The Best Bars in Abu Dhabi, UAE

This world-renowned, Asian-inspired bar fuses gastronomy, music and mixology perfectly. Located on the beachfront by the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, this venue brings a sophistication and vibe that is totally unique to the city. Only a few minutes’ drive from the developing cultural precinct that is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, this beachfront establishment is ideal for pre-dinner drinks or as a sundowner spot that’s bursting with refreshing mocktails and inventive cocktails. If you are looking for desert sunsets and DJs, this is the spot; the daily nightfall sessions even boast a live saxophonist. Every room is comfortable, cosy and full of atmosphere, but try sitting by the bar or out in the lounge for the best views and service.

If you are looking for a stylish and sophisticated spot, you cannot miss The St Regis Bar. Positioned inside the lobby of this stately five-star hotel on the Corniche strip, the venue simply oozes class and quality. Brimming with old-school character, the venue’s dark mahogany bookcases and button-back sofas hark back to New York’s Gilded Age. The bar is simple and elegant, too, framed by grand paintings that depict Middle Eastern traditions – think falconry and camel racing. Sample the signature bloody mary or visit the bar’s decadent Cigar Lounge, but note that the dress code is fairly strict. Men are asked to wear a collared shirt, long pants and closed shoes, while women are required to wear a dress, skirt or dress pants with a suitable top. The dress code also allows for UAE national dress.

The urban decor and ‘warehouse’ vibe are a big part of this establishment’s appeal. Located on the ground floor of the Pearl Rotana Hotel in the Capital Centre district, The Warehouse is a rustic addition to the city’s casual dining scene. Decked out with wine barrels, copper-piping embellishments and beautiful ‘stay a while’ leather armchairs, it promotes a Mediterranean-style dining concept in which sharing is encouraged. Guests can choose from a lively selection of wines, beers, sangrias and ‘frosés’ (frozen rosés) alongside a sizable tapas menu. Check out The Warehouse’s offers during the week, including ‘Vine Hour’ served daily from 4pm to 8pm.

This bar has become something of an institution among residents and tourists alike. Thanks to its buzzing beer garden, it’s now a popular gathering point for those looking to soak up any al fresco opportunity they can get during the cooler months (November to March). Best described as ‘a little piece of Old Brussels dropped into the centre in Abu Dhabi’, the Belgian Café is famous for its pork dishes, steaming mussel pots, exclusive selection of Belgian draught beers and popular international ales. Its roster of live music, big-screen televisions and sensational city views adds to the café’s appeal.

One of the best spots to take in incredible Abu Dhabi sunsets, the Eclipse Terrace Lounge takes pride of place on the rooftop of the swanky Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. The lounge is perfectly located between the city centre and the nearby Saadiyat Beach precinct. For real local flavour, settle into a lounger and enjoy the poolside shisha service. Cocktails are served in brass pineapple-shaped tumblers and goblets, and while the snack menu is relatively small, it is packed full of flavour. The mocktail menu is equally impressive with refreshing concoctions like Hand of Orion. The terrace is a good spot for casual drinks with views you can savour long after the drinking is done.

Immerse yourself in the state-of-the-art museum in the late afternoon, and reflect on the cultural experience you’ve just had by enjoying a sundowner at its open-air lounge. This is the perfect place to watch the sun setting over the Arabian Gulf, framed by Jean Nouvel’s brilliant modern-dome architecture. Soft lighting and mirrored splashbacks line this sleek, artistic bar and work well with the casual seating options to create a space that you will want to return to again and again. Enjoy tapas-style bites while sipping on a cocktail or mocktail just 15 minutes from the city centre.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Blu Sky is one of the best sports bars in the city, and a prime spot to drink and cheer on your favourite team. Boasting a lively aesthetic that features electric blue strip lighting, hi-tech TV screens and sound systems, it’s the perfect place to spend a few hours with other sports fans. Munch on a variety of snacks and grill-style meals – all sports-themed. Whether socialising with friends, tackling the weekly quiz nights or enjoying a casual family meal, you can’t go wrong here.

This three-storey bar has become one of the city’s most unique entertainment complexes. Split into three spaces, the venue’s sleek interior oozes sophistication. Guests can sit back and relax on the rooftop garden bar and enjoy the dramatic views out over the Al Bateen Marina. The space is truly diverse, with different vibes to suit your mood; if sitting back with a glass of wine doesn’t strike your fancy, check out the pool tables and mocktail menu. For a livelier evening, head to the hotel’s bustling dance floor. The drinks list is as refined as the hotel itself and complemented by a Peruvian-inspired food selection. Just a few minutes from the city centre, this is one of the most popular new additions to the capital’s bar scene.