch? With packages starting at 255 AED per person, it’s excellent value for money.
Open daily 5.00 pm to 12 midnight.
Where to find Brick Kitchen: Aloft Hotel, Near Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Capital Gate/Khaleej Al Arabi, Abu Dhabi
Learn more about Brick Kitchen here.
8. Relax@12 , Aloft
Also located on the 12th floor of the Aloft Hotel is Relax@12. A comfortable lounge bar with views across the Zayed Sports City area of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and the Capital Gate Tower.
Offering sushi bites and a good selection of cocktails and mocktails, Relax@12 is a great place to chill out with friends at Aloft Abu Dhabi rooftop bar.
Open Saturday to Tuesday 5.00 pm to 2.00 am and Wednesday to Friday 5.00 pm to 3.00 am.
Where to find Relax@12: Aloft Hotel, Near Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Capital Gate/Khaleej Al Arabi, Abu Dhabi
Learn more about Relax@12 here.
Looking at nightlife in Dubai? Here are our top 20 favoruite rooftops in Dubai
9. 18 Degrees, Andaz
One of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic buildings is the Capital Gate Tower. The building was constructed to lean 18 degrees to the west and emulate a desert whirlwind. It really is an engineering marvel and Shouldn’t be missed on your Abu Dhabi itinerary.
Hyatt’s Andaz Hotel occupies the building with several bars and restaurants. If you’d like to have cocktails in Abu Dhabi’s leaning landmark, head to 18 Degrees on the 18th floor for fantastic city views. It’s the perfect place for pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks.
Whilst you can order tasty bites from the very tempting 18-degree menu, the adjacent franco-Arabian Cyan Brasserie also offers elegant indoor dining. Alternatively, head to the Rayana Lounge Latin Tapas Bar on the 19th floor.
Open daily 4.00 pm to 1.00 am. Food served from 6:00 pm.
Where to find 18 Degrees: The Andaz Hotel, Capital Gate Tower, next to ADNEC, off Khaleej Al Arabi, Abu Dhabi.
Learn more about 18 Degrees here
10. Azura Panoramic Lounge
On the third floor of one of the most beautiful hotels in Abu Dhabi, the Azura Panoramic Lounge is a relaxing rooftop pool terrace during the day and a chilled-out lounge by night. Offering unique views along the Corniche with delicious Mediterranean and Arabic dishes and an extensive collection of beverages and shisha, this is a classic, chilled-out bar in Abu Dhabi to visit in winter.
There’s a live DJ every Saturday between 6.00 pm and 10.00 pm. The daily ‘Ginventory’ offer allows you to choose 4 gin-based cocktails and a savoury dish for 200 AED and is well worth a try!
Open 4.00 pm to 1.00 am Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
Where to find Azura Panoramic Lounge: The St. Regis Hotel, Nation Towers, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi.
Learn more about Azura Panoramic Lounge here
11. The Art Lounge at The Louvre
Nestled on the iconic rooftop of the Abu Dhabi Louvre, The Art Lounge provides a sophisticated venue for enjoying drinks and light bites with unobstructed city skyline views.
The bar stays open long after the last admission to the museum. There are various theme nights and offers throughout the week, including a daily buy one get one free offer between 7.30 and 9.30 pm, a sushi night on Wednesdays, and a ladies’ night on Saturdays. It’s the perfect way to finish your day of sightseeing.
Open 5.00 pm to 11.00 pm Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
Where to find The Art Lounge: The Louvre Museum, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
Learn more about The Art Lounge here.
12. At 25
Excellent service awaits you at At 25, the rooftop bar in the heart of the city. Located in the Marriott hotel in the Al Wahda area of the city, At 25 is Abu Dhabi’s highest rooftop lounge.
The recently renovated venue has both indoor and outdoor seating along the pool terrace. The menu includes a variety of grilled dishes and tasty bites, many of which have an Arabic twist. There is an extensive drinks menu, and shisha is also available.
At 25 provides a chilled-out atmosphere, great service, good food, and truly magnificent views. What more could you want from a night out in Abu Dhabi?
Open 11.00am until 1.00am daily.
Where to find At 25: The Marriott Hotel Downtown, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, near Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi.
More About Roof Top Bars in Abu Dhabi
The information contained within this article was last updated November 2023. Note that most Abu Dhabi rooftop bars are closed during the hotter summer months, closing in around May and reopening in late September or October when the evening temperature and humidity start to drop.
Outdoor venues can close at short notice for group bookings and due to adverse weather conditions. Do phone ahead to check that the venue is open. Booking is advisable for most Abu Dhabi venues, particularly on weekends and ladies’ nights.
Know the rules! Alcohol in Dubai
Whilst the legal drinking age in Abu Dhabi 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.
For more information about Abu Dhabi’s alcohol rules, click here.
You may also want to learn more about the best Sports Bars in Abu Dhabi – or bargain huners, check out the best Ladies Nights in Abu Dhabi for every night of the week.
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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