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Abu Dhabi Nightlife

Since the country's licensing laws restrict the sale of alcohol, some of the best after dark action in Abu Dhabi can be restricted to the hotels. However, if you want upmarket bars, rooftop lounges and flashy clubs, there is plenty of action available if you know where to look.

For up-to-date information about clubbing, concerts and other cultural goings-on, check out The Capital List (www.thecapitallist.ae) and Time Out (www.timeoutabudhabi.com).

Bars in Abu Dhabi

Hemingway’s

Given its name, you’d be forgiven for assuming that Hemingway’s is a literary inspired bar, but this spot in the Hilton Abu Dhabi is actually a South American restaurant-cum-sports bar. There are plenty of TV screens for catching the latest game and race action, plus live music from a house band from Monday to Saturday.

Address: , Corniche Road West, Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 692 4247
Website: https://ar.hilton.com/en_ar/hotels/hilton-abu-dhabi/

McGettigan’s Abu Dhabi

Swigging from the same bottle as its sister boozers across the world, McGettingan’s is an Irish chain pub with free flowing drinks and a great menu of hearty grub. That’s where the pub similarities end: expect backlit bars, polished floors and a tiled celling. McGettingan’s also has regular drink promotions.

Address: , Al Raha Beach Hotel and Resort, Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 652 4333.
Website: http://www.mcgettigans.com/auh/

Ray’s Bar

Located on the 62nd floor of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Ray’s Bar is definitely the best bar with a view in Abu Dhabi. With a chic ambience, delicious range of cocktails, international cuisine and great music, Ray’s Bar has it all. This really is the place to be for a luxurious night out. Its regular drinks promotions keep the party going well into the early hours too.

Happy hour at Ray’s Bar is 1700-2100 and the dress code is smart-casual.

Address: West Corniche, 62nd floor at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, 111929
Telephone: +971 2 811 5666
Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/abu-dhabi/jumeirah-etihad-towers/restaurants-and-bars-at-jumeirah-at-etihad-towers/rays-bar/

Stratos

From the glow beneath the bar to the gleaming cushions, gold is the theme at this hidden gem in Le Royal Meridien. Boasting some of the best vistas in the city, it also has one of the best gimmicks. Slowly rotating 360 degrees, this bar is ideal for sun downers – sip on an expertly mixed cocktail and drink in that view. You must be at least 21 years old to enter and proof of age may be required upon request.

Address: , Le Royal Meridien Hotel,Fatima Bint Mubarak Street, Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 695 0490.
Website: http://www.stratosabudhabi.com

Trader Vic's

Located in the Beach Rotana hotel, Trader Vic’s is styled as a Polynesian Tiki bar, complete with wicker furniture, wooden canoes and mean Mai Tai cocktails. Do note that despite the casual dress code and Polynesian theme, open-toed shoes, shorts, caps and beachwear aren’t allowed. It also has a live band performing every now and again.

Address: , Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers, 10th Street, Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 697 9011
Website: http://tradervics.com/locations/abu-dhabi/

Clubs in Abu Dhabi

Hysteria

Well, the name says it all. Expect bright colours, light shows, big bass, fancy drinks and all the glam you can point a stick at. Hysteria is the place to go for a night of frenzy, wildness and delirium. Casual dress is expected.

 

Address: , Level 1 Hilton Capital Grand, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St, Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 54 444 7841
Website: http://hysteriaclub.ae/

Legends

Styled in gold and black, with plenty of plush velvet, this recent addition to the Abu Dhabi glamorous nightlife scene is located in the Sheraton and it has already developed a loyal following. Socialite Paris Hilton and garage star Craig David are among the names that have already played here. Dress to impress.

Address: Abu Dhabi Corniche, Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 50 662 7253
Website: https://www.facebook.com/LegendsAbuDhabi

Live music in Abu Dhabi

Sax

This former jazz bar in Le Royal Meridien Hotel has had a facelift. When touring musicians and local fusion acts turn up, soft lighting and intimate atmosphere are all part of the live music package, otherwise expect bumping tunes and DJs packing out the dancefloor. Smart dress required.

Address: , Le Royal Méridien, Khalifa Bin Zayed The First Street, Abu Dhabi,
Telephone: +971 2 674 1286
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SAXAbuDhabi/

Classical music in Abu Dhabi

Dance in Abu Dhabi

Theatres in Abu Dhabi

Music and Dance in Abu Dhabi

Culture in Abu Dhabi

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Featured Hotels

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Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi

Recently renovated, this high-end hotel with 202 guest rooms and 74 luxury suites, offers indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wireless internet access, a fitness centre with sauna and steam room and a squash hall. Le Royal Méridien also has nine restaurants and bars and excellent facilities for business meetings and banquets.

Emirates Palace

Allegedly one of the most expensive hotels ever built, this stunning palace boasts nearly 400 magnificent rooms and suites. Facilities include 10 on-site restaurants, a spa, a swimming pool and a private beach. Even if you can’t stay the night, book an unforgettable afternoon tea at Le Vendome.

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi

This luxurious 5-star hotel is undoubtedly the most iconic building on Yas Island. Built over a racetrack and with unrivalled access to Yas Marina, its on-site amenities include huge modern rooms, world-class bars, restaurants and a stunning rooftop pool. It’s also the hot ticket during the Formula One season.

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

This gorgeous resort is far enough from the mainland to feel like a true escape from the city, but still has plenty of on-site entertainment to ensure a pleasant stay. Along with classy, residential-style rooms, 5-star restaurants and glamorous bars, there’s also a lovely spa and stunning private beach.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort

Overlooking the Arabian Gulf the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort has 272 guest rooms and suites all luxuriously appointed and offering high-speed Internet access. The 5-star stay has excellent restaurants a business centre and state of the art banqueting and conference facilities. Ask for a room overlooking the sea for the best view.

Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri

Located 15 minutes from the city centre, the magnificent Shangri-La boasts over 200 rooms and suites, plus some of the best restaurants and bars in the city. More palace than city hotel, be sure to ask for a room with a view of the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.