Mocktails in Abu Dhabi are not about giving something up. They are simply a reflection of how many people here choose to socialise.
For a large part of the city’s population, particularly within Arab culture, alcohol-free drinks have always been the norm.
From dedicated dry bars and shisha lounges to high-end restaurants and waterfront cafés, Abu Dhabi has built one of the most interesting mocktail scenes in the region. Here are the places doing it best.
The Virgin Mary – Alcohol-Free Bar for Mocktails in Abu Dhabi
If there is one place that truly defines Abu Dhabi’s modern mocktail culture, it’s The Virgin Mary. As a fully alcohol-free bar located in The Galleria, this is a space where mocktails are not an afterthought; they are the entire experience.
Think botanicals, spices, citrus, and house blends, all shaken and served with precision. It feels social, polished, and intentional, without relying on alcohol to create atmosphere.
A must-try is the Virgin Paloma, a grapefruit, citrus, and soda with a slightly bitter finish that is light, refreshing, and consistently one of the most ordered drinks on the menu.
HuQQabaz, Al Marina – Mocktails in Abu Dhabi’s Social Shisha Scene
HuQQabaz is well-known in Abu Dhabi for its lively atmosphere, shisha culture, and Anatolian cuisine, but its mocktail menu deserves just as much attention.
The drinks here are elaborate and designed to be part of a longer social experience. Presentation is a big part of the appeal, making these drinks feel celebratory and indulgent. Often served with elaborate presentations in bizarre objects.
It’s a perfect example of how mocktails are woven naturally into social life in the city, especially in settings where alcohol has never been central.
A must-try is the Ottoman Breeze, a layered mix of mixed berries, citrus, and floral notes, often ordered to share and one of the most recognisable drinks at the table.
La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi
LPM has one of the strongest mocktail selections in the city. Rather than simple juice blends, their non-alcoholic drinks are complex and refined, often using herbs, citrus, teas, and natural sweetness to build depth.
These mocktails are designed to pair with food, making them ideal for long lunches, business meetings, or elegant dinners where alcohol isn’t the focus.
The Rosemary Honey Lemonade is a must-try. It’s a fresh lemon, honey, and rosemary, elegant and balanced, and a go-to choice for lunch and dinner guests alike.
Oii, Al Qana
Bright, colourful and relaxed, Oii offers a playful mocktail menu that matches its Mediterranean energy. Expect refreshing combinations, tropical flavours and drinks that work just as well in the afternoon as they do in the evening.
It’s a great option for those who enjoy lighter, fruit-led mocktails that still feel well put together, especially when paired with a waterfront setting.
Try the Passionfruit & Elderflower Spritz. It’s lightly sweet, aromatic, and refreshing, often ordered on repeat during sunny afternoons.
Mika, Yas Marina
Mika approaches mocktails with the same philosophy as its food: clean flavours, seasonal ingredients, and careful presentation.
The mocktails here are elegant rather than over-the-top, designed to complement the menu and the marina views.
It’s an ideal spot for sunset drinks, where alcohol-free options feel intentional and refined, not secondary.
The Cucumber Mint Cooler goes down a treat! It’s crisp, cooling and understated, especially popular around sunset and during warmer months.
Dragon’s Tooth, Rosewood Abu Dhabi
For those who enjoy creative flavour combinations, Dragon’s Tooth offers mocktails that are playful and unexpected. Ingredients like tea, citrus, fruit pearls and layered textures give these drinks a sense of craft and experimentation.
Set within Rosewood Abu Dhabi, the speakeasy atmosphere adds to the experience, proving that mocktails can feel just as exciting and grown-up as any cocktail menu.
The Boba passionfruit, tea and citrus with chewy pearls is a standout drink that guests often order for both flavour and experience.
Conclusion
The mocktails in Abu Dhabi reflects the city itself: diverse, culturally grounded and increasingly thoughtful.
From dedicated dry bars like The Virgin Mary to social shisha lounges such as HuQQabaz and refined restaurant settings across the city, Abu Dhabi proves that great drinks don’t need alcohol to feel special, social or indulgent.
