New to the capital or simply looking for a fun evening out? Either way, nightlife in Abu Dhabi features everything from stylish bars and rooftop lounges to dance clubs and weekend party spots.
From Irish bars to English pubs, desi watering holes to African, Kabayan and more – there’s a community out there ready to party it up!
So if you’re looking for a fun night out in Abu Dhabi or your new favourite bars and clubs, keep scrolling.
Nightlife in Abu Dhabi: Your guide to bars, clubs & more
Why Abu Dhabi’s nightlife is unique
It’s all about diversity when it comes to Abu Dhabi’s nightlife scene. While people often peg the capital as slow-paced, it’s actually quite the opposite. From wine and cheese nights to quiz nights, live jazz bars to nightclubs in Abu Dhabi with amazing deals – there’s a party for every mood every day of the week!
Think rooftop bars with stunning city views and VIP lounges with more exclusive experiences. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of local bars with regulars for a more lowkey comfy night. Either way, you’re in for a memorable night.
Nightclubs to check out in Abu Dhabi
Atlon
You’ll find this on almost any list dissecting nightlife in Abu Dhabi and that’s saying something. Located in Souk Qaryat Al Beri, it’s the perfect place for expats new in town.
The music is top notch, and there’s events almost every day of the week. From karaoke nights to Afro beats, Amapiano and RnB – it’s a party every night here.
Details:
- Where: Souq Qaryat Al Beri
- When: Tue-Thu 7 pm – 3 am, Fri 4 pm – 3.30 am, Sat 3 pm – 3.30 am, Sun 2 pm – 8 pm
- Contact: Call 058 575 3414
Lock, Stock and Barrel
If you’re into good vibes, live music and delish bites – LSB is the place to be at! With two levels and a stunning view of Yas Bay Waterfront, it’s the ultimate place to let loose after a tiring week.
Of course, like any great party bar, this one too has themed events going on at any given point. Think quiz nights, ladies nights, brunch on Saturday and more. It’s loud, it’s unapologetic, it’s epic!
Details:
- Where: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
- When: Mon-Wed, 4 pm – 2 am. Thu 4 pm – 2 am, Fri & Sun noon – 3 am, Sat 2 pm – 3 am
- Contact: Call 04 423 8308
Café del Mar
Nothing says party like pool parties, and the temperature-controlled pool at Café del Mar will definitely have you shrivelling up long after the music stops!
Panoramic views over Yas Bay, DJs spinning mad views, need we say anymore?
Details:
- Where: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
- When: Mon-Thu 6 pm – 2 am, Fri-Sun 6 pm – 3 am
- Contact: Call 050 402 2283
Iris
If this list is any indication, most of the best nightclubs in town seem to be on Yas Island. Iris is no exception, featuring banging tunes and crowds that’ll get everyone on the dance floor.
From RnB and Hip-Hop to Latin and Afro beats to 80s and 90s tunes, the setlist will always have your back. And of course, the views. Is it even a Ladies nightclub in Abu Dhabi without brilliant views?
Details:
- Where: Yas Marina, Yas Island
- When: Mon-Sat 6 pm – 3.30 am
- Contact: Call 055 160 5636
Velocity
This one was always on the Abu Dhabi nightlife landscape, but burst into the limelight harder with the weekend deal.
It’s not just a discount no, it’s AED 50 for 10 drinks before 10pm, and AED 100 for 10 drinks after until closing. You read that exactly right. The crowd’s diverse, the music is mostly pop, but the vibes are 10/10. If you’re looking to live it up without breaking the bank – this is it.
Details:
Where: Marriott Hotel Downtown, Abu Dhabi
When: Friday to Sunday, 6 pm to 4 am
Contact: Call 02 304 7777
Zuma
Zuma is a crowd favourite when it comes to gourmands and date night hunters. But on the weekends, it can get loud, fun and pretty vibey in there!
The place is a little tiny to host so many dancers, but the vibes are too LIT for anyone to really care. If you’re looking for something closer to the main city, this is definitely worth checking out.
Details:
- Where: The Galleria Al Maryah Island
- When: Sunday to Thursday, 7 pm – 1 am, Friday to Saturday, 7 pm – 2 am
- Contact: Call 02 401 5900
White
It’s Abu Dhabi’s largest club, so you know things are about to get really epic in there. White is the place you go to for all out ragers, and we’ll give you a million reasons why.
The dance floor for one, high-tech sounds, lasers and projections and 360-degree projection mapping. There’s also usually a massive DJ on the decks, making this the ultimate club in the capital.
Details:
- Where: Yas Bay, Yas Island
- When: Friday to Saturday, 11 pm – 3.30 am
- Contact: Call 050 639 8934
Bars and pubs to check out in Abu Dhabi
McCafferty’s
Another Yas Island goated spot. Irish pubs will always be all the rage in Abu Dhabi. And McCafferty’s is an easy favourite for all.
There’s live music and DJ’s spinning you into the night of course, but you might also occasionally spot Dylan and Dillon around for music bingo nights. Add to that great happy hour deals, and this a great spot to chill at any day of the week.
Details:
Where: Hilton Yas Island
When: Daily, 9 am – 2 am
Contact: Call 058 598 3623
Ma Buckley’s
Dare we say the Irish know how to have fun? Load up on those pints at this Irish-owned joint, featuring everything you need to let loose a little.
They also host regular themed events, from Galentine’s to Pen and Paper Quizzes. And you’ll always have a host of good deals to look through. Not too shabby eh?
Details:
Where: Souk Qaryat Al Beri
When: Mon-Fri, 12 pm – 2 am; Sat-Sun, 9 am – 4 am
Contact: Call 058 598 3623
Ting Irie
UAE’s first Jamaican food restaurant & lounge, Ting Irie has slowly but surely cemented its place in Abu Dhabi.
Located at the gorgeous Mamsha Al Saadiyat, you could easily start with the Saturday brunch (with live music and more) and work your way up to the rager later at night. It’s interesting food plus good views, what more does one need?
Details:
Where: Mamsha Al Saadiyat
When: Mon-Fri, 11 am – 11.30 pm; Sat-Sun, 10 am – 12 am
Contact: Call 02 886 7786
Irish Vickers
The self-proclaimed first Irish superpub in Abu Dhabi is undeniably a favourite, given multiple locations in both World Trade Centre and Al Raha.
It’s almost always packed in the city, so you’re better off making a reservation before heading down there. Once you’re in though, you’re sure to have a great time!
Details:
Where: World Trade Center and Al Raha
When: Mon-Fri, 3 pm – 4 am; Sat-Sun, 12 pm – 4 am
Contact: Call 02 886 9636
The Keg Room
Located in Al Zeina, this one’s a bit a further away from the city than the rest. The trip however is totally worth it, and we can personally vouch for this being one of the most fun quiz night places in Abu Dhabi.
There’s also musical bingo, matches being screened and more among other events taking place through the week. Don’t miss out!
Details:
Where: Al Zeina
When: Mon-Thurs, 11 am – 12 am; Fri-Sun, 9 am – 1 am
Contact: Call 056 410 4101
Dress code, age limits, transport, safety tips
When it comes to dress codes, Abu Dhabi has relatively relaxed in recent years. However with respect to local customs, it’s always advisable to dress more modestly.
For the clubs and bars in particular, you’re mostly free to dress as you please. Some basic no-nos are shorts and slippers or open toed footwear for men. It’s always recommended to dress elegantly and stylishly. That means no sportswear, tracksuits, baseball caps, and flip-flops.
The age limit for entry and being able to consume licensed beverages in the UAE is 21. You will be ID’d at most places while entering, and can also be asked to leave if you’re younger.
On the travel front, drinking and driving is not permissible at all in the UAE. There are strict laws and hefty fines in place if you’re caught. Skip the anxiety and putting others on the road at risk. You can always book taxis through the official Abu Dhabi Taxi app, or opt for Careem, Yango and Uber. There are also private chauffeur apps like Zofeur and Blacklane, who can send drivers to safely escort you home in the privacy of your own vehicle.