Ready to Jam? DJ nights and live music are an essential part of the Abu Dhabi nightlife scene, and since it returned this summer we’ve seen the city turn up the volume on some incredible nights out.
There’s no dancing allowed yet, but that doesn’t mean you should stay home – and it might be best that nobody has to bear witness to those sketchy moves just yet…
There are plenty of places in the capital to feel the good vibrations, so if you’re looking to spend a night shouting to your friends across the table, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the top places for a DJ night in Abu Dhabi.
ANNEX
If you’re looking for a cool place to party and listen to great music, ANNEX is an easy choice. There are some places that are just unapologetically cool, and you almost feel like you’re on-trend simply by being there. Looking around at the stylish and hip people (is it cool to say hip?) that flock into Annex, it certainly makes you feel like you’re part of the in-crowd. Bop in your seat while listening to a rotating roster of DJs.
Thu-Fri 11pm-4am. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).
Backyard Bistro
BYB is one of the best places in the city to catch some (very loud) tunes without paying through the nose. With a cool interior made from recycled items you might find in a garage (think oil canisters and big tyres) and a clientele that’s casual, everyone roars to hear each other as the music gets louder and louder over the course of the night. On Wednesdays and Thursdays you’ll catch DJ Fab spinning a mix of pop, hip-hop and R&B. A slightly chaotic and absolutely fun atmosphere makes this spot a go-to for a casual night out.
Wed 10pm-2am, Thu 10pm-3am. World Trade Centre Mall, Al Markaziyah (050 114 3666).
COYA
Live DJ sets have always played a key part in the incredible ambiance at COYA Abu Dhabi. Fans of jams will be delighted to hear that music nights have returned with a number of performances from some super-talented music producers. New resident DJ Eva Voytko has joined the hotspot’s line-up of world-renowned music producers, and you can catch her in action at every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening.
Wed 9pm-1am, Thu-Fri 9pm-2am. Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 306 7000).
Heroes
Without doubt, this is one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular haunts. With a busy, buzzing atmosphere, convenient location downtown and reasonable prices, it seems like the whole city comes here to unwind after work. Need another reason to visit? There’s live music every Monday to Friday with DJ Charlieboy, and live singing on Thursday and Friday evenings by Nicola. A casual pub, old-fashioned comfort food, bar snacks, sports, and live music most nights? What more could you ask for? Heroes, don’t ever change.
Mon-Fri (DJ Charlieboy), Thu-Fri (Nicola). Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (02 616 6132).
Jones the Grocer
Okay this isn’t a DJ night, nut there is live music. We’re talking unlimited cheese, free-flowing grape and jazz-fuelled good vibes. Head to Jones the Grocer on Thursdays from 7pm to closing and you’ll get your fill all three all night long. This offer is available at the Al Mamoura, Al Maneera or Khalidiyah branches and is just Dhs199 per person. This spot tends to be poppin’ on a Thursday, so be sure to book in advance and bring a table full of friends.
Dhs199. Thu 7pm-midnight. Al Mamoura; Al Maneera; Khalidiya, jonesthegrocer.com.
Loca
Love Mexican food and great music? You would have to be loca not to. We’ve worked our way through every flavour of Loca’s signature Mexican mixed drinks on its Wednesday ladies’ night, which has basically become part of our weekly routine. But if you’re going for the music, Thursday is the night to arrive. DJ Shidi is an international artist playing a mind-spinning mix of hip-hop, rap, and R&B. You can also find live music during brunch. Don’t forget to snag a legendary bowl of guac while you’re there.
Thu, 8pm-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).
For more music and nightlife in Abu Dhabi click here.
