We aren’t overrun with nightclubs in Abu Dhabi, but we can count ourselves lucky that the ones that do exist are very good indeed.
In case you missed the results of the Time Out Abu Dhabi Music & Nightlife Awards 2019, here are all the winners and nominees in the Best Club category.
Now get your dancing shoes on and get out there and party.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE
Sure, you have to drive down the road towards Dubai, but it’s well worth it to visit this Ibiza-style club, which is on Abu Dhabi turf. The day-to-night venue is ideal for sunset clubbing and dancing to international house DJs as you gaze out at the Arabian Gulf. There’s also a cracking restaurant looking over the DJ booth and dancefloor and a super Saturday brunch that’s worth checking out, too.
Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel and Resort, Ghantoot (056 113 3400).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Hysteria
If you’re craving a night of dancing, this Hilton Capital Grand nightspot will give you everything you need. There are ladies’ nights and urban music nights, and it has carved out a reputation for putting on excellent Arabic music soirées.
Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (054 444 7841).
Legends Night Club
Legends is one of the few places in the capital where you can party until 3.30am every night of the week. It’s located in the Sheraton Abu Dhabi, one of the capital’s veteran hotels, and it’s super popular amongst residents and holiday makers.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road East (058 298 7399).
WINNER
MAD on Yas Island
As the UAE’s biggest nightclub, Akon, Iggy Azalea and Tinie Tempah are just a few of the huge names who have entertained the revellers at MAD over the years. If you’re feeling flashy, you can go all out and hire a table up near the DJ booth, or it’s just as fun to join the throngs on the floor around the huge bar. Be prepared for lots of dry ice, live dancers and a very late night. It’s won this award a few times in a row, which is all down to the place’s brilliance.
Yas Island (055 834 6262).
Shanghai Club Abu Dhabi
This down to earth nightclub offers decent deals on drinks and it’s loads fun. There’s karaoke on every night if you fancy stretching your vocal chords, and even audition nights if you want to see what professional musicians make of your talents. There’s also the opportunity to win amazing prizes at the weekly ladies’ night.
Al Diar Capital Hotel, Al Zahiyah (056 636 1959).
The Exchange Lounge & Night Club
Whether you’re into reggaeton, rock or RnB, you’ll find a night to suit you at this versatile club. The theme changes depending on which night you go and it’s open throughout the week, in case you fancy a school-night party.
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (056 190 1733).
The newbie
Onyx
This elegant club is on the ground floor in the Novotel Al Bustan. It has only been open since July 2019 but has already introduced a banging ladies’ night, a Lebanese night and has some of the city’s top DJs as residents. It looks like this place can only get better.
Open Thu-Sat 11pm-4am; Mon-Tue 11pm-4am. Novotel Hotel Al Bustan, Rabban Street (055 977 9535).
