MustHaveSoul @ Monte-Carlo Beach Club
Offering a much-needed break from the thudding house tunes you’ll find everywhere else in the city, Abu Dhabi’s most soulful Friday night is back on the calendar from September 16. This time, though, resident DJ Simon Reid has found a new home for their silky smooth tunes, moving from Pearls to Saadiyat Island’s Sea Lounge. Not heard of it? That’s because it’s been open for a grand total of two weeks, providing tipples and chill-out tunes to the city’s chicest loungers at the brand new Monte-Carlo beach club. Simon is joined by Conan Liquid and Melohman for the opening party, with big name international stars set to grace the decks once a month.
Every Friday from September 16. Sea Lounge, Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 656 3500)
Paparazzi @ Allure
Having enjoyed a busy first half of the year, Allure has quickly become one of the biggest hits on the city’s nightlife scene. And though it’s thanks in part to some quirky theme nights (headgear-orientated Where’s Your Hat At? brought some pretty interesting characters out of the woodwork), it’s the regular Thursday night helping of killer house tunes that really made the Yas Island venue the talk of the town. Paparazzi is back once again for the autumn and, thankfully, the recipe of big beats, stylish punters and super-late opening hours remains unchanged. The bar may not be cheap, but if you allow yourself one blow-out this month, make sure it’s this.
Dhs100. Every Thursday. Allure, Yas Marina & Yacht Club, Yas Island (02 656 0050)
PJs in the Pool @ PJ O’Reilly’s
During the summer months, PJs offered the perfect escape from the blazing heat, with enough live sport and classic rock anthems to convince you that you’d been transported to a gruff Irish bar somewhere south of Dublin. With the temperature dropping, the city’s original party pub is moving the shenanigans outside, with its new weekly poolside shindig. Simply drop into PJs between noon and 7pm, and you’ll be granted free access to the neighbouring open air swimming pool, with chillout tunes laid on courtesy of DJ Chris Delaney. Expect bombing aplenty and – let’s face it – a beer belly or two.
Free. Every Saturday from September 17. PJ O’Reilly’s, Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah (02 674 2020)
Beach Party @ Maya Island
We’re willing to bet that, when you moved to Abu Dhabi, you had images in your head of wild nights spent dancing barefoot on the beach. Well, this weekly party, based just a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland, is where you can make these dreams come true. Whether you head for the sand or cool off in the pool (complete with swim-up bar), the house tracks ought to keep you and your fellow thang-shakers busy, with Radio 1’s Simon B regularly putting in a guest appearance on the decks. And the best part? Let’s just say that, with no neighbours to worry about, this one keeps on going until very, very late.
Dhs100 including transportation from Al Maya jetty (behind Khalidiya Rotana). Every Friday. Al Maya Island & Resort (050 792 1905)
Mingle @ Left Bank
As one of the few venues to keep its ladies night running throughout Ramadan, this upmarket spot in Souk Qaryat Al Beri has won plenty of female fans over the past month or so. DJs are expected to liven things up during September, so we’d anticipate a crush at the bar when the so-generous-it-should-probably-be-illegal offer of five drinks for five dirhams kicks in at 8pm. Of course, for a break from the madness, there’s always the slightly more chilled out decking area at the back, where you can take the weight off your heels and let those loosened-up lips get down to some serious gossiping.
Dhs5. Every Wednesday. Left Bank, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1680)
