It’s terrace season again, and we’re beating a path to Abu Dhabi’s best bars with views – here are some of the top spots in town for drinking in the capital’s scenery.
Aquarium
The fish tanks inside are impressive and but we’re equally fond of the marina views across to the ever-stunning W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. The usual game of “which yacht would you most like to own?” has passed many an evening and there are also regular promotions, including a welcome weekend ladies’ night and some foodie deals to try in a stunning setting.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (800 6996).
Azura Panoramic Lounge
A highly commended bar at our 2019 Nightlife Awards, this St. Regis stunner is all about the sunset views. An elevated vantage point over the Arabian Gulf is guaranteed for more or less every seat in the house. It’s only open Thursdays and Fridays for drinks as we write this, but that’s more than enough time to gaze at the view.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, West Corniche (02 694 4553).
B-Lounge
Many pleasant evenings have been spent in the amphitheatre-style seating at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi’s garden venue. The atmosphere around the palm trees, with twinkly lighting all around, makes for a genuinely mellow and cool environment. It has been around a long time for good reason.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road East (02 697 0224).
Barfly by Buddha-Bar
So close to the Abu Dhabi Grand Canal that if you drop your sushi from your chopsticks you will probably hear a splash, this Venetian Village lounge is achingly hip. Inside is all moody lighting and dark and chic furnishings, but for us it’s the excellent terrace to which you should head. The added attraction of watching boats sail by is enough to keep you entertained before you get to the DJs.
Venetian Village, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta (02 404 1951).
Bentley Kitchen
A covered terrace means this Galleria haunt remains cool and shaded, but with the feeling of full outdoors. The waterfront setting is ideal for people-watching and the foodie credentials are sound. If you’re not dining, aim to coincide your visit with one of two happy hours every day, one at sunset and one around midnight.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 626 2131).
Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar
The 12th floor of the Aloft Hotel has been a nightlife favourite for many a year. When the outdoor area of Relax@12 rebranded to Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar the same views remained but the place had a change of look and feel. The greenery, wooden and brick décor (and ovens) make it a must-try.
Aloft Abu Dhabi, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (02 654 5138).
Buddha-Bar Beach
Abu Dhabi’s best beach bar is every bit as cool as you would expect from the global lifestyle and music brand. There is an Ibiza-lounge feel to the place and it comes just as highly recommended for a late-night dinner under the stars as for mixed drinks on the low sofas as the sun sets.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).
Eclipse Terrace Lounge
This bar has views of skyscrapers, hotels and tower blocks that are best enjoyed by night. In the daytime it is dominated by the large pool and holidaymakers, but after dark it doubles up as a chic city watering hole. It is the sort of place to head for a mid-week hangout or a weekend lazing by the pool.
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 333 2720).
Filini Garden
Thanks to hanging greenery and creeping vines on the walls, even inside and covered areas of this Yas Island favourite feel like they’re outdoors. If you’re lucky enough to land yourself a table looking out towards the Yas Links golf course then you’re in luck. Be sure to book ahead on Mondays when its ladies’ night.
Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Glo
Obviously you can enjoy the views of Al Maryah Island and the twinkling lights, skyline and palm trees, but the unique s elling point is probably the arty light installations that are somewhere between a flying saucer and a metallic palm tree.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5552).
Hakkasan Terrace
If James Bond were to enjoy a relaxing evening after a hard day of spying we imagine it would be in a place like this. We’re not sure what he would make of the upmarket grub at the stunning Chinese restaurant, but the adjoining bar is exactly the sort of place where his playfulness, glamour and high style would fit right in. The decor is stunning, the views out across the city skyline are even better.
Emirates Palace, Corniche West (02 690 7739).
Pacifico TIKI
A Polynesian-themed lounge built on stilts in a luxury marina isn’t your typical local. This isn’t where you drop in for a quiet chat or to read your copy of Time Out in peace. And if your drink is not garnished with a variety of fruits you are not trying hard enough. The views from the outdoor terrace and indoors, through the floor-to-ceiling windows are brilliant. A superb place to impress visitors.
Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach (800 6996).
Smokin’ Pineapple
There’s outside and there is so far outside you have to take a speedboat to get there. Considering the undeniable exclusivity of the entire island experience we’re pleased to report this has a boho-chic, barefoot, lounge in a hammock, beach shack feel to it. Throw in some wood-fired pizza, swinging seats over the water and a funky vibe and you will be very happy here.
Zaya Nurai Island (02 506 6274).
The Sportsman’s Arms
You will see people crowd in to the bar to watch sport on the big screens but we’re happy to grab a chair on one of the outdoor terraces and look down on the sports being played on courts and pitches below in Zayed Sport City. As you may expect from an Irish-American sports bar there are bucketfulls of drinks deals and food promos. Absolutely worth a visit if you are on this side of town or looking for an outdoor watering hole with a difference.
International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City (02 447 1066).
Waves Pool Bar
A hotel’s pool bar can be a tricky prospect. Is it merely for hotel guests and people lounging on sunbeds in trunks and reading paperbacks or does it warrant a visit for the bar as much as the pool? The Novotel’s updated terrace (it was revamped at the end of 2019) falls into the latter category. Innovative and varied mixed drinks are served by creative bar staff and there are crowd-pleasing promotions such as ladies’ nights and happy hours that make it more than merely a poolside snack stop.
Novotel Al Bustan, Rabdan Street (02 501 6088).
