If you have visitors in Abu Dhabi then you’ll want to show them the very best of this amazing city.
Luckily there are so many great things to see and do here that showing them a good time won’t be hard. But we’re sure you’ll want to make sure your itinerary is spot-on.
One of our favourite things about the city is its awesome nightlife scene and its essential that you take your guests to the most fabulous spots while they’re in town.
So here are the best bars to take visitors to in Abu Dhabi.
ANNEX
The Abu Dhabi EDITION has already established itself as one of the coolest hotels in the capital, and this is partly down to ANNEX, its incredible three-tier bar. While the bottom two floors host big parties and top DJs, the rooftop terrace features fire pits, comfy sofas and a well-stocked bar serving excellent mixed drinks (including some coffee-based concoctions they’re particularly proud of). The views over Al Bateen Marina are really something else, and as you take in the outline of Etihad Towers and gaze over the moored boats below, you’ll really feel like you’ve made it in life. An excellent, ambitious addition to the Abu Dhabi nightlife scene.
The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
Azura Panoramic Lounge
With a much sought-after position right on the Corniche, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi was lucky enough to bag one of the best locations in the capital. Azura Panoramic Lounge has an elevated perch in Nation Towers and as the name suggests, the unobstructed views over the Gulf and Abu Dhabi landmarks such as Emirates Palace are stupendous. The daily happy hour (from 5pm to 8pm) is timed to coincide with the sun setting and the tapas-style plates are served in generous portions.
The St.Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, Corniche Road (02 694 4553).
Buddha-Bar Beach
The beach bar more than lives up to its glamorous reputation, and the tasteful interiors, coastal views and superb menu (order the lobster dumplings if you’re feeling peckish) are all big draws. The fancy mixed drinks are some of the best in the city, and the huge wooden terrace is one of the best places to be during the winter. The regular sets from international DJs make it a great place to party as well.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 88 88).
Casa de Cuba
This Cuban-inspired bar is one of the three new venues that arrived at Yas Marina last year. With expertly-crafted mixed drinks, created by Dinos Constantinides, owner of Lost+Found in Cyprus (one of the world’s very best bars), it’s already improved the area no end. It’s decorated with floral patterns and foliage, and with a mix of funky tunes playing every night and regular sets from world-renowned DJs, it’s one of our new favourite places to dance the night away.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (056 742 7435).
Filini Garden
Walking in through the vine-covered archway, entering Filini Garden is like arriving at a dreamy garden-themed retreat, which essentially is exactly what’s happening. The terrace is a thing of beauty, and even if the idea of hitting a ball around a big field with a stick sounds like the most boring thing in the world, your guests will find the views over Yas Links and the blue water beyond utterly sensational.
Radisson Blu Aub Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Hakkasan Terrace
As you make your way to this exclusive outdoor bar, either through the private entrance at Emirates Palace, or through the restaurant and along the winding stone path, you can’t possibly fail to be impressed by the backdrop. With the glittering outline of the Corniche’s skyscrapers in front of you, you can relax on one of the comfortable cabana beds or hang out by the bar, where you can watch the efficient bartenders at work. Make sure you try some of the incredible dim sum while you’re there, too. Every visit to Abu Dhabi should involve a visit to Emirates Palace, so taking them to this bar ticks that off the list too.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road (02 690 7739).
Ray’s Bar
While the capital is home to so many great sundowner spots that are either on ground level or just a few storeys up, few bars take you as high up in the sky as Ray’s Bar. Perched on the 62nd floor of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, you’re treated to incredible views of the Corniche and the surrounding islands. Make sure you take a wander around the bar and photograph the sunset from every angle before the stars start to come out.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road West (02 811 5666).
Smokin’ Pineapple
Zaya Nurai is enough to make anyone so incredibly jealous that you live in Abu Dhabi. But while any visit to this exclusive resort should involve spending a good amount of time trying to clamber onto the swings above the sea and relaxing on the white sands, you should also visit cool bar Smokin’ Pineapple. Here you can relax on enormous cushions and order from the rather impressive selection of tropical mixed drinks and selected of freshly baked pizzas. It’s an experience that neither you or your visitors will ever forget.
Zaya Nurai Island (02 506 6222).
