Looking for the best Abu Dhabi outdoor bars? You’ve come to the right place.
At the risk of repeating ourselves by talking about the weather, it’s really rather lovely out at this time of year, which is why we’re heading outside on our next night out.
Sure, there are plenty of places to enjoy an indoor meal or drink, but when winter comes around it’s hard to think why you wouldn’t sit outside and enjoy the cooler temperatures at incredible Abu Dhabi outdoor bars.
Ready to enjoy a drink al fresco?
Here are some of the best Abu Dhabi outdoor bars.
ANNEX
Whatever your vibe, this three-storey club, lounge and bar has it all. But, if al fresco is your thing (and we hope it is, or the next 29 listings are going to be a slog) then head to the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy the venue’s signature drinks and bites while taking in the beautiful surroundings of Al Bateen Marina.
Open Wed-Thu 5pm-2am; Fri 8pm-4am; Sat 5pm-4am. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
Aquarium
With spectacular views over Yas Marina, this stylish seafood restaurant is a top place to enjoy the cooler weather. Take a seat on the outdoor terrace and you can enjoy fresh seafood and drinks in the middle of the buzzing promenade. Keep an eye out for the regular promotions and ladies’ nights to bag yourself a good deal and take a seat during sunset for spectacular scenes.
Open Sun-Wed noon-midnight; Thu-Sat noon-1.30am. Yas Marina, Yas Island (800 6996).
Azura Panoramic Lounge
If the word panoramic is in the name then it’s only right that you can expect spectacular views. Azura boasts a top location on the Corniche that gives brilliant vistas over the sea, and serves some creative drinks to boot.
Daily 4pm-1am. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche, Corniche West (02 694 4553).
B Lounge
While away the evening by relaxing at B Lounge at the veteran Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel in the chilled-out lagoon area. This really is one of the most underrated spots in the city and has an incredibly mellow vibe. Whether you pay a visit at night or during the day it’s one of the top Abu Dhabi outdoor bars.
Sun-Wed 10am-2.30am; Thu-sat 10am-1pm. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road East (02 697 0224).
Barfly by Buddha-Bar
Chic and stylish, this cool bar and restaurant at the Venetian Village is a popular hang-out spot all year round. With an outdoor terrace overlooking the Grand Canal it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours enjoying Asian bites and cool drinks well into the wee hours.
Sat-Thu 6pm-2am; Fri 1pm-2am. Venetian Village, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta (056 996 8845).
Beach House
If you’re looking for a top spot to dine al fresco in Abu Dhabi, you can’t go wrong with Beach House. This place leaves a lasting impression with gorgeous Saadiyat sunset views and the sound of the waves while you sip.
Sun-Wed 12.30pm-midnight; Thu-Sat 12.30pm-1am. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1138).
Belgian Café Abu Dhabi
This venue at InterContinental Abu Dhabi is a top pick when it comes to chilling al fresco. With its large terrace area and dedicated bar, you can enjoy Belgian food and drinks while watching the boats come and go from the hotel’s marina. Perfect.
Sat-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Fri noon-2am. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen (050 723 5441).
Bentley Kitchen
One of the best Abu Dhabi outdoor bars, this cool venue at The Galleria Al Maryah Island also boasts a great outdoor seating area. Take your place and you can order some top dishes and drinks while looking across the water towards Al Zahiyah and Downtown Abu Dhabi.
Daily noon-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 626 2134).
Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar
Yes, you’ve got it right, this is a rooftop bar and restaurant. Sitting atop the Aloft Abu Dhabi it’s an atmospheric spot with hearty food coming from the venue’s twin brick ovens. There’s lots to like about this place.
Daily 5pm-midnight. Aloft Abu Dhabi, ADNEC (02 654 5000).
Buddha-Bar Beach
Looking for the best views at Abu Dhabi outdoor bars? Vistas don’t get much better than at the stylish and chic Buddha-Bar Beach. The interior is cooler than the Arctic circle but outside you can make the most of the brilliant views over the Arabian Gulf while enjoying mixed drinks and brilliant Asian bites.
Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sun noon-midnight. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).
Casa De Cuba
With its Latin theme, vibrant décor and laidback atmosphere, Casa De Cuba is one of the most popular Abu Dhabi outdoor bars. It has great views of the marina and plays brillant music, too.
Wed-Sun 5pm-3am. Yas Marina, Yas Island (056 742 7435).
Coopers Bar and Restaurant
Sometimes only a proper pub will do and with live sport, great grub and drink deals almost all-day long, Cooper’s up there with the best of them. Outside, however, the terrace is a bit more refined, making it another great choice among Abu Dhabi outdoor bars. Check it out if you don’t believe us.
Sat-Wed noon-2am; Thu-Fri noon-3am. Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3325).
Eclipse Terrace Lounge
We don’t know what it is about poolside bars but when the sun sets and the lights reflect off the water they give us all the feels. This place is super cool and has a great food menu as well as bartenders who do a mean mixed drink. Just try to refrain from jumping in the pool, okay?
Daily 11am-midnight. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 333 2444).
Filini Garden
Filini Garden is one of the most popular spots in the city and it’s easy to see why. Cool, sleek and sophisticated design, great food and drinks, views out over Yas Island and a chilled party vibe in the evenings. It doesn’t get much better, especially with the regular promotions on drinks and food and music from top DJs. What more can you ask for from one of the top Abu Dhabi outdoor bars?
Sun 5pm-1am; Mon 5pm-3am; Tues 5pm-1am; Wed 5pm-midnight; Fri 12.30pm-3am; Sat 12.30pm-1am. Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding skyscrapers and looking out across the water towards the city, Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s Glo has a picture-perfect setting. Head along and you can order drinks at the outdoor bar and take those killer selfies for Instagram while enjoying a chilled afternoon or evening. It’s one of the best Abu Dhabi outdoor bars for the ‘gram.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 550).
Hakkasan Terrace
It’s a big shout but we’ll say it, Hakkasan Terrace is one of the most beautiful bars in the UAE. With private cabanas, loads of space and scenic views out from the Emirates Palace towards the city, it’s an idyllic place to tuck into some top-class Chinese food while enjoying a drink or two.
Sun-Fri 6pm-11.30pm; Sat noon-3.30pm, 6pm-11.30pm. Emirates Palace, Corniche West (02 690 7739).
Hidden Bar
Despite the name, this cool venue on the ground floor of Rosewood Abu Dhabi isn’t very hard to find at all and once you do get there you’ll be glad you sought it out. It’s a classy spot and home to the largest collection of juniper-based drinks in the capital, we hear. The terrace outside looks out onto the city over the Al Maryah waters.
Sat-Wed 6pm-3am; Thu-Fri 6pm-4am. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Iris
Classy and a magnet for the in-crowd, Iris has been a buzzing nightspot on Yas Island since the second it opened, quickly climbing through the ranks of the best Abu Dhabi outdoor bars. With a great view of Yas Marina, an upbeat soundtrack from the DJs and good food and mixed drinks, it’s perfect if you fancy a big night out.
Sun-Mon 6pm-3.30am; Wed-Fri 6pm-3.30am; Sat noon-3.30am. Yas Marina, Yas Island (055 160 5636).
Li Jiang
If you’re looking for a spectacular backdrop for selfies then it doesn’t get much more picturesque than the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The outdoor area at this cool Asian restaurant is one of the most chilled in the city and the views are just spectacular. One of the best Abu Dhabi outdoor bars.
Daily 5pm-11pm. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta (02 818 8282).
Nasma Beachfront Bar
Head to the Saadiyat Rotana’s beachfront bar and you dip your toes in the sand while sipping on a refreshing drink. The views are incredible and there aren’t many Abu Dhabi outdoor bars that get you so close to the sea.
Sun-Thu 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0000).
Pacifico TIKI
With a picturesque waterfront location at Al Bandar, this cool tiki-themed hangout is a popular one. Head along and you can take in the views across the waters of Yas Island with a bite and a drink while making the most of the cooler climate at this time of year. This is a really fun place to hang out and one of the top Abu Dhabi outdoor bars.
Daily noon-2am. Al Bandar, Al Reef (050 696 9298).
PJ O’Reilly’s
What we love about this pub most is that there are no tricks or gimmicks. It’s an honest Irish pub and we love it. You can expect good pub grub, drinks and music, and they can all be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace overlooking the hotel’s pool. It’s one of the homiest of all the Abu Dhabi outdoor bars,
Sun-Wed noon-2am, Thu noon-3am, Fri 9am-3am, Sat 9am-2am. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Street (02 695 0515).
Stars N Bars
With a packed menu, loads of great deals on drinks, a good atmosphere and a top location, it should come as no shock that Stars N Bars is usually lively. When the heat dies down, the outdoor seating area is a brilliant place to gaze out to Yas Marina and enjoy a leisurely drink and bite.
Sun-Thu noon-1am, Fri-Sat noon-2am. Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).
Stills
Laying claim to the longest bar in the city (you won’t see it from the outdoor terrace but it’s inside if you want a look), Stills has a sprawling terrace that’s perfect for gathering a few pals together for food and drinks. Happy hour is good, too.
Sat-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Fri noon-3am. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 3066).
The Scene by Simon Rimmer
There’s always a great deal on at The Scene, and with its inviting outdoor terrace it’s a great spot to dine outdoors, too. You can enjoy views of Yas Marina as you tuck into some top-pub grub and cool drinks at one of the best Abu Dhabi outdoor bars.
Tue-Thu 3pm-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-midnight. Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 1330).
The Sportsman’s Arms
If you want to watch people playing tennis while slurping on a few drinks, The Sportsman’s Arms is top choice. With great grub on offer, too, you can whittle away a few hours no problem. Plus, it’s dog friendly, which is brilliant for pet-owners.
Sat-Wed 8am-midnight, Thu-Fri 8am-1am. Zayed Sports City (02 447 1066).
Waves Pool Bar
Looking for Abu Dhabi outdoor bars with a poolside view? Waves Pool Bar is a great spot to enjoy a drink, even if you don’t bring your swimmers. With good food and a great selection of drinks you can chill for a few hours until the sun has long set to enjoy the cooler weather outdoors.
Daily 11am-1am. Novotel Al Bustan, Rabdan Street (02 501 6088).
WET Deck
Kick back and relax at this rooftop bar at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island and you can make the most of the chilled vibe, all while sneaking a peek at Yas Marina Circuit below. The mixed drinks and cool décor make it a great spot for a selfie to post on Instagram and make your friends at home jealous.
Open daily, 11am-midnight. W Abu Dhabi –Yas Island (02 656 0000).
Up and Below
If you’re looking for cool downtown views, Up and Below on the top floor of Courtyard by Marriott is a perfect destination. Sitting between the World Trade Center towers in the heart of downtown, you can enjoy some bar food and drinks by the pool while the weather is inviting.
Sat-Wed 3pm-1am; Thu-Fri 3pm-2.30am. Courtyard by Marriott, Hamdan Street (02 698 2222).
