Winner
Viewz
This bar isn’t afraid to try something new and we applaud them for it. From regular country rock nights (where you can ride an actual mechanical bull), to mixed drink masterclasses, you can do everything here. Pool and darts championships are regularly hosted and even the quiz is anything but bog standard. It involves interactive rounds and plenty of games, and during the summer months it’s also going to be the home of the award-winning Funch brunch. When it comes to creative but also quite daft entertainment, nowhere else can possibly compete.
Cristal Hotel, Zayed the First Street (02 652 0132).
Highl Commended
Stars ’N’ Bars
If you like to spend your Friday nights dancing to awesome rock and pop covers, then you need to head to this Yas Island spot. It also hosts regular Balkan Beats nights, where you can sample some of the best dishes from the Balkan region. If that’s not enough, the fun pub quiz is also combined with a buy one, get one free offer on tacos. Plus with table football and arcade games, you’ll be seriously entertained whatever night of the week you head here.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).
Victor’s Pub & Restaurant
Any bar that offers karaoke is onto a winner in our eyes, and Victor’s always encourages its guests to stretch their vocal chords and blast out their favourite tunes. Wednesday is ladies’ night (which means three free drinks per person), bands grace the stage regularly and DJs play most nights. Plus, if you fancy a game of bingo, you can join in with as many rounds as you please every Monday night.
Hilton Capital Grand Hotel, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (02 666 5508).
Nominees
Buddha-Bar Beach
With cool pretty mixed drinks and elegant hostesses, Buddha-Bar Beach has an amazing, spacious outdoor area that leads right onto the white sands of Saadiyat Beach. Huge DJs from around the world also regularly play here, and whether it’s for the venues first anniversary or a holiday celebration, it always puts on a great party.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).
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Iris Yas Island
Boats and blue water are never a bad backdrop, and this very cool and stylish bar has views that most people can only dream of. The mixed drinks are just as picture-perfect as the views and regular sets from big-name DJs always attract a fashionable crowd. The Wednesday HYVE ladies’ nights always provide great entertainment and it’s certainly one of the best spots to party during the annual Formula 1 weekend.
Open Wed-Sun 6pm-3am. Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 304 8257).
McGettigan’s
With live bands and DJs making sure the dancefloor is always packed, this friendly Irish pub always makes sure you have a good time. The ‘Wisdom Wednesdays’ is a quirky general knowledge quiz that covers a wide range of topics with the winners taking home vouchers for lunches, brunches, and breakfasts, plus more prizes besides. There’s a happy hour running until 10pm too.
Al Raha Beach Hotel & Resort, Channel Street (02 652 4333).
PJ O’Reilly’s
Live music is provided several nights a week and the Irish Pub Quiz certainly isn’t a quiet and peaceful affair. Rival teams are tasked with answering questions on sport, music and general knowledge as well as competing in interactive and entertainment rounds. Be prepared to be up on your feet and doing very silly things.
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (800 101 101).
The Sportsman’s Arms
The top prize at this cool sports bar’s Monday quiz is a Dhs300 voucher, while weekend roasts and other prizes are also up for grabs. Plus with festivals held during the cooler months, sports on the big screens and live music events, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City (02 403 4235).
