Abu Dhabi - With its cosmopolitan expat population and a range of quirky venues, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is the place to party whether you’re stopping via the destination en route to distant shores or staying to explore its sights.
Here’s our top picks to enjoy the sweet sounds of Abu Dhabi:
All that jazz
Tucked within Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, you’ll find a live music hotspot called Jazz Bar that features an excellent band. Kick back and listen to live jazz tunes while you sip on a cocktail and devour caviar. Monday and Wednesday nights are ladies nights at Jazz Bar with a good selection of complimentary beverages. They are open daily from 7pm to 1am and until 2am on Thursdays and Fridays.
Rock ‘til you drop
If you’re looking for a bar that’s small in size but big in smiles, look no further than Cheers at Al Ain Palace Hotel. Not only do they serve great food, but this is also an excellent place to visit if you want to meet new people. They normally feature two house bands with excellent vocalists, alternating throughout the evening. During the break between bands there’s also a DJ spinning some tables.
There’s always an Irish pub down the road
No matter where you find yourself in the world, there always seems to be an Irish pub down the road and it’s no different in Abu Dhabi with P.J.’s touting itself as the only real one in the city. This lively pub, located across from the Le Royal Meridien has a resident band and DJs. Expect toe-curling guitar solos and an entertaining lead singer for a casual evening, Irish style.
For those long, long nights
The last of the great live music venues on our list is none other than Heroes Bar at Crowne Plaza – also the only venue in town that stays open until 4am and most likely to be your last port of call for the evening. It’s officially a sports bar, but you’ll also get to see their house band which is one of Abu Dhabi’s longest running and most loved bands, the International Playboys. If you’re looking for an unpretentious bar with a great pub menu, smoky environment and a live band that will blow your socks off – this is the place to be.
Randsaver
Tuesday nights are Ladies Night in Abu Dhabi and venues across the city get ready to welcome glam gals with discounts and entertainment. Our favourite picks for Ladies Night includes Stiletto Night at Jazz ‘N Fizz, Sofitel Abu Dhabi and the Latino themed night at Y Bar, Yas Island Rotana.
A photo posted by Jazznfizzbar (@jazznfizzbar) on Nov 20, 2014 at 7:04am PST
Adapted from a press release for IOL