Abu Dhabi Nightlife Guide: Best Bars Clubs Areas & Tips

“Habibi, come to the UAE” is a common catchphrase. The country truly has a lot to offer, from sightseeing and culture to technology, shopping, and nightlife!

Abu Dhabi offers a nightlife scene that’s as diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re in the mood for live music, themed parties, or relaxed dining by the water, the city has plenty of options. Most nightlife venues are located in areas like Yas Bay, Corniche, and Al Saadiyat, with several top spots inside five-star hotels.

So, if you’re planning a trip to the UAE, especially the emirate of Abu Dhabi, here’s a list of some of the best places to experience Abu Dhabi’s nightlife and party scene.

Overview of Abu Dhabi as a Nightlife Destination

Abu Dhabi, often overshadowed by Dubai’s party reputation, is quietly emerging as a classy nightlife destination. It’s truly underrated when it comes to the party scenes. 

In this blog, you’ll explore,

• Abu Dhabi’s top nightlife zones
• Cultural norms
• Break down the best venues to visit
• Average costs
• When to go
• Smart money-saving tips 

Every point will be explained in detail to make the most of your night out!

Common Misconceptions

There are quite a few misunderstandings about alcohol in the UAE. Many people assume that alcohol is banned in the Middle East due to its Muslim minority. While it’s true that drinking alcohol is haraam (sin) for Muslims, the reality is a bit different for visitors.

In fact, alcohol is legally served and sold to non-Muslims and tourists across most emirates, including Abu Dhabi.

The only exception is Sharjah, which is a completely dry state. So, if you’re visiting Abu Dhabi, you can enjoy a drink at licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels without worry.

Cultural Rules & local laws

• Legal drinking age: The minimum age to consume alcohol in Abu Dhabi is 21 years. Always carry a valid ID, especially if you look younger than your age.
• No drinking and driving: The UAE follows a zero-tolerance policy toward drunk driving, and even a small amount of alcohol can lead to severe penalties.
• Public drinking is prohibited: Alcohol can only be consumed in licensed venues such as bars, restaurants, and hotels. Being intoxicated in public spaces is illegal.
• Dress code: Most clubs and pubs have a relaxed dress policy, but when outside, dress modestly out of respect for local customs. Some pubs don’t let in flip-flops or open-toed shoes.
• Public displays of affection: PDA is discouraged in the UAE. Even inside clubs, keep gestures subtle and respectful.

Areas to Experience the Best Nightlife in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates, offers nightlife spread across five key areas, each with its own unique vibe.

• Yas Island
• Saadiyat Island
• Corniche
• Al Maryah Island
• Downtown Abu Dhabi 

There are the top spots where the city truly comes alive after sunset.

In this section, we’ll explore what makes each of these areas special. And highlight some of the best nightclubs in Abu Dhabi that you can visit for an unforgettable night out!

Yas Island

Yas Island, a man-made marvel, is Abu Dhabi’s ultimate entertainment destination. Home to world-famous attractions like Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, the island buzzes with energy all day and even more so after sunset.

As one of the city’s top tourist magnets, Yas Island attracts millions of tourists, and it naturally attracts people looking for nightlife as well.

When the sun goes down, Yas Bay Waterfront becomes the island’s nightlife hotspot. Situated in the southern part of Yas Island, this lively part of the island is packed with fancy restaurants, loud pubs, and calm waterfront lounges.

Lock, Stock, and Barrel

One of the most happening pubs in Abu Dhabi, this place is known for its electric party atmosphere! They brand themselves and are considered a party bar with crazy DJs, live music artists, and energetic crowds. 

Spread across two floors, this bar has both interior and exterior seating on a deck that overlooks the beautifully lit bay waters, perfectly complementing the ambiance.

Sports lovers aren’t left out either. The pub’s spacious hall, complete with a giant projector screen, streams major sporting events live. Imagine when the entire crowd at the bar cheers the team you support!

1. Recommended food & Drinks: LSB Nachos, Buffalo wings, Yorkshire puddings
2. Timings:

• • 4 pm – 2 am (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday) 
  • 4 pm – 3 am (Thursday)
  • 12 pm – 3 am (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)

Cafe Del Mar – Beach Club

If you are looking for luxury by the bay, Café Del Mar will be perfect! More than just a club, it’s a high-end beach club slaying in true Mediterranean style. 

With an infinity heated pool, multiple Jacuzzis, and cosy cabana beds, the venue is more like an upscale resort than a typical bar.

Originating in Ibiza, this place brings in the Mediterranean flavours to other parts of the world, including Abu Dhabi!

Slip into swimwear, sip a cocktail, and enjoy a full day in the temperature-regulated pool. While the DJ will be playing beats from afternoon till night to experience the seamless transition to nightlife.

1. Recommended food & Drinks: Salmon, Sushi & Red Sangria.
2. Timings:

• • 12 pm – 12 am (Restaurant)
  • 10 am – 12 am (Pool access)

Saadiyat Island

Relaxed elegance is the vibe of this island, located in the northern part of Abu Dhabi. An upscale part of the emirate, this piece of land mostly accommodates sophisticated restaurants and beach clubs to have a refined experience.

Instead of the typical high-energy party vibe, the island focuses on sophisticated lounges, beachfront venues, and art-inspired spaces. It’s the ideal destination for a calm yet classy night out in Abu Dhabi.

Buddha-Bar Beach

Located on Kai Beach, Saadiyat, this fine-dining restaurant serves delicious Asian cuisine in a beautiful beachfront setting. Guests love its outdoor seating, especially during the cool winter evenings when they can relax on the deck or right on the beach.

At night, the deck turns into a dance floor with spotlights and music. If you prefer something calmer, you can sit inside and enjoy live jazz music after 5 PM on weekends.

The prices are a bit on the higher side, but the food quality, taste, and ambiance make it completely worth it.

1. Recommended food & Drinks: Wagyu Short Ribs, Oysters & Sushi
2. Timings: 

• • 12 pm to 12 am (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday)
  • 12 pm to 1 am (Friday & Saturday)

Black Tap

A funky and colourful bar located in the Mamsha Al Saadiyat hotel is a great place to hang out with friends. The indoors has quirky wall art of stereos, sneakers, graffiti, and doodles, giving this place a chill party vibe. Step outside and you will find a calm beach view with a relaxed vibe.

The bar is especially famous for its burgers and over-the-top milkshakes. Think of those massive milkshakes topped with a slice of cake and a cup full of sprinkles. Yes! You’ll find them here! With its creative menu and cool atmosphere, this place never disappoints.

1. Recommended food & Drinks: Brooklyn Blackout milkshake, The Greg Norman burger and Mango Monitor cocktail.
2. Timings: 12 pm – 12 am

Corniche

A scenic stretch of Abu Dhabi, this area runs parallel to the northwestern coastline for about eight kilometres, offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. 

Lined with palm trees, beaches, and waterfront paths, it’s one of the city’s most favourite parts, with some beaches staying open until midnight.

Beyond the beautiful views, this area also features some of Abu Dhabi’s best party venues, where the music keeps playing long after dark, making it a favourite hangout for locals and tourists. 

Easy Tiger

Easily the most loved club to experience the best nightlife in Abu Dhabi is the Easy Tiger. As you enter, you can see the eclectic decor and spotlights flashing in all directions. With a DJ spinning techno beats or a live band performing rap and pop hits, one thing’s for sure: the entertainment never stops!

The catchphrase of one of the bands is “Let loose, you deserve it.” If you are stressed and need a bit of excitement in life or just want to party the night away, Easy Tiger it is!

1. Recommended food & Drinks: Full English breakfast, ET wings & Guinness Magners.
2. Timings:

• • 12 pm to 4 am (Weekdays)
  • 10 am to 4 am (Weekends)

The Irish Vickers

If you’re looking for a fun nightlife spot in Abu Dhabi with real pub vibes, good music, and great service, the Irish Vickers is a must-visit. Located inside the WTC Mall, it’s become one of the city’s best places to hang out for a sip of beer.

This pub has live music almost every day of the week, making it a go-to spot for a casual evening or a night out. 

With its rustic interiors and TV always tuned to football, it’s a top hangout for Barça and Real Madrid fans. There are games like dartboards and pool tables, too, if you want to show off to the ladies.

1. Recommended food & Drinks: Veggie Hamburger, BBQ chicken pizza, Guinness beer.
2. Timings: 

• • 3 pm – 4 am (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday)
  • 12 pm – 4 am (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)

Al Maryah Island

Another island of luxury, Al Maryah Island, is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi between Downtown and Reem Island. Known for its financial centre, luxury boutiques, and high-end restaurants. 

The exact location that you need to focus on for nightlife is the Galleria Al Maryah Mall. More than just a shopping destination, it’s a perfect spot to have an elegant night out. 

Zuma

An upscale Japanese restaurant that serves authentic Japanese cuisine along with yummy desserts. They even have a concept called ‘Baikingu’, where they set up a room full of cakes, pastries, marshmallows, and more, and call it ‘the dessert room’.

On weekends, the DJs and live bands perform around the main bar. Bartenders and chefs join in the fun, showing off with fire tricks and quick moves behind the counter. With pink neon lights and upbeat music, setting the party mode.

1. Recommended food & Drinks: Miso Black Cod, Wagyu Gyoza, and Japanese Margarita. 
2. Timings: 

• • 12 pm – 3:30 pm, 7 pm – 1 am (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)
  • 12 pm – 3:30 pm, 7 pm – 2 am (Friday)
  • 12 pm – 4:00 pm, 7 pm – 2 am (Saturday)
  • 12 pm – 4:00 pm, 7 pm – 1 am (Sunday)

Hidden Bar

A bar hidden in the Rosewood Hotel of Al Maryah Island is known for its gin collection. So much so that it proudly calls itself the “Gin Bar”. Their extensive gin menu has creative blends of spirit mixed with concoctions like blueberry and rosemary. 

For a fun late-night hangout with friends or colleagues, grab a glass of gin and share a shisha together. Hidden Bar offers a great selection of flavoured hookahs, making it a perfect spot to relax, chat, and enjoy the evening.

Weekends are the best time to visit, with live jazz performances early in the evening that play smooth jazz, but just wait until the DJ volumes up later at night! With the stunning views of the water and skyscrapers, you can have a night of classy fun!

1. Recommended food & Drinks: Gintonics, Mezcal Negroni, and chocolate-covered dates.
2. Timings: 5 am – 3 am (Weekdays), 5 am – 4 am (Weekends)

Downtown

Abu Dhabi’s downtown is the main city area, covering places like Hamdan Street, Khalifa Street, and the World Trade Center zone. Unlike the upscale vibes of Al Maryah & Saadiyat Island, downtown has much more of a casual vibe. 

Imagine finishing work and wanting to grab a couple of casual drinks with your friends or colleagues; this is just the perfect place to do just that!

Porters English Pub

A classic British-style pub, this spot feels like it was lifted straight from old-school London. With its rustic wooden interiors and Guinness beer flowing from the bar, it creates the perfect pub atmosphere. TVs mounted on the walls stream football matches and F1 races.

It’s a local favourite for anyone who wants to enjoy a cold beer while watching sports. Live bands take the stage from 8 PM onwards, and on Sundays, the music keeps playing all day long.

1. Recommended food & Drinks: Fish & Chips, Quesadilla and Mushroom Pie.
2. Timings: 

• • 3 pm – 3 am (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday)
  • 12 pm  – 4 am (Friday & Saturday)
  • 12 pm  – 3 am (Sunday)

Ray’s Bar

This bar stands out for its incredible location; Ray’s Bar sits on the 62nd floor of the Etihad Towers, offering stunning views of the Corniche and Abu Dhabi’s sparkling waterfront. 

A fancy rooftop restaurant with mesmerising views of the city, delicious small-plate food, and a DJ who keeps your EPM high all night long! That is the vibe of Ray’s Bar.

1. Recommended food & drinks: duck spring roll, sliders, beercolada & whisky sour.
2. Timings: 

• • 6 pm – 1 am (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Sunday)
  • 6 pm – 2 am (Thursday & Friday)
  • 4:30 pm – 2 am (Saturday)

Best Time to Experience Nightlife in Abu Dhabi

Now that we know which places to visit for an exceptional nightlife experience in Abu Dhabi. But now the question is when?

Nightlife in Abu Dhabi can be enjoyed all year round with a few exceptions. 

Religious Reasons

As we all know, the UAE is a Muslim-dominant country, with most of the laws and customs made around Islamic tradition. While a lot of rules are relaxed for the minor and non-Muslim population and tourists, there are still rules and norms that you’ll need to respect.

During Ramadan, a significant festival for the Muslim community, you can see a switch in the consumption of alcohol. However, things have changed in recent years, with alcohol being sold by licensed venues even during Ramadan.

It’s important to notice that the work time in the UAE will be reduced to 2 hours for every employee during Ramadan. This also might affect the time duration of pubs/bars.

Also, some owners choose to open their bars only after iftar (sunset). So, it’s best to call up the restaurant before going during any major Muslim festival.

Weather

Let’s be honest, the UAE is hot! It’s a bunch of oases literally built on a desert. So, it can get insanely hot during the summers (June to September), which can reach up to 48°C. Thankfully, indoor clubs will blast AC at full power so that you can have a comfortable time. 

But thinking about beach clubs and outdoor seating, these can be enjoyed only during winters (November to March). When the weather is at a comfortable temperature of 18°C to 30°C.

During this time, evenings are perfect for sitting outside your favourite bar, sipping a drink, and soaking in the cool breeze.

Getting Around at Night

You’ve probably come across at least one Instagram video of women telling how safe the UAE really is, and they are absolutely right. The rules are very strict when it comes to harassment. 

So, no matter who you are, you can travel on your own comfortably! Or you can also choose commuting apps like Uber, Careem, and C2C rides if you’ve consumed alcohol. 

If you’re staying at a 4-star or 5-star hotel, check if they offer shuttle services to and from the city; they often do, and it’s a convenient option after a party.

Note: Drinking and driving is strictly illegal in the UAE, and violations can lead to serious penalties, so always plan your ride in advance.

Cab Cost in Abu Dhabi

As we know, taxi fares can vary depending on factors like the company, driver, government regulations, and fuel prices. However, according to the Taxi Calculator Abu Dhabi, here’s a general idea of the basic taxi costs you can expect in the city.

• The base fare for 3.8 km is 12 AED (289 INR)
• Price per extra kilometre is 1.82 AED (43.97 INR)
• The waiting charge per hour is 30 AED (724 INR)

Note: These prices are approximate estimates and are subject to change based on factors like fuel rates, time of travel, and traffic conditions.

Budget Breakdown for Nightlife in Abu Dhabi

To understand the budget breakdown, let’s look at four different types of restaurants, each representing a different price range.

The restaurants mentioned in the table are simply examples to give you an idea of their average pricing and service levels. All cost estimates have been sourced from Zomato for better accuracy.

Levels	Night Clubs (Examples)	Cost (For two) approx.
1	Porters English Pub	460 AED (11,108 INR)
2	Lock, Stock & Barrel	520 AED (12,557 INR)
3	Cafe Del Mar	750 AED (18,111 INR)
4	Zuma	760 AED (18,352 INR)

So, you’ll have to select a place that matches your party style, proximity, and budget 

However, note that Cafe Del Mar has a fixed entry fee.

• Weekdays: Free for the ladies, AED 100 for men
• Weekends: AED 100 for women, AED 200 for men

Money-Saving Tips

Even saving a little money on just one night out can make a big difference, especially if you’re someone who frequently visits pubs or bars. Over time, those savings really add up!

Happy Hours

Most of the pubs and bars will have designated time slots known as ‘Happy Hours’, during which you can get a 40-50% offer on the drinks. These offers usually run during late afternoons or early evenings on weekdays, so plan your visit around that time to save money.

Ladies’ Night

Women often get free entry, complimentary cocktails, or special menus on select nights (usually Tuesdays or Wednesdays).

Dine-in Apps

Download apps like The Entertainer, Zomato Pro. Simply search for the pub or restaurant you’re visiting and check if there are any available discounts or offers; some even go up to 50% off!

Book a table directly through the app and, after dining, pay via the app to apply the discount. It’s an easy way to save money and enjoy the same experience for much less than those who don’t use these apps.

Pre-Game

This term is quite popular among Gen Z; it’s called “pre-drinking” or “pre-gaming”.

The idea is simple: start your night by having a few drinks at home or at a budget-friendly restaurant, and once you’re a little tipsy, head to an upscale bar or club.

Since alcohol tends to be more expensive at high-end places, this trick helps you save money while still enjoying a fun night out.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi’s nightlife is underrated because most of the attention is taken away by Dubai. People think of Dubai and not Abu Dhabi when it comes to partying. 

However, now we know that Abu Dhabi also deserves a place in your bucket list for its nightlife. And also, it’s ideal for first-timers travelling from India, as the city is subtle in its party madness. 

Along with your nightlife list, if you are looking for a perfect itinerary for you, then we at Dimaak Tours are here to help! We will customise the plan for you!

Frequently Asked Questions about Abu Dhabi Nightlife

Does Abu Dhabi have good nightlife?

Yes, nightclubs in Abu Dhabi have great options, including quirky restaurants, rooftop bars, relaxing beach clubs, and wild party dance floors. 

Can you walk around Abu Dhabi at night?

Yes, it’s absolutely safe to walk around the city at any time! You’ll have to be a bit careful in the city outskirts or shady areas, but most of the areas can be roamed without any fear.

Do female tourists have to cover up in Abu Dhabi?

No, the laws don’t interfere with how the tourists dress; you don’t have to wear a burqa. However, you’ll need to obey the dress codes in religious places. And you are expected to dress modestly in public.