Club life is a pivotal part of leisure living in Abu Dhabi. Many residents are members of social clubs and sports clubs. Only a limited number of these allow guests without memberships. For visitors and tourists, the most relevant clubs are the beach clubs, which can be accessed on paid day-passes, and nightclubs which are open to anyone above 21 years of age. Most nightclubs have dress codes so please check before venturing out into the night.
Beach clubs
Abu Dhabi is teeming with beach clubs where you can go for a lazy day to relax and soak up the sea, sand and sun or get active with watersports and various workouts. From private beaches to poolside views of the Arabian Gulf, there is something for everyone. Some beach clubs are peaceful, some are romantic, some are family-friendly, and some will take you from daytime chill to full-on party mode after sunset. Here’s a short list of some of the best beach clubs in Abu Dhabi:
- Grand Hyatt Beach Club at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
- Nation Riviera Beach Club at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi
- Saadiyat Beach Club at Saadiyat Island
- Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
- Cove Beach at Reem Island
- Smokin’ Pineapple at Zaya Nurai Island
- Al Maya Island Resort
- Bayshore Beach Club at InterContinental Abu Dhabi
- Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Beach Club
- Emirates Palace Beach Club
- Radisson Blu Beach Club at Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Yas Beach
- Zaya Nurai Island
Nightclubs
The majority of nightlife options in Abu Dhabi can be found in hotels. At first, this may seem a bit limiting, but make no mistake, you will be surprised by the lively atmosphere, the quality of the nightclubs, the constant stream of international DJs and the sheer number of themed nights and events every night of the week.
You have to be over 21 to enter a nightclub in Abu Dhabi, which in some places applies to late night dining venues as well. It’s important to note that Abu Dhabi has zero tolerance for drunken and disorderly behavior in public as well as drinking and driving, so if you’re planning a night out that involves the consumption of alcohol, make sure to take a taxi or uber home to avoid fines or even jailtime.
Ladies’ nights are a significant part of nightlife in Abu Dhabi. Most bars and clubs have a regular, weekly ladies’ night with discounts galore, special events, themes and free drinks. Just so you know, getting glammed up for these nights is a must!
MAD Yas Island is the largest indoor nightclub in the United Arab Emirates. The club features 360-degree projection mapping, huge LED screens, superb lighting and regular gigs by the hottest names in music.
Hysteria, at Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi, is famous for its bright colors, light shows, fancy drinks and loads of glamour. This is where you go for a night of frenzy.
Legends, at The Sheraton, is styled in plush gold décor with a circular balcony that overlooks the main dance floor. You should dress to impress.
Sax Club, at Le Royal Meridien, is legendary for live music by touring musicians and local fusion acts as well as a packed dancefloor with party tunes by DJs.
Rock Bottom Café, at Al Diar Capital Hotel, is an unpretentious, late-night party club with a spirited house band and crowd-pleasing resident DJs. This is where you can sing along unapologetically to the lyrics.
Coya Ritual Abu Dhabi, at The Galleria, has weekly line-ups of live music and back-to-back DJs bringing the Aztec flavor to the Pisco Lounge overlooking the waterfront on Al Maryah Island.