Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's craft-beer scene runs deeper than the tourist taps. These ten are where locals drink. The craft beer bars on this list span every neighbourhood worth a trip, Corniche, Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Maryah Island all show up, and every price tier from a $5 local pour to a $25 hotel-bar tasting. Each bar earns its spot for a different reason.
CORNICHE · $$$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
62nd-floor skybar inside the Etihad Towers. Order: Saffron-rose Negroni. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded, book ahead or arrive early.
CORNICHE · $$$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Revolving rooftop bar inside Le Royal Meridien. Order: Saffron-rose Negroni. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
YAS ISLAND · $$$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Cocktail bar attached to the Hakkasan restaurant inside the Emirates Palace. Order: Saffron-rose Negroni. Best time: Sunday from 6pm, when it's the room's quietest premium night and the kitchen is unhurried. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Avoid post-match nights if the local team is playing, the upstairs gets loud.
SAADIYAT ISLAND · $$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Beach-club bar inside the Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island. Order: Saffron-rose Negroni. Best time: Thursday late or Friday early, when you'll catch the room building toward its weekend tempo. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. First-Friday traffic in the district can mean a 20-minute wait at the door.
AL MARYAH ISLAND · $$$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Marina-side cocktail terrace inside the Rosewood. Order: Saffron-rose Negroni. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded, book ahead or arrive early.
SAADIYAT ISLAND · $$$$ · COCKTAIL BARS
Beach lounge with a Buddha-Bar branded cocktail menu and DJs from sunset onward. Order: Saffron-rose Negroni. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
Use this guide either as a single curated route through Abu Dhabi or as a checklist to revisit over a long weekend. Reservations are flagged where they matter. Otherwise, walk in. Below: the ten craft beer bars that any serious drinker in Abu Dhabi would tell you to put on the list.
62nd-floor skybar inside the Etihad Towers. Order: Saffron-rose Negroni. Best time: Tuesday and Wednesday before 9pm, when the regulars haven't filled the room yet. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Saturday after 10pm gets crowded, book ahead or arrive early.
Revolving rooftop bar inside Le Royal Meridien. Order: Saffron-rose Negroni. Best time: any weeknight between 7pm and 9pm, when the bar settles into its rhythm and the bartender has time to talk. Best for cocktail-curious drinkers who want technique without theatre. Friday from 8pm fills up; reserve a counter seat or a high table.
Looking beyond Abu Dhabi? See our guide to the best craft beer bars worldwide, or compare craft beer bars city by city. Or find craft beer bars near you.