Incredible things to do in Abu Dhabi at night

Time Out Abu Dhabi

2 days ago

Abu Dhabi is pretty special during the day, but at night it is truly something else. After dark the capital seems to take on a new look, new personality and a new vibe.
Looking for things to do in Abu Dhabi at night? Whether you're looking to fly solo, rally the troops, get the best deals or just feel the need for some banging new content for your social media channels, Abu Dhabi has an event to serve your needs.
Summer is here, but that doesn't mean you're stuck at home. From stargazing in the desert to drinks deals, kayaking tours to evening meals, we've rounded up the very best things to do at night in the capital.
Things to do with mates
Have fun at Central
With delicious burgers and shakes, cool arcade games and a bowling alley, you can be assured of hours of fun at this popular spot in Yas Bay. It's an easy-on-the-pocket outing too: arcade games are half-price Monday to Thursday, from 4pm to 7pm.
Prices vary. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-2am; Sun noon-midnight. Yas Bay Waterfront, central-uae.com.
Keep cool in the pool with a night swim
Credit: Ilios Credit: Cafe Del Mar
As the temperature rises, one of the best things to do is head to one of Abu Dhabi's beach clubs. Many pools around the capital are temperature-controlled to keep you cool and you can enjoy great day offers.
To make your experience even cooler, head for a night swim to see the sunset or even after the sun goes down. ILIOS in Surf Abu Dhabi has launched 'Because It's Her' ladies' day, running from 4pm to 7pm every Friday, where you can get free-flowing drinks for Dhs145 or go for the soft package at Dhs125.
Café del Mar in Yas Island also offers night swims during the week. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Noches Del Mar will get you free-flowing drinks for Dhs299 between 8pm and 11pm. On Wednesdays, ladies get unlimited drinks plus a bite for Dhs100, and gents can join the party for Dhs150 (3 drinks plus a bite).
Have a dinner and a stroll at Mamsha
All of Abu Dhabi might be flocking to Mamsha to have a day in the sun at Mamsha Beach, but you don't need to leave once the sun goes down. Mamsha is also a brilliant spot to hang out at night in Abu Dhabi. Head there for dinner at one of the many gorgeous restaurants at Mamsha or go for a late coffee and a stroll.
Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat island.
Enjoy a dhow dinner cruise
Credit: Caleb David
Picture this. The sun is setting as a gentle breeze caresses your hair while you and your loved one (or mates) are tucking into a five-star international menu and cruising beside the Corniche on a traditional wooden dhow. Now let's make it a reality with the Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise.
This is one of the more glam things to do in Abu Dhabi at night. Arrive to a red carpet reception with Arabic coffee and dates, before setting off on a two-hour cruise. There truly are few better ways to spend a memorable, temperate evening in the capital.
From Dhs250. Open daily from 7pm-10pm. Marina Mall (pick-up location), abudhabidhowcruise.com, (02 666 1255).
Cheese and grape night
Credit: La Cava
We don't really know what it is but there is something just really classy about a cheese and grape night. Nibbling on an assortment of dairy while sipping on grapes and talking to chums about the day's events seems all rather splendid. La Cava does a brilliant grape and cheese night with unlimited grape and cheese for two hours starting from Dhs209. What more could you ask for?
From Dhs209. Tue-Sun 5pm-7am. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Go stargazing in the desert
A quiet and open spot (away from night pollution) is always a good bet for stargazing. Only around 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi towards Al Ain is the Al Quaa Milky Way Spot but you'll need a 4×4 to get there and be apt at desert driving.
It has its own location tag on Google Maps (23.604633, 54.750256) and is one place where you are sure to see something mesmerising in the sky.
Free. Open 2477. Abu Dhabi.
Sports at night
Workout on a racetrack
Looking for some serious training? TrainYAS is held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 10pm. Head to Yas Marina Circuit to jog, cycle or take a leisurely walk at sunset.
Walkers and runners are guided in a clockwise direction while cyclists go anti-clockwise. Abu Dhabi Cycling Club is offering free bikes to use during your training in adult and kids' sizes. You can bring your own helmet or use a free one, just keep in mind there are limited helmets available. All bikes and helmets are sanitized between uses.
Free. Yas Marina Circuit, yasmarinacircuit.com
Catch a wave at the world's most advanced surf park
Looking to shake up your routine with something seriously cool? Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island is not your average activity. It's the world's most advanced man-made wave park, home to the longest ride, the largest barrel and the highest artificial wave ever created. Yes, really.
Pulling up feels like you're arriving at a luxe beach villa getaway, and that laid-back vibe continues inside. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned surfer, the welcoming team makes everyone feel like part of the crew. First-timers can sign up for a beginner lesson (Dhs600) that includes 45 minutes in the water and 12 waves per surfer. Pros can book an open surf session (Dhs3,500) to carve their way through up to 24 waves in 90 minutes.
An unforgettable thrill – and a total bucket list experience – right here in the capital, and yes, it goes on for hours after sunset.
From Dhs350. Open daily 7am-10pm. Hudayriyat Island, surfabudhabi.com.
Dip into the darkness with Al Mahara Diving Centre
Want to see what lies beneath the surface after the sun sets? At Al Mahara Diving Centre, divers can take the plunge into the black abyss to see what weird and wonderful marine life comes out to play at night. Divers need to have the required PADI certifications to participate but, aside from that, a towel and an adventurous spirit is all that is needed for this aquatic night in Abu Dhabi.
From Dhs200. From 7pm (depending on weather conditions). Muroor St, divemahara.com (02 643 7377).
Golf round at Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Credit: Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Golfers looking for things to do at night, fret not. There's no more rushing home post work to get the clubs before night falls. Golfers can go for a round of nine after the sun goes down at Abu Dhabi Golf Club thanks to the state-of-the-art floodlights that light the way. Finally, an excuse to use the yellow balls .
From Dhs300. Open daily, Khalifa City, adcitygolf.com/night-golf, (02 885 3555).
Kayak through the Mangroves
Does a leisurely evening kayak through the beautiful mangroves sound like your thing? Thanks to Jubail Mangrove park, punters can escape the inner city and go for a night-time paddle. Your head will be rotating as much as your oar in order to see all the nightlife (and the stunning sky). Tight.
Dhs150. Daily, times vary. Jubail Mangrvoe Park, Saadiyat. jubailisland.ae, (02 546 8341).
Night spin class at CRANK
Nightclub, meet spin studio. CRANK Abu Dhabi is a spin studio that's all about party vibes with a nightclub sound system and flashing lights. It's 45-minute classes are fast, loud and energizing enough to have you you dancing on your standing bike.
There are ladies-only classes and there's a smoothie bar to refuel at after your workout, too. Talk about energising things to do in Abu Dhabi at night.
Open daily, 6.30am-9pm (Fri-Mon), 9am-2pm (Sat), 9am-8pm (Sun). Sheikha Fatima Park, Al Bateen, crank-fit.com (02 878 4331).
Stroll on the Corniche
Let the stress float away as you wander along one of Abu Dhabi's most pleasant paths. At just under four miles, this stretch of walkway by the beautiful beach is full of hustle and bustle, so it is a cracking spot for people-watching or for just getting out and about for some much-needed fresh air. Brilliant for families with a number of play areas, the Corniche is one of the best ways to enjoy a free night in Abu Dhabi.
Free. Corniche Road.
Nighttime photo-ops
Chill under the Dome at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Looking for things to do at night that will make you insta-famous? Snaps of the Louvre Abu Dhabi at night are some of the most picturesque shots one can find in capital. Take a stroll around the dome, marvel at the architecture and take a few pics to blow up your social media feed.
Free. Wed 6.30pm-9pm. Saadiyat Island. louvreabudhabi.ae (600 56 55 66).
Roof walk Ferrari World
One of the most recognisable features of Yas Island is the bright red roof of the shrine to one of the world's great automobiles, the Ferrari. There is tons to see inside but we love the recently launched roof walk. Visitors can walk, shuffle, whatever they feel like on the 600m path while admiring the breath-taking views of the island. As it's open until 8pm, later arrivals will have a chance to take in Yas in all its luminous glory. This is one of the scariest things to do at night.
Dhs125. Reopening later this year. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, ferrariworldabudhabi.com (02 496 8000).
Watch the sunset at The Founder's Memorial
Watching that glowing globe departing for the day anywhere in this great city is special, but there is something a bit magical about the sun going down at The Founder's Memorial. As night descends on the city, The Constellation, the artistic memorial to the late Sheikh Zayed, lights up. Standing 30m tall and using 1,327 geometric shapes, the installation projects a portrait of Sheikh Zayed out into the night and it's brilliant to watch. Get the phones ready.
Free entry. Open daily 9am-10pm. Corniche West, thefoundersmemorial.ae.
Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Credit: Adobe Express
Arguably Abu Dhabi's most iconic structure, this magnificent mosque ranks with the most popular attractions throughout the world for its size, beauty, and architectural brilliance. No visitor comes away disappointed from a tour of this stunning building. However, when the sun sets and the lights come on, the sheer majesty of the structure truly shines through.
Free entry. Open Sat-Thu 9am-10pm, Fri 4.30pm-10pm. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, 5th Street (02 41 91919).
Nights out for under Dhs100
Explore Umm al Emarat Park
Credit: Supplied
At only Dhs10 for entry, there is plenty of stuff to get up to including the Wisdom Garden (a place to ponder life's big questions), the Animal Barn (a petting zoo managed by Emirates Park Zoo), the Botanic Garden (which houses about 200 regional plant species), a 1,000-person amphitheatre, and the Shade House (a structure that is home to more than 30 species).
But if you want, just bring a book and chill out on the park benches. That's cool, too.
Dh10. Open daily 8am-midnight. Al Mushrif (02 666 9559).
Grab a Karak at Shay Madhboot
One of the most popular activities for the locals is going for a cup of karak in the evening. This sweet, creamy tea is packed with cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and saffron among others.
It is bursting with flavour and arguably one of the best exponents of the cuppa is Shay Madhboot. Try its famed signature karak, which will never do any damage to the wallet as it comes in at a mere Dhs5. Now that's a tiny price to pay for such a relaxing evening.
Dhs5. Open daily 8am-7pm. Near Royal Thai Embassy, Muroor Road, Dihan St (02 621 7323).
Have lift-off at Bounce
What goes up must come down… and then up again? At the freestyle playground known as Bounce, there are about 3,000 square metres of indoor trampolines and other bits of kit to let loose on. It's mental. It's mayhem. But most importantly of all, it is a lot of fun for both kids and adults alike.
From Dhs85 (one-hour, standard). Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Marina Mall, Al Kasir, bounce.ae (04 304 9333).
Strike it lucky at Khalifa International Bowling Centre
Throwing a heavy ball down a waxed lane in the hope it smashes into ten static pins. It's quite therapeutic. And for those who agree (which is obvs everyone), Khalifa International Bowling Centre in Zayed Sports City is a top spot to see if the perfect 300 can be achieved.
With 40 public bowling lanes, it is the biggest alley in the capital and with a cost of Dhs20 per game, you would be hard pressed to find a better value for money evening for the whole gang in the city. The losers have to pay anyway. Read the rules, people.
From Dhs25. Open daily noon-midnight. Zayed Sports City, www.zsc.ae (02 403 4200).
Iris
Ladies' night is an obvious choice of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi at night (if you're a woman, that is) and Iris on Yas Island is serving up an unforgettable Abu Dhabi ladies' night. Head there for free-flowing drinks from 8pm to midnight for Dhs100 or get unlimited drinks all night for Dhs150.
Dhs100 (unlimited drinks, 8pm-midnight) Dhs150 (unlimited drinks). Wed. Yas Marina (055 160 5636).
Loca
Looking for an Abu Dhabi ladies' night that's a little loca? Head to Loca for unlimited Mexican mixed drinks plus a choice of appetiser and main course for Dhs145.
Dhs145. Wed, 7pm-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).
Market Kitchen
Ladies' Night at Market Kitchen is a long-standing tradition in Abu Dhabi at night. Get free-flowing selected beverages with 50 percent off starters every Monday from 7pm to 10pm.
Mon 7pm-10pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street (800 101 101).
PJ O'Reilly's
It's always a good time at PJ's, especially if you can snag a deal. Ladies' night at PJ's happens from Sunday to Thursday between 7pm and 11pm and you get free-flowing drinks and unlimited bar bites for Dhs199.
Dhs199. Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm. Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street, www.pjspubabudhabi.com/ (800 101 101).
Warehouse
If you're looking for a brilliant Abu Dhabi ladies' night, you're going to want to get this deal on your radar. Tuck into one food item and five house beverages for Dhs110.
Wed 5pm-10.45pm. Pearl Rotana, Capital Centre (02 307 5552).
Top Gents' Nights
Lock Stock & Barrel
Want to take dad out for a drink or meal over the weekend? Head there on a Friday from 8pm to 11pm and get unlimited food and drinks for only Dhs200. A perfect excuse to take papa out on the town and boogie to some live music.
Dhs200. Weds 8pm-11pm. Yas Bay Waterfront. solutions-leisure.com, (04 423 8308).
Stock Burger
Stock Burger is an easy choice if you're looking for a chill night out in Abu Dhabi and there's good news for gents. Head there on a Thursday from 6pm to 10pm and you'll get buy one get one free on all hops and malt beverage orders.
Thurs 6pm-10pm. Holiday Inn, Murror Road. (026574864).
Stratos Revolving Lounge & Bar
Looking for classic gents' nights in Abu Dhabi? Stratos is well known for its Wednesday lads' night. Head there from 7pm to 10.30pm to get three selected drinks and 50 percent off main courses. Get sky-high 360 degree views of the city while sipping a cold one with the boys.
Wed, 7pm-10.30pm. Le Royal Meridien Hotel stratosabudhabi.com (02 695 0490).
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