With a variety of night spots from basement hotel haunts to open air mega-clubs, Abu Dhabi’s nightclub scene is not yet at the level of its flashy neighbour, Dubai, but it’s certainly on the up.
Many of the newer hotels on Yas Island have invested heavily into nightlife, especially those around Yas Arena, offering late-night spots for those heading to major events and wanting to continue the party into the wee hours.
Clubs in Abu Dhabi are open late – usually until 3 or 4am – and revellers report that many don’t really start thumping until well after midnight. Entry fees can be expensive, AED 150 minimum, but women are often given free entry even if it isn’t an official Ladies Night.
It is worth asking ahead because some of the major nightclubs also offer free entry for those who are dining, guests of the hotel, or those using the beach club. Bear in mind that at all these nightspots, door staff are strict about ID and dress code. It is always better to err on the side of smart, especially for men. These are some of our favourite late-night spots in Abu Dhabi.
Café del Mar
Café del Mar has long been a destination beach club for Abu Dhabi residents and tourists, with a heated pool, great food and drinks, and sister clubs in Sydney, Bali and the Maldives. Yas Bay Waterfront has since opened 360 on the same site, which is the place to go after hours for international DJs and dancing. Since opening in October 2024, it has become the hottest spot in Abu Dhabi. It is open until 2am Sunday to Thursday and 3am on weekends.
Iris Yas Island
Notable for its open-air, rooftop setting and views across Yas Marina, Iris hosts both local bands and DJs and covers a range of genres, from house to soul and funk. The club has an exhaustive drinks menu and a delicious selection of Mediterranean dishes that are available until late. Opening hours are 6pm to 3am, and entry is free before 11pm (AED 100-150 after). Though temporarily closed for a sparkling refurb, Iris is set to reopen soon.
Hammer Club by Uncle Sam
It might sound like a down-and-dirty biker hangout, but Hammer Club is quite the opposite – a stylish and upscale club that keeps partygoers on their feet until 4am. Located in the Grand Villaggio Hotel, it hosts international DJs on Sunday nights. It also has a number of drinks offers, including a happy hour between 2pm and 10pm daily; perfect if you’re visiting Abu Dhabi on a budget. “The drinks are cold and the vibes are warm,” runs its motto. We can get on board with that.
Les Etoiles
Located at the Sofitel Corniche, Les Etoiles is – as its moniker suggests – one for the stars, or at least for the Insta influencer set. It markets itself on its VIP section, which has a minimum table spend of a staggering AED 3,000, but also provides a private entrance and staff. If you don’t fancy splashing out, entry is AED 150-300 with drinks priced AED 90 to 150. It is open from midday for food and drinks and until 4am on club nights.
WHITE Abu Dhabi
The club formerly known as MAD, WHITE has retained the upper case moniker as well as the state-of-the-art production and immersive visuals. It regularly tops the rankings of clubs in Abu Dhabi, if not in the wider region. Located in Yas Bay, it hosted Turkish star DJ Mahmut Orhan in May 2025, and regularly holds celebrity-studded after parties for sporting events that take place at nearby Yas Arena. The party often only really kicks in around 2am.
Jazz Bar (Radisson Blu Corniche)
It isn’t a nightclub per se, but the Jazz Bar at Radisson Blu Corniche offers live jazz and upscale dining. Excellent local bands play every night from Sunday to Friday, drawing in both tourists and expats. It hosts a popular ladies’ night on Fridays.
