With very few exceptions, hotels are the main focus for nightlife, since they are the places that can serve alcohol.

Bars

The rule of thumb seems to be anything so long as it’s Western, with English pubs the current preferred choice of watering hole. The Tavern at the Sheraton Resort & Towers, & Harvester’s Pub at Sands Hotel are the best flag-fliers. The Gauloises Club at Le Meridien is the latest chic nightspot to arrive in the capital. Dress is smart, & although it does have a ‘no rules’ night, this really means designer jeans & Versace T-shirts. US bars are also popular, especially Heroes (Crowne Plaza) & Island Exchange (Abu Dhabi Grand), while the Hilton has two excellent live music venues: Hemingway’s & the Jazz Bar. The adjoining Tequilana is also worth a look, particularly if the karaoke urge gets the better of you. Other popular venues include PJ O’Reilly’s, an authentically Irishy pub at the Abu Dhabi Grand, & 49er’s, at the Dana Hotel – a combination Tex-Mex diner, bar & nightclub, depending upon what time you arrive, & hugely popular whenever.

Classic Bars (Wine Bars)

There are very few wine bars, but Chequers at the Sands Hotel is definitely worth a viewing. The selection is excellent, with superior bar food culled from rabbit, venison & other game, while the new black & chrome decor will appeal to 80s nostalgists.

Music clubs (Piano Bars)

Last but not least, there are several piano bars where more sophisticated evening entertainment can be had. Vincent’s Bar at the Crowne Plaza & The Piano Lounge at Abu Dhabi Grand are two of the best.

Dancing

Nightclubs are numerous, although most of them aim for a broader appeal by providing food earlier in the evening. Among the more popular venues are Colosseum at the Marina Club, with consistently good live music, Le Gauloises Club at Le Meridien, & Illusions at the Abu Dhabi Grand.