Nightlife in Abu Dhabi - 15 best nightclubs to visit

Contrary to popular belief about the Middle East, the nightlife in Abu Dhabi is exciting and you will be spoiled for choice.

Escape the dull routine of the day to enjoy a night out, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays. These are the days when the greatest number of people visit.

The city has everything from British-style pubs to the most popular nightclubs with a variety of music!

1. Butcher & Still

This place has a great interior and a relaxed atmosphere. The chefs boast well-cooked meats. The cocktails (some of which are served with ice and smoke) will make a special impression on you.

Butcher & Still

Despite the fact that the dress code does not apply, it is better to wear elegant casual clothing.

Cost for two: 450 AED

Opening hours: from 4:00 to 2:00.

2. Relax@12

This bar offers a beautiful view of the city of Abu Dhabi. It is located in the Alof Hotel near the National Exhibition Centre. You can not only enjoy great cocktails, but also try sushi and shisha.

Relax@12

Cost for two: 350 dirhams.

Opening hours: from 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

3. PJ O Reilley's

This bar at Le Royal Meridien is known for its Irish theme and cool atmosphere. There is a DJ and live music in the evenings, which sets the mood for a good time.

P J O'Reilly's Irish Pub

Friday family brunches will be enjoyed by all. Don't forget to try the chicken wings and seafood dishes!

Cost for two: 300 dirhams.

Opening hours: from 12:00 to 1:30.

4. The Jazz Bar

Jazz Bar & Restaurant was the winner of the 2017 Abu Dhabi Night Out Best Live Music Awards. Located at the Hilton Abu Dhabi, this establishment offers a great menu of seafood, steaks, and chilled beer. Come here for a delicious meal and live music by a local band called DNA.

Jazz N Fizz Bar

Cost for two: 400 dirhams

Opening hours: 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

5. Mood Indigo

This bar at the Novotel City Centre offers snacks as well as a wide range of cocktails. It's a great jazz bar with live piano music playing on Friday evenings.

Here are the cheapest prices for beer in the city. The understated jazz atmosphere is accentuated by the dark wood interior and decorative lighting.

Cost for two: 300 dirhams.

Opening hours: from 12:00 to 2:00.

6. Oceana Restaurant and Grill

Oceana Grill Restaurant, as the name suggests, is known for its seafood dishes. Excellent breakfast, includes a buffet. The glass windows overlook the bustling city of Abu Dhabi. The interior is done in white and beige color scheme.

Oceana Restaurant and Grill

The bar has a large selection of beers on the menu, making it a popular place not only for lunchtime but also for an evening out in Abu Dhabi.

Keep in mind that you can't drink here until late at night.

Cost for two: 200 dirhams

Opening hours: from 6:00 to 10:30, from 12:30 to 15:30, from 19:00 to 23:30.

7. Stills

This bar at the Crowne Plaza hosts men's nights out on Saturdays and Sundays, making it a great place for bachelor parties.

It offers a European menu with tasty grills to go with mixed cocktails. After the sun goes down, live music is replaced by a DJ and you can dance. Prices are higher compared to other bars.

Cost for two: AED 500

Opening hours: from 3:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

8. Ray's Bar

Ray's Bar is a very popular place to drink and dance the night away! Located in Jumeirah in the Etihad Towers, Ray's Bar provides an exhilarating view of the city from the 62nd floor.

Ray's Bar

The organizers won the "Best Bar" award in 2017. There's a pool table and first-class cocktails. Keep in mind that there will be a dress code, so don't forget to dress accordingly.

Cost for two: 400 dirhams

Opening hours: 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

9. Cooper's

The establishment is considered one of the best pubs for nightlife in Abu Dhabi, perfect for socializing over a mug of beer. Cooper's resembles a British pub in style.

Cooper's

Sports events are shown here, which draw huge crowds on match days, and this certainly contributes to the fact that beer is sold at great prices.

As an appetizer, they serve calamari, chicken wings, and shaped fries that go well with chilled beer.

Price for two: AED 350

Opening hours: from 12:00 to 2:30.

10. Sax Club

This club at Le Royal Meridien hosts theme parties with great music for those who love to dance. Renovated in 2012, their sound system and atmosphere are better than ever.

SAX Club

Ladies' evenings are on Mondays and Wednesdays. There is a dress code, so be sure to dress accordingly!

Cost for two: 400 dirhams

Opening hours: 7:00 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.

11. Blue Bar

As the name implies, this establishment has a neon-blue finish that glows against the night sky.

Blue Bar

A long bar stretches along one side of the room, while a glass wall on the other side reflects the twinkling lights of Abu Dhabi nightlife. There's a large assortment of delicious cocktails.

Cost for two: 250 dirhams

Opening hours: 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

12. Manhattan Lounge

This lounge at St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort offers luxury food and drinks in Abu Dhabi. The location next to Saadiyat Beach promises a cool breeze through the night while you sip mixed cocktails. It's a great place for company.

Cost for two: AED 500

Opening hours: from 5:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.

Manhattan Lounge

13. The Captain's Arms

The Captain's Arms at Le Meridien Village is located in a beautiful setting with a fun atmosphere and good music. It serves pizza and British dishes such as burgers, mashed potatoes and Guinness pie.

Captain's Arms

Note that the service is a little slow, so don't expect to get your order quickly. But when you are served it, the drinks are well designed. The beer is priced pretty reasonably. This is the perfect place to experience nightlife in Abu Dhabi at more affordable prices.

Cost for two: 250 dirhams

Opening hours: from 3:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

14. Brauhaus

Brauhaus at Beach Rotana is known for its German cuisine with a wonderful selection of German draught beers. It's the place to be for a casual pub meal and a relaxing evening with friends.

Brauhaus

Price for two: AED 350

Opening hours: from 12:00 to 1:00.

15. Rock Bottom Café

This bar is located at Al Diar Capital Hotel on Mina Street. The menu features fast food such as hot dogs, and their drinks are American classics. Beer here costs about 35 dirhams. Ladies Night takes place from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Rock Bottom Café

Cost for two: 300 dirhams

Opening time: from 12:00 to 3:30.

What to remember to have a good time at night in Abu Dhabi

Non-Muslim residents must have a liquor license to purchase and consume alcohol, although this is rarely asked. Tourists who have received a visitor's visa to the UAE are exempt from this requirement.

There are many bars and nightclubs available in the country's posh hotels, but keep in mind that costs are higher there.

These places have dress codes, for example, you can not come in sandals or flip-flops.

When leaving the bar, it is best to take a cab directly to the hotel, as it is not permitted to wander the streets after drinking alcohol. It goes without saying that this also applies to driving under the influence of alcohol.

With the above tips in mind, nightlife in Abu Dhabi promises to be great!