The UAE’s best swim-up pool bars

Summer plans seem sorted with this list of the UAE’s best swim-up bars at some of the country’s best pools, where you can get deliciously refreshing bevvies and lip-smacking snacks without having to walk out from the cool water.

Swim straight up to the bar and order at these swim-up bars, designed to keep you chilled all summer long.

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Andreea’s, Dubai

The beautiful beach club is three times the size it was previously and now features a super-sized swimming pool with a swim-up bar and in-water loungers. Sunbeds are spread around the pool, alongside umbrellas, towels, and luxurious shaded cabanas for the ultimate day out.
Dhs250 minimum spend (women) and Dhs300 minimum spend (men). Daily, 10am-10pm. Andreea’s Beach Club, Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection, Dubai (058 693 5778).

Azure Pool & Beach Bar, Ras Al Khaimah

Dine on casual Mediterranean fare by the pool at Azure or swim up to the pool bar for a cool mixed beverage. Refresh and unwind in temperature-controlled swimming pools, set against the blue water of the Arabian Sea. For adults looking for the ultimate peace, they have a similar offer at the adults-only Sunset Beach Club & Lounge for the same price.
Dhs200 per adult (Dhs150 redeemable on food and beverage) and Dhs100 per kid aged four-12 (Dhs75 redeemable on food and beverage). Azure Pool & Beach Bar, Ras Al Khaimah, RKTWA.GM@waldorfastoria.com (07 203 5555)

Bayshore Beach Club, Abu Dhabi

The Bayshore Club at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi has a lot going for it, if you are looking for a beach pass for a day. We could tell you about the long stretch of private beach, the waterslide and the impressive menu. But, if you’re like us, you won’t get much further than a seat at the swim-up bar and its infinity pool views.
Dhs120 (couple), Dhs75 (per man), Dhs50 (per woman), and Dhs30 (per child) for access to the pool. Open daily 9am-7pm. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, www.abudhabi.intercontinental.com/the-bayshore-offers (02 697 2317).

La Baie, Dubai

A cool Mediterranean vibe, signature serves on tap, and a stylish swim-up bar already scream ideal pool day, but there’s more. Picture this – dipping into the adults’ only pool and afterwards, cooling off in your private cabana with the finest grub at your call. One of our all-time fave swim-up bars.
Dhs300 (weekdays) and Dhs500 (weekends). Daily, 12pm-11pm. La Baie, The Ritz Carlton Dubai, www.labaiedubai.com, (04 399 4000)

La Brisas Leisure Pool, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

The swim-up bar at this grand hotel is surrounded by palm trees, loungers and hammocks. A popular spot in the late afternoon, the laid-back bar serves mocktails, juices, mixed drinks, as well as bar snacks. Along with the swim-up pool bar for adults, the vast pool consists of one large gazebo Jacuzzi, three smaller in-pool bubble pools and a deck level leisure pool.
From Dhs400 per adult, Dhs200 per child aged six-12 (fully redeemable on food and beverages). Daily, 10am-sunset. La Brisas Leisure Pool, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, www.emiratespalace.ae (02 690 9000).

Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Dubai

The 18-metre oval-shaped pool is located among the hotel’s 38 acres of landscaped gardens. Surrounded by trees and flowers, the bar at the Courtyard Pool offers plenty of shade from the sun, and an all-day dining menu. Be sure to try out the lobster salad or a plate of fresh sushi.
Free for hotel guests. 9am-7pm. Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Garhoud, www.lemeridien-dubai.com (04 217 0000).

Nation Riviera Beach Club, Abu Dhabi

In sharp contrast to the luxurious formality of this hotel lies the relaxed beach club, which is a great place to chill, catch the sun and enjoy a scrumptious lunch. Guests can relax by the swim-up bar counters and order fruity bespoke drinks. They also have special rates for couples and families, which means more the merrier!
Dhs160 per person (Mon-Fri), Dhs230 per person (Sat & Sun). Free for children under four. Daily, 8am-8pm (adults’ pool) and 9am-6pm (kids’ pool). Nation Riviera Beach Club, The St Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, www.nationrivierabeachclub.com (02 694 4780).

Pool Bar, Habtoor Grand Resort Dubai

The Pool Bar at Habtoor Grand Resort is another of Dubai’s great swim-up bars to try. Float up to the bar and sip away on your favourite soft and house beverages, or you can even head to the shaded poolside restaurant and order the likes of salads, sandwiches, snacks, pizzas and dessert.
Dhs200 (Dhs125 redeemable on food and beverages) on weekdays, and Dhs300 (Dhs200 redeemable on food and beverages) on weekends. Dhs80 for kids aged five–15. Daily, 8.30pm–7.30pm. Pool Bar, Habtoor Grand Resort, Dubai, hgrs.fbreservation@habtoorhospitality.com, (04 408 4257)

Poolside, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi

Facing out to the beach, this Olympic length pool (50 metres) has views of the Abu Dhabi Creek and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Poolside is surrounded by the contemporary design of the hotel and is a full house on weekends, and an adjacent white sandy beach as well. Paddle up and order gourmet burgers, classic mixed drinks or coolers at the bar. Food service is between 11am and 6pm, while the pool is open from 9am until sunset.
Dhs149 per person on weekdays, Dhs199 per person on weekends ((Dhs100 redeemable on food and beverages on both). Daily, 9am-sunset. Poolside, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, www.fairmont.com/abu-dhabi, (02 654 3333)

Raffles Dubai, Dubai

Surrounded by lush private gardens on one side and overlooking the stunning Dubai skyline on the other, Raffles’ pool restaurant and bar offers great views while you relax. The 22-metre-long pool has a wave-shaped pool deck that is temperature-controlled, so even when the heat rises, it will always be cool enough to walk on. The menu features poke bowls, multi-cuisine bento boxes, and refreshing beverages.
Dhs175 per person on weekdays (Dhs100 redeemable on food and beverage, plus complimentary access for one kid up to 12 years old), Dhs200 per person on weekends (Dhs150 redeemable on food and beverages), Dhs75 per kid aged six-12 (weekends). Free for hotel and spa guests. 9am-7pm. Raffles Dubai, Wafi, Oud Metha, www.raffles.com/dubai, (04 324 8888).

Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Experience the grand 1,200 sq m, 1.4 m deep, free-form swimming pool, surrounded by palm trees and lush green lawns at Kempinski Palm Jumeirah. Order delicacies at Villamoré restaurant and dine-in on land, or swim up to the pool bar to grab your bite. You know where to find us.
Dhs225 per person (fully redeemable on food & beverage at Villamoré Restaurant, free for children below 12 years. Mon-Sun, 10am-sunset (please change timing to 9am-sunset). Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah Dubai, fb.thepalm@kempinski.com, (04 444 2000; 04 444 2940)

Waves, Abu Dhabi

Picture the ideal swim-up bar and it will probably look something like this. Beach shack-style roof, Gulf-views, fresh juices and fresh salads on the menu are all present and the long drive out of the city only adds to the relaxing holiday-feel. One of the capital’s top swim-up bars.
Dhs50 per person (includes access to beach, pool and one complimentary beverage). Open daily 9am-7pm. Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Al Ruwais (056 417 4978).