Cocktails in Abu Dhabi

Trendy Cocktail Bars in Abu Dhabi

If it’s too early to head to a club but you fancy sitting in a stunning venue sipping the most refreshing of cocktails, take a peek at the list for our favourite glitzy bars.  Most of these will have a DJ appearing later on in the night and the venue will almost always turn clubby, but it’s always nice to arrive early and grab a comfy sofa to take you through the rest of the night.  Take note that some of the venues are exclusive (Allure and Amber Lounge) so pre booking is required.   

Hakkassan at the Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace +971 2 690 9000

Open: 8pm- 2am

Hakkasan kicks the competition when it comes to food, but it’s also becoming the in place to be seen for a pre or post drink. The music is cool and you can get nibbles at the bar. The cocktails are great and this place serves the best non alcoholic cocktails in Abu Dhabi. This is the see and be seen spot in Abu Dhabi. The only downside is the DJ can’t really be seen – although he is still able to create the atmosphere.

Allure by Cipriani

Yas Yacht Club +971 2 565 0015.

Open 8pm- 2am

Catering for an exclusive clientele, Allure by Cipriani on the Yas Island is one of the higher end nightclubs that Abu Dhabi has to offer. Split into two parts, the terrace is more chillout and smoke on your shisha and the main club area is a fantastically conceived club with great lighting displays –you almost think you are in LA or Monaco than in Abu Dhabi. Entry starts at 150 DHS

Skylite Bar

Yas Hotel +971 2 656 0700

Open 4pm -1am

The skylite bat sits at the top of the mesh that makes up the unique design of the Yas Hotel. It also makes for an amazing venue with an airy breeze to chill over a couple of mojitos. The music at this place is slamming and it recently won the best bar in the Middle East from askmen. Read that again – not just the best bar in Abu Dhabi, not just the best bar in the UAE – the best bar in the Middle East. Who says everything happens in Dubai? Must have soul on a Friday night is THE party to be at.

Y Bar

Yas Island Rotana +971 2 656 4000

Open 4pm -1am

This stylish new bar on the block is a wine bar atmosphere, but come F1 season gets buzzy especially as the action is right outside.  The red brick walls and modernistic furniture really give this venue a cool clean vibe.  Ample seating indoor and out mean the ladies wont be disappointed.  Happy pub eaters will like the menu here, giant burgers and fish and chips will bring a warm nostalgia served up with a huge selection of tasty cocktails.

Amber Lounge

Hiltonia Beach Club http://www.amber-lounge.com/

Event held annually during F1 Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi.

For the super cool and uber elite, book your table for the Amber Lounge, an exclusive yearly event held during the F1 Grand Prix.  Held at the Hiltonia Beach Club, this plush outdoor venue is transformed into an ultimate luxurious alfresco experience, where VIPs and celebrities party under the stars till dawn.  Parties are held yearly in Monaco, Singapore, Delhi and Abu Dhabi.  Individual passes start from €650 and tables for a party of eight start at €5,200.  Book in advance, this is a strictly ‘ticket – only’ event.  N.b. This party happens only once a year and you certainly need your wasta to be able to make it in. If you do, you’ll be indulging in the most happening party of the year.