Must-see nightlife in Abu Dhabi

For a prime perspective on Abu Dhabi's audacious architectural vision, let the lift whisk you up to this 62nd-floor bar at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers,…

Just the coolest speakeasy-style bar in town. Walk through the front door of Dai Pai Dong and head left to stumble into this secret drinking den, all…

Beside, and connected to, Etihad Modern Art Gallery, this artsy cafe, with its shaded patio scattered with tables and seating made from recycled oil…

Don't be deceived by the unassuming back staircase entrance. Climb to the top, and you'll be dazzled by incredible turquoise waters and panoramic ocean…

Although earnest artisan-coffee guff generally gets on our nerves – when ordering you'll be asked the origin you want and whether you'd like it served hot…

All other cocktail bars may be dead to you once you've sipped a Pearl Sky (gin, rhubarb liqueur, yuzu, blackberry and lemon) or Sake Samurai (vodka, sake,…

Tucked away in an inconspicuous corner of the main lobby, this bar is inspired by vivacious Hungarian actress Zsa Zsa Gabor. Her stylish but flamboyant…

A connoisseur's cocktail bar, Butcher & Still has a black marble bar, hardwood features and leather everywhere to pad the elbows. Smoked Manhattans and…

Poolside Eclipse is a worthy spot to enjoy stunning views over the water and rooftops of the city. During the day it has a laid-back and relaxed vibe. The…

Loved by locals, Hookah Lounge sits right on the water's edge with spectacular views back across to the city. Shisha (from Dhs62), unsurprisingly, is the…

The Arabian Peninsula is dire territory for hopheads, but the Belgian Café at the InterContinental boasts a satisfying suds selection, featuring five…

A well-established pub, with an old-fashioned, wood-panelled, brass-trimmed ambience, this watering hole is renowned for its popular ladies' nights …

With one of the very best views of nighttime Abu Dhabi, the outside terrace at this highly popular shisha cafe is always teeming with appreciative puffers…

Late at night, this place gets packed with trendy young things sipping signature cocktails (Dhs55 to Dhs75). DJs spin progressive deep house on Thursdays…

With a wicked assortment of carefully crafted mocktails and cocktails, this classy bar-restaurant attracts a well-dressed clientele. Sit outside on the…

In the cooler months, this is the place to be. Cool cucumber mojitos, passion-fruit Collins, and kiwi gin and tonics are just some of the signature…

The Four Season's lobby lounge comes into its own during the cooler months when you can sit outside with a drink on the terrace and take in the city…

One of Abu Dhabi's see-and-be-seen party haunts, dress up and bring your ID (over 21s only) to hang with the beautiful people partying to RnB, hip-hop,…

An international/Tex-Mex/Irish cantina popular with long-term foreign residents, Hemingway's is the place to lounge in front of the big screen with beer,…

A hugely popular cafe that has nothing to write home about other than the sense of participating in a beloved local ritual. Come here for shisha and tea…