Abu Dhabi doesn’t sleep when the sun goes down. While many visitors think of desert safaris and grand mosques, the city’s real energy kicks in after dark. From rooftop lounges with skyline views to underground clubs pulsing with global beats, Abu Dhabi’s nightlife is more diverse than most expect. Forget the idea that it’s all quiet and formal - this is a city that knows how to turn up, and it’s got spots for every kind of night out.
1. Zuma - Where Luxury Meets Late Nights
Zuma isn’t just a restaurant. It’s an experience that stretches from sunset into the early hours. Perched on the 40th floor of the Etihad Towers, this Japanese izakaya-style spot turns into a buzzing lounge after 9 PM. Think dim lighting, sleek bar stools, and a DJ spinning chill house tracks. The menu leans into high-end sushi and robata grilled meats, but the real draw is the view - the entire Abu Dhabi skyline stretches out below you. Locals come here for date nights, and tourists often stay until 2 AM just to soak in the vibe. It’s not cheap, but if you want to feel like you’re in a global city, this is the place.
2. The Rooftop at Edition - The City’s Best Skyline View
If you’re looking for a drink with a panoramic view, The Rooftop at Edition delivers. It’s open-air, softly lit, and surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Corniche and the Persian Gulf. The cocktail list is curated by a former mixologist from London’s Experimental Cocktail Club, so expect creative drinks like the Abu Dhabi Sunset - a blend of date syrup, gin, and cardamom foam. No loud music here. Just smooth jazz, low chatter, and the occasional clink of glasses. It’s the perfect spot if you want to unwind after a long day without the pressure of dancing or loud crowds.
3. Hakkasan - The Nightclub That Feels Like a Party in Hong Kong
Hakkasan isn’t just another nightclub. It’s a full sensory experience. The moment you step inside, you’re hit with deep red lighting, carved wooden panels, and a bassline that vibrates in your chest. The venue is modeled after the original in London and has hosted global DJs like Martin Garrix and Armin van Buuren. The crowd? Fashion-forward locals, expats, and visiting celebrities. It opens at 11 PM and doesn’t wind down until 4 AM. Dress code is strict - no shorts, no sneakers. If you’re going, make a reservation. This isn’t the kind of place you walk into on a whim.
4. The Library - Hidden Gems in the Heart of the City
Tucked away in a quiet alley near Al Maryah Island, The Library feels like stumbling into a secret society. It’s a speakeasy-style bar with leather sofas, vintage books lining the walls, and a bartender who remembers your name after one visit. The menu changes monthly, but you’ll always find something unexpected - like a smoked whiskey sour with a rosemary garnish or a non-alcoholic gin tonic infused with saffron. No signs outside. You need to text a code to get in. It’s not for everyone, but if you’ve had your fill of loud clubs, this is the antidote.
5. Bunker Bar - For the Underground Crowd
Underneath a nondescript building in Al Bateen lies Bunker Bar - a gritty, industrial-chic space that’s become a cult favorite among locals. The walls are lined with vinyl records, the sound system is top-tier, and the DJs play everything from deep house to techno to rare 90s hip-hop. It’s BYOB-friendly on Tuesdays, and the cover charge is usually under 50 AED. No fancy cocktails here. Just cold beers, good beats, and a crowd that doesn’t care what you’re wearing. This is where Abu Dhabi’s real music scene lives.
6. Al Maha Hotel’s Sunset Lounge - Desert Vibes in the City
Just outside the city center, Al Maha Hotel’s lounge offers a totally different kind of night out. Think Bedouin tents, lantern-lit seating, and live oud music. You can sip on traditional Emirati coffee or try a date martini while listening to a local musician play under the stars. The lounge opens at 7 PM and closes at midnight, making it one of the few places where you can enjoy a calm, cultural evening without the rush of a club. It’s perfect for couples or travelers who want to experience local traditions after dark.
7. Cielo - The Only Rooftop Pool Club
Cielo is the only place in Abu Dhabi where you can swim, sip, and dance under the stars - all in one spot. Located on the top floor of the St. Regis, this rooftop pool club turns into a dance floor after sunset. The pool is heated, the cocktails are crafted with fresh herbs, and the DJs bring in international talent every weekend. It’s open from 6 PM to 2 AM, and the vibe shifts from relaxed poolside to full-on party mode as the night goes on. Bring a swimsuit. You might just jump in.
8. The Jazz Bar - Live Music That Doesn’t Quit
Every Friday and Saturday, The Jazz Bar comes alive with local and international jazz, blues, and soul acts. It’s small, intimate, and smells like old wood and bourbon. The band starts at 9 PM, and by 11, the room is packed. You won’t find loud EDM here - just smooth saxophone solos, soulful vocals, and the occasional tap of a foot on the floor. It’s one of the few places in Abu Dhabi where music is the star, not the background noise. No reservations needed. Just show up, grab a seat, and let the music carry you.
9. W Abu Dhabi - Where the Party Never Stops
W Abu Dhabi is a 24/7 party zone. The lobby bar turns into a club at midnight, the pool deck hosts beach parties on weekends, and the rooftop lounge is always buzzing. It’s got a permanent resident DJ, a dance floor that never empties, and a crowd that’s young, loud, and ready to go. If you’re looking for a high-energy night out with international DJs, bottle service, and neon lights, this is your spot. It’s tourist-friendly, but locals come here too - especially during major events like F1 weekend.
10. The Garden - For a Chill, Outdoor Night
On the edge of the Yas Marina Circuit, The Garden is an open-air lounge with string lights, comfy bean bags, and a menu of Middle Eastern tapas. It’s the kind of place where you can order a shisha, sip on a passionfruit mojito, and watch the stars without any pressure to dance or drink. Live acoustic sets happen every Thursday and Sunday. The vibe is relaxed, the crowd is mixed, and the service is slow - in the best way. It’s the perfect way to end a night without the hangover.
Abu Dhabi’s nightlife isn’t about one big scene. It’s about layers - luxury, culture, underground beats, and quiet corners under the stars. Whether you want to dance until sunrise, sip a cocktail with a view, or just sit under a lantern with a shisha, the city has a place for it. Just remember: most clubs don’t open before 10 PM, and dress codes are enforced. Plan ahead, know your vibe, and let the night lead you.
What time do nightclubs in Abu Dhabi usually open and close?
Most nightclubs in Abu Dhabi open around 10 PM or 11 PM and stay open until 2 AM to 4 AM. Some venues like W Abu Dhabi and Hakkasan run later on weekends, especially during events like Formula 1. Bars and lounges often close earlier, around midnight. Always check the venue’s social media - hours can change based on the day of the week or special events.
Is there a dress code for nightlife in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, and it varies by venue. Upscale spots like Zuma, Hakkasan, and Cielo require smart casual attire - no shorts, flip-flops, or tank tops. Men should wear closed shoes, and women often dress in dresses or stylish separates. More casual places like Bunker Bar or The Garden are relaxed - jeans and a t-shirt are fine. Always check ahead. Some places use bouncers who turn people away for violating the dress code.
Can tourists drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, but only in licensed venues. Hotels, bars, and clubs with liquor licenses can serve alcohol to tourists and residents. You can’t buy alcohol from supermarkets unless you have a personal liquor license (which is only given to non-Muslim residents). Drinking in public places like beaches or parks is illegal. Stick to licensed venues to avoid trouble.
Are there any family-friendly nightlife options in Abu Dhabi?
Most nightlife spots are adults-only after 8 PM, but places like Al Maha’s Sunset Lounge and The Garden welcome families earlier in the evening. You’ll also find late-night cafes and dessert spots - like Sweet Treats at Marina Mall - that stay open until midnight with no alcohol, making them perfect for teens or parents with kids. Always call ahead if you’re bringing minors.
What’s the best night of the week to go out in Abu Dhabi?
Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest, with the best DJs, longest hours, and biggest crowds. If you prefer a quieter vibe, try Thursday - many lounges and jazz bars have live music without the party rush. Sunday nights are surprisingly calm, and some venues offer half-price drinks. Avoid Monday and Tuesday unless you’re looking for a low-key drink - most clubs are closed or have theme nights with smaller crowds.
