It doesn’t rain much in Abu Dhabi, but when it does its quite a site.
From drops lashing down to lightning cracking through the sky, it’s always an occasion that gets people snapping pics.
Well, how about witnessing it live and taking it in from one of these bars.
AT 25
Exactly as the name suggests, At 25 is on the 25th floor of the Marriot Downtown. A relaxed rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, this recently renovated venue has a smart-casual dress code and a chilled vibe. Stay for mixed drinks or dinner (or both) while listening to laidback beats and watching the skyline. It’s open daily from morning until the small hours. Happy hour is every day from 4pm-8pm.
Daily 11am-2am. Marriot Downtown Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (02 304 7777).
Breeze Lounge
Located in the Emirates Palace, it’s difficult not to be impressed by the opulent backdrop. Ideal for the ‘gram, Breeze is as relaxed as its name, providing a perfect setting to savour the beach views (and sea breeze) in peace while momentarily feeling like you’ve been whisked away to a secluded island. Sip on a beverage of your choice while enjoying light bites handcrafted by the chef. If visiting the emirate, you would be remiss not to visit. If it’s raining you’ll get a cracking view over the sea.
Daily 1pm-1am. Emirates Palace, Corniche West (02 690 7999).
Filini Garden
This sophisticated open-air Italian restaurant and lounge presents guests with uninterrupted views over the golfing greens and out to the creek. Filini has an upper and lower deck and sets the tone for a relaxed experience with its foliage adorned pergola and chilled music. Most of the bar is covered,waning you can look out to Yas Links and beyond as the rain comes crashing down.
Open Sun, Tue-Wed 4.30pm-1am; Mon 4.30pm-3am; Thur 4.30pm-2am; Fri 12.30pm-2am; Sat 12.30pm-1am. Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Eclipse Terrace Lounge
Like most Four Seasons venues, there is little that Eclipse Terrace Lounge does wrong. Running a full-day service, you can start with a healthy meal and a lazy swim and mingling at the loungers. Of course, if it’s raining you probably won’t get much tanning done. Bring totally outdoors, once it gets heavier you’ll want to take refuge inside, but other than that you can enjoy the shimmering skyline. Eclipse offers happy hours every night, sushi night every Wednesday and ladies’ night every Thursday.
Daily 8am-2am. Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 333 2720).
Glo
Taking its name from the illumination of Abu Dhabi’s night sky (and the lit-up metallic trees around the venue), Glo is a relaxed open-air bar with afunky vibe is set to a soundtrack of deep house music. It’s an extremely laidback setting to enjoy a few beverages. Take a seat at the bar itself and you’ll have some coverage from the rain while you enjoy the views.
Open Sat-Wed noon-1am, Thur-Fri noon-2am. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Level Lounge
This rooftop bar offers a hybrid of street-food cuisines and a backdrop of music and entertainment. Great for a group, Level Lounge has ladies’ nights and often runs promotions. There’s a pavilion-style indoor area that’s perfect for looking out over the downtown skyline and rain dropping into the pool.
Daily noon-2am. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Street (02 616 6166).
Relax@12
While the former outdoor area is now Brick, Relax@12 lives on inside, making it perfect to head when the rain starts falling. At the time of writing, this place is only open at weekends and “when it’s cold outside”, which we reckon includes rainy days.
Thu-Fri 5pm-2am. Aloft Abu DHABI, ADNEC (02 654 5138).
