Abu Dhabi’s upscale neighbourhood of Al Bateen is best known for its palace, beach and affluent low-rise residences. While not as densely packed with hotels as other districts, however, there are a select few.
Venture just a few streets back from the more bustling Corniche and the iconic views of the Emirates Palace and you will discover some Abu Dhabi gems.
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To say this three-tier standalone emporium of cool has burst onto the Abu Dhabi scene would be something of an understatement. Within months of opening it had Time Out agog and a year on it is attracting crowds. Whether it be to the party brunch, cool rooftop terrace or so stylish it makes us want to learn how to be cooler lounge it is the place to see and be seen. Consider us impressed
Mon-Tue and Sat, 7pm-midnight; Wed-Thu, 7pm-4am; Fri 1pm-4am. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina (02 208 0000).
Belgian Café Abu Dhabi
Ticks all the boxes of a fine pub experience. An enormous selection of European beverages and speciality drinks, live music from some of the UAE’s top musicians and an absolutely enormous terrace are all close to being best in category attractions in their own right. Look out for sport on the screens and very passable bar food while you’re at it as well.
Sun-Tue, 4pm-1am; Wed-Sat, 4pm-2am. InterContinental, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Byblos Sur Mer Lounge
Look out across the Al Bateen Marina, the scent of shisha drifting through the air, a DJ blasting out upbeat tunes and you have two options. Get up and try and dance off the large Lebanese meal you have just indulged in, or close your eyes and allow yourself a self-satisfied little smile. Yes, this is a spot best known for its Middle Eastern food (best in the city if you ask us), but the party credentials are very real, too.
Sat-Wed, 12.30pm-1.30am; Thu-Fri,12.30pm-3am. InterContinental Hotel, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Cuvee Bar
Angular furniture, bold prints and pop culture art plus more tassels than we remember seeing in a long time. The decor at this signature bar in the upscale hotel would transfix interior designers and retro fashionistas alike. So sophisticated is the décor and large the selection of premium beverages it seems almost incongruous that there is a pool terrace outside, as well. Go with it, though, because you will see a fountain show that can be personalised just for you and that is something you don’t see every day.
Daily. 6pm-1am. Royal M Hotel, Al Bateen Marina (02 444 5588).
Library Bar
Opposite the rock and roll cuisine of chef sensation Tom Aikens’ Oak Room restaurant is a sedate and hushed bar. As you may expect from a venue named after a library the agenda here is more whispered conversations and a quiet appreciation than punch-the-air party spirit. Craft beverages and mixed drinks are served in a spot ideal for pre or post-dinner drinks.
Mon-Tue and Sat, 7pm-midnight; Wed-Thu, 7pm-4am; Fri 1pm-4am. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen Marina (02 208 0000).
Millionaire’s by Dahab
New to the scene comes this spot that looks to make an impression in the formidable upscale Lebanese lounge corner of the market. The big chandeliers, heavy drapes and polished floors and sleek furnishings are already in place and celebrity parties have already been promoted so we watch this spot with interest to see how it develops.
Daily. 6pm-late. Royal M Hotel, Al Bateen Marina (02 777 1171).
Piano Lounge
We don’t usually get overexcited by a lobby lounge or hotel bar that doesn’t have a distinct personality, but this place has a few things going for it that may interest you as a low-effort alternative. Most importantly it has a pastry trolley and dessert section. If you want banging beats, sport on screen and party tunes there are options elsewhere in the hotel. If you want a tiramisu flavour mixed drink that comes with a serving of tiramisu on the side we’ll meet you here for a gossip.
Daily. 7-1am. InterContinental Hotel, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
