Finding Your Dance Floor: Nightclubs in Abu Dhabi
Sometimes, all a person needs after a long day is to let loose, and where better to shake off the stress than on a dance floor? Abu Dhabi does not disappoint when it comes to its range of nightclubs. My personal favorite is Coya Abu Dhabi; where the Latin vibes, shaking cocktail mixers, and infectious beats will keep you on your toes all night. But variety is the spice of life, right? So, do explore O1NE Yas Island with its stunning art installations, MAD on Yas Island – the largest indoor nightlife venue in the UAE, and Lexx, with its eye-catching, LED-lit ceiling.
Penthouse Living: Rooftop Bars of the City
There's something thrilling about sipping a cold beverage, surveying the nightscape from on high, knowing you're experiencing a view reserved for the few. Abu Dhabi's rooftop bars serve that experience on a plate, garnished with upscale vibes and delectable morsels. On top of my list is Up & Below, which gives breathtaking city views alongside its equally arresting cocktails. There's also Ray's Bar on 62nd floor of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, and Level Lounge at Crowne Plaza, both offering wine, spirits, and concoctions with their own dazzling views of the Arabian Gulf.
Pub Grub Love: Best Pubs in the City
Not every night calls for blaring music and dancing. Sometimes, a comfy stool, a pint of lager and a plate of piping hot, mouth-watering food is all the party you need. My go-to pubs in Abu Dhabi include The Sportsman’s Arms with its mini-burgers and gigantic screens, Blu Sky Lounge & Grill with its impressive range of beers on tap, and Heroes at Crowne Plaza for live sports and live music. Honestly, the pub food scene in Abu Dhabi has the power to turn a simple meal into a gastronomic party.
Intimate Strains: Live Music Venues
The power of live music to draw and connect humans is amazing. Whether it is a local band belting out popular tunes, or a soul singer crooning heartfelt lyrics, live music adds an essential ingredient to the nightlife. In this city, Jazz Bar & Dining and Barfly by Buddha Bar never fail to impress me with their music line-up. And let’s not forget Roberto's Club and Lounge, a place that combines fantastic food, scintillating beverages and a fantastic live music scene. Their Thursday nights are stuff of legends.
Laugh Lines: Comedy Nights in Abu Dhabi
It's said that laughter is the best medicine and what better place to get your fill than at a comedy night. Thankfully, Abu Dhabi's nightlife has a healthy dose of humor on offer. My regular haunts include The Laughter Factory and Yalla Laughs. It's pure joy to spend the evening with talented stand-up comedians, letting their punchlines cut through any stress or worry. And sometimes, they let you participate, turning your evening into unexpectedly memorable ones – like this one night when, due to a dare, I ended up on the stage and tried my hand at stand-up. Ahem! Let’s just say, the experience was humbling.
Grape and Grain: Wine and Whiskey Bars
For the connoisseurs who appreciate the subtler aspects of nightlife; the swirl, the sniff, the sip; wine and whiskey bars dot the cityscape of Abu Dhabi. Allow yourself the pleasure of exploring these liquid narratives one glass at a time. Places like Loca, Belgian Cafe, and The Warehouse Wine & Tapas bar house an impressive selection that would please both, casual wine drinkers, and the discerning palates of wine enthusiasts. Not to forget, Impressions rooftop bar offers the richest selection of whiskey I've found in the city so far.
Pour Over: Specialty Coffee Shops
Who says the day's end means the party's end? Sometimes, nightlife begins offbeat, with a hearty cup of joe at a coffee shop. Abu Dhabi's café culture is vibrant and varied. Whether you're a fan of the rich Emirati blend or prefer a light and fruity Ethiopian roast, there's a brew for you here. Some of my regular spots are Joud Cafe, Arabica % and Espresso Lab. Plus, these shops often open till late, allowing you to transition from chatterbox gatherings to more serene nocturnal affairs, one steaming mug at a time.
Feasting at Midnight: Late Night Eateries
Finally, let's not ignore a fundamental aspect of an unforgettable night - food! A late-night grub run is often the perfect cherry on top of an exhilarating evening. Abu Dhabi caters to culinary demands round the clock with places like The Third Place Cafe, which opens until 2 a.m, Belgian Waffles serving until midnight, and Al’s All Day Dining open - well, you guessed it - all day. Just remember that partying is a marathon, not a sprint, and these dining destinations are perfect for those who like to keep the party going.
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