Shisha Abu Dhabi

The Best Shisha Cafes in Abu Dhabi

Shisha smoking in the UAE is a favourite national pastime.  Everywhere you walk, you will come across another outdoor shisha café where locals as well as expats hang out with friends and family having drinks, coffees and snacks along with shisha. Despite the health awareness campaigns on the impact of tobacco, many cannot limit their passion on shisha and now the government want to enforce stricter guidelines on where shisha cafes can operate.  For now, hotels and some outdoor dining cafes are fine to serve shisha, however the new laws mainly affect independent cafes and restaurants that operate in residential areas. 

For those of you not 'au fait' with the shisha, it essentially is a water pipe used for smoking purposes, originating about 500 years ago. The tobacco is heated by coals and the smoke is purified and cooled through the water after which it emerges through the suction tube, from where it is smoked. The Shisha ranges from the mini (usually bought by tourists who probably won't smoke it again) to the regular metre high contraptions to the two metre monsters which grace some of the cafes. The cost to smoke one in the UAE ranges, in general, from about 35-50 Dirhams depending on whether you are in a trendy 'to be seen' place or not, though some exclusive joints can charge upward of a thousand Dirhams! Flavours vary from the popular apple (and double apple), mint, strawberry, apricot, rose through to the super cool grape. You know what we like.

We’ve listed our favourite shisha places for Abu Dhabi to suit a variety of budgets.  Happy puffing!

For a glam evening of shisha head to Cedar Lounge at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi.  Dress up and prepare to feel like a celeb with impressive service, drinks and of course shisha.  Cedar Lounge is a Lebanese restaurant serving great food.  Either dine or do drinks/shisha indoors or outdoors under their beautiful cabanas with pendant lighting.  A DJ plays to complete the experience. (+971 2 654 3333)

For a spot of isolation the Pool Bar, at the Marina Al Bateen is a secret hidden gem, if you can find it!  For some, a crowded ‘to be seen…’ place is not the ideal cup of tea, so if you want to enjoy a quiet evening with shisha and a relaxing view of the water and sailboats, this classy venue will not disappoint. (+971 2 665 0144)

For ‘no frills’ shisha, the long standing Special Café has many loyal followers.  Situated in Al Khalidiyah, Corniche, this chain has three different spots all within close proximity of each other.  They do decent food, non alcoholic drinks and shisha but don’t expect a variety on the menu – just the basics – although the juices are special!  Likewise, with your dress code – just keep it to the basics.

Ask anyone for their best all - rounder hangout for shisha and most will say Layali Zaman. As well as great shisha, Layali Zaman serves tasty Lebanese food at very reasonable prices.   You’ll find it gets busy quickly on the weekends so get there early to sit outside and enjoy views of the corniche.  Take note, Layali Zaman is unlicensed but their fresh juices make up for it.  Located on Corniche Road or Al Markaziyah West.  (+971 2 627 7745)

If you happen to be residing in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s current congestion zone and need some unwinding, head to the One to One Hotel on Al Salaam Street.  Sahriye is their Lebanese restaurant which offers great food, relaxing shisha and live music on the rooftop and indoors. (+971 2 495 2000) 

If you fancy shisha after a good meal which is not Lebanese, Oceans at the Le Royal Meridien offers outdoor shisha.  The menu is seafood from around the globe and their bar has an extensive cocktail list.  Prices are a tad on the high side but for something different, non – Arabic and lively atmosphere give this a try. (+971 2 674 2020)

Tche Tche cafe, off Corniche Road West Al Khalidiya.  If you’re looking for somewhere informal for shisha and it’s too warm to go to Special Café, this place is pretty popular and bustling with both expats and the locals.  There are a variety of flavours available and their Turkish coffee and snacks are good too. (+971 2 681 1994)