Best Bars in Abu Dhabi: Top Rooftop, Beachside & Nightlife Spots

The best bars in Abu Dhabi offer a vibrant mix of luxury lounges, rooftop venues, beachside bars, and lively sports pubs that cater to every nightlife preference. From high-end rooftop bars in Abu Dhabi with skyline views to relaxed spots serving craft beers and live entertainment, the capital’s vibrant nightlife illustrates its own story through crafted cocktails, panoramic views, and moments that linger long after the night ends. Whether you are chasing sunset views, DJ-led nights or unique settings, this guide will help you explore Abu Dhabi nightlife in the best possible way.

Best Bars in Abu Dhabi for Luxury, Views & Nightlife Experiences

• 

  Best bars in Abu Dhabi

Ray’s Bar Abu Dhabi – Highest Rooftop Bar with Skyline Views 

Ray’s Bar is perched on the 62nd floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. The bar is the city’s most elevated venue and offers uninterrupted views across Abu Dhabi’s glittering skyline and the Arabian Gulf beyond. Hence, it is among the best rooftop bars in Abu Dhabi with views which redefine luxury nightlife. 

• Prices: Expect to spend approximately Rs. 8,000 (AED 350) for two people.
• Opening Hours: 5 pm to 2 am daily

Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi – Luxury Beachside Bar on Saadiyat Island 

Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi brings the legendary Buddha-Bar concept to the shores of the Arabian Gulf. This is a day-to-night destination that offers stunning views over Saadiyat Island’s pristine beaches and gardens, and the glittery interior presents Neo-Asian glamour with black and gold surfaces.

• Prices: Average spending reaches Rs. 9,890 (AED 430) for two.
• Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday (5 pm to midnight), Friday to Sunday (1 pm to 2 am).

The Hidden Bar Abu Dhabi – Best Gin & Cocktail Bar in the City 

The Hidden Bar is one of Abu Dhabi’s best-kept secrets. This elegant cocktail bar houses the capital’s largest gin collection and presents happy hour in Abu Dhabi for those seeking a sophisticated evening.

• Prices: Rs. 6,900 (AED 300) for two people. 
• Opening Hours: The bar stays open until 3 am on weekdays and 4 am on weekends.

Stars N Bars Abu Dhabi – Popular Sports Bar at Yas Marina Circuit 

Stars N Bars Abu Dhabi is set against the backdrop of the Formula 1 race track and features multiple flat-screen TVs so that you won’t miss a moment of any sporting event. This makes it one of the top sports bars in Abu Dhabi. The venue is particularly popular for its Friday party brunches and Wednesday ladies’ nights, making it ideal for everything from bachelorette parties to birthday celebrations.

• Prices: Average price for two reaches Rs. 8,625 (AED 375). 
• Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday (noon to 2 am) and Friday to Saturday (noon to 3 am).

Bentley Kitchen Abu Dhabi – Upscale After-Work Bar with DJ Nights 

Bentley Kitchen is one of the luxury bars in Abu Dhabi that attracts the elite visitors with its elevated yet relaxed atmosphere. The live DJ performances keep the energy flowing while the menu offers elevated bites like soft-shell crab bao buns. The outdoor terrace overlooks downtown Abu Dhabi’s cityscape and canal, providing prime spots for fireworks on New Year’s Eve and National Day.

• Prices: Starters around Rs. 460-2,530. 
• Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 12 AM.

Iris Yas Island – Chic Lounge with Live Music & Cocktails 

Iris is listed among the best bars in Abu Dhabi. The venue offers panoramic views of the W Abu Dhabi while serving crafted cocktails and smooth tunes that set the perfect mood. Live bands and exciting performances complement the extensive menu throughout the week. 

• Prices: Average for two people ranges from Rs. 6,670–9,550.
• Opening Hours: Sunday-Monday, Wednesday to Friday (6:30 PM to 3:30 AM) and Saturday (12:00 PM to 3:30 AM).

Stills Abu Dhabi – European-Style Bar at Crowne Plaza 

Stills creates vibrant evenings with diverse draught beverages from around the world. The bar offers a European-style interior, with breathtaking vistas of the golf course and the Arabian Gulf. The bar is among the few luxury bars in Abu Dhabi hotels.

• Prices: Expect premium experiences at Rs. 700–1,200. 
• Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM. 

Cooper’s Abu Dhabi – Classic British Pub for Sports & Social Evenings 

Cooper’s is renowned as one of the top British pubs in Abu Dhabi, and it provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening with friends. During major sporting events, Cooper’s transforms into a vibrant hub, with live action across multiple screens that amplify the atmosphere. 

• Prices: The menu starts around Rs. 2,500. 
• Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday (12 pm to 2 am), Friday and Saturday (12 pm to 3 am).

Deal & Experience-Based Sections

Best Happy Hour Deals in Abu Dhabi Bars 

Venue	Price	Days	Time
Yas Acres Golf & Country Club	From Rs. 460 (AED 20)	Monday–Thursday	4 pm–7 pm
Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel	From Rs. 575 (AED 25)	Daily	5 pm–12 am
The Lighthouse, Yas Bay Waterfront	Rs. 2,000 (AED 85)	Daily	6 pm–8 pm

Best Irish Pubs in Abu Dhabi 

Venue	Location	Atmosphere
PJ O’Reilly’s	Le Royal Meridien	Traditional Irish sports bar with a lively atmosphere
Fado’s Irish Pub	Khalidiya	Cosy Irish pub with a comfortable layout
Irish Vickers	World Trade Centre	Large-scale Irish pub and entertainment venue

Best Rooftop Bars in Abu Dhabi with Stunning Views 

Venue	Location	Atmosphere
Eclipse Terrace Lounge	Abu Dhabi	Rooftop lounge with a relaxed vibe
Skylite Rooftop Lounge	Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi	Luxury rooftop lounge with futuristic interiors
Al Wathba Desert Resort Rooftop Bar	Al Wathba Desert Resort	Intimate rooftop bar overlooking the desert

Best Sports Bars in Abu Dhabi to Watch Live Matches 

Venue	Location	Atmosphere
Y-Bar Abu Dhabi	Yas Island	Modern, urban sports bar with a lively vibe
Velocity	Abu Dhabi	Large-scale sports bar focused on live action
The Tavern Pub	Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort	Cosy British pub

Best Ladies’ Nights in Abu Dhabi

Venue	Location	Ladies’ Night Details	Atmosphere
Stars N Bars	Yas Marina Circuit	Unlimited drinks with music	Glamorous marina setting, lively party vibe
Hamilton’s Gastropub	Saadiyat Rotana Resort	Unlimited drinks	Fun, social atmosphere; widely regarded as one of the best ladies’ nights in the city
Filini Garden	Abu Dhabi	Bellissima ladies’ night with drinks	Romantic garden-style setting, Italian-inspired menu.

Conclusion: Exploring the Best Bars in Abu Dhabi

The best bars in Abu Dhabi reflect the city’s cosmopolitan character. From the sky-high luxury of Ray’s Bar to the hidden intimacy of Dragon’s Tooth speakeasy, from the beachfront elegance of Buddha-Bar to the authentic warmth of Irish pubs, Abu Dhabi nightlife offers something for every mood and occasion. Explore the best Abu Dhabi bars for tourists with Pickyourtrail’s Abu Dhabi Tour Packages and experience a hassle-free travel experience with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi bars?

No license is required to consume alcohol in licensed bars, restaurants and hotels. However, if you wish to purchase alcohol from retail stores, you’ll need to apply for a liquor license online.

What is the average cost of drinks in Abu Dhabi bars?

A pint of beer typically costs around Rs. 920 (AED 40), while cocktails range from Rs. 700-1,380 (AED 30-60). During happy hours, house beverages can start as low as Rs. 460-580 (AED 20-25).

Are Abu Dhabi bars open during Ramadan?

Yes, bars remain open during Ramadan but typically operate with modified hours.

What are the best bars in Abu Dhabi for views?

Ray’s Bar on the 62nd floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers offers the most spectacular city views. Buddha-Bar Beach provides stunning Arabian Gulf vistas. Eclipse Terrace Lounge and Skylite Rooftop Lounge both offer excellent rooftop perspectives, while Al Wathba Desert Resort’s rooftop bar showcases unique desert landscapes.

Can tourists visit bars in Abu Dhabi?

Bars in Abu Dhabi welcome both tourists and residents. No special permits or resident status are required to enter licensed venues. Visitors simply need to be over 21 years old and present a valid ID when requested.

What is the dress code for bars in Abu Dhabi?

Dress codes vary by venue type. Upscale bars like Ray’s Bar and The Hidden Bar enforce smart casual to smart dress codes. Sports pubs and casual venues are more relaxed, accepting smart casual attire.

Are there happy hour deals in Abu Dhabi bars?

Yes, most bars offer happy hour promotions. Common deals include 50% off selected beverages, two-for-one offers and discounted house drinks starting from Rs. 460 (AED 20). Timing varies, but most run between 4 pm and 9 pm.

Which are the best sports bars in Abu Dhabi?

PJ O’Reilly’s, Stars N Bars, Y-Bar and Cooper’s are popular choices for watching sports.

What are the best ladies’ nights in Abu Dhabi?

Hamilton’s Gastropub at Saadiyat Rotana Resort is widely considered to have the best ladies’ night. Stars N Bars, Filini Garden’s Bellissima ladies’ night draws crowds from across the city.