Notwithstanding its cosmopolitan, multicultural nature and business orientation, Abu Dhabi city retains much of the quiet charm that characterizes a typical Arabic city at night. Nightlife in Abu Dhabi can be as quiet and refreshing as a stroll by the corniche or in a park in the cooler seasons or as active as watching a rock band performance in a pub or dancing in a night club in one of Abu Dhabi’s five or four-star hotels. Between the two extremes nightlife in Abu Dhabi has much to offer to all age groups, tastes and interests – families and single visitors alike. An evening out can be a culinary treat from a wide range of oriental and international cuisines, a cultural event such as a play, a lecture, a concert or an art exhibition, or it can simply be a show at a movie theatre or an evening at gaming centre or an Arabic coffee shop where the traditional shisha (hookah or hubbly-bubbly) is served. Shopping malls, which remain open till 22:00 or 23:00, are a main attraction for many of Abu Dhabi residents and visitors, not only for the rich shopping experience – or the equally exciting window-shopping – but for the variety of outlets and services found in these malls.

Dining Out

Abu Dhabi’s restaurants offer a wide range of Arabic, Far-Eastern, European, Latin and Continental cuisines, served in authentic style and unique ambience. Multiple-cuisine is served by many restaurants. Other than authentic cuisine some restaurants are specialized in certain type of food such as seafood, vegetarian and others. Many of Abu Dhabi’s supmarket restaurants are located inside hotels. If you fancy a scrumptious buffet, head out to one of the popular areas around the Breakwater, Sheikh Zayed Street, Corniche Road or Tourist Club area, where you will find some of the best restaurants tucked away in hotel lobbies. Many international chains of restaurants, such as steak houses, have outlets in Abu Dhabi. Many pubs at hotels also serve a full meal. In the evening, restaurants usually open at 19:00. Weekends are usually busy; it is therefore advisable to book a table in advance.

 Coffee

An integral part of the social scene in Abu Dhabi involves friends and family gathering around coffee parlours during evening hours to watch football matches or to simply unwind. The a la carte menus offer a range of freshly baked snacks, salads and sandwiches along with a range of hot and cold beverages whereas others offer full-fledged buffets. Most of them offer wireless Internet connectivity and are located near shopping malls or entrance of hotel lobbies.

The Shisha is available in many flavours, you can experiment with one new flavour each day and will still not be over with the many aromatic flavours. If you visit Abu Dhabi during the month of Ramadan we recommend you try one of the shisha tents put up around beaches.

Bars, Pubs and Clubs

The nightlife of Abu Dhabi has undergone a makeover over the past few years with more and more number of nightclubs and bars opening up to entertain huge crowds of thirsty expats who love to swing to the beats of music. Dress to impress at these sophisticated cocktail.

There are a number of traditional British and Mexican Bars, most of which only fill up after 23:00 and run till the wee hours.  Huge crowds of multi-cultural people turn up on weekends to enjoy live R&B bands or to tap to the fresh beats of some of the best known international DJs. On special occasions like Christmas and New Year's the evenings are organised around special themes. Abu Dhabi is a safe place with fewer restrictions in place and relaxed door policies that welcome people of all nationalities.

The relaxed atmosphere, cosy interior and friendly crowd of most pubs are able to recreate the same feeling of pubs back home. Most pubs run ladies night, happy hours (usually between 17:00-19:00) and quiz nights to cater better to different tastes. The same goes for nightclubs that play to the tune of music lovers' different tastes ranging from Western-style beats to traditional Arabic, Indian and Iranian music. If you happen to chance upon an Arabic nightclub you’ll surely enjoy watching the art of belly dancing. Tequilana Discotheque is one of the most unique nightclubs of Abu Dhabi, located inside Hemingway’s complex,  set along the West Corniche beach.  Its interior is adorned with tiny huts and palm trees, amateur singers can also book for semi-private karaoke rooms. The club is known to organise salsa nights and attractive promotions which keep its customers coming back for more.

Almost all pubs, nightclubs and bars are located inside hotels and offer a range of exotic and colourful cocktails, vintage brandies, snacks and Arabic mezzes.

Film Festival and Cinemas

Abu Dhabi is host to the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF), a cultural event that celebrates cinema’s best work from the international community and serves as a platform to unleash the region’s hidden talents. The event is attended by international stars and some of the biggest names in the industry who fly to attend the screening of an international array of documentary feature and short films. Held once every year, this five day-event offers complimentary tickets to moviegoers to more than 50 screenings. You may visit www.meiff.com to have the opportunity to attend one of gala evenings hosted at the Emirates Palace Hotel.

For a quieter weekend, you can opt to rent a DVD from one of the local stores or watch the latest Hollywood film in one of the cinemas in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain.

Concerts, Comedy Shows and Theatre

Some of most remarkable musical events held in Abu Dhabi in 2007 were the prestigious Carmen opera and Abu Dhabi Classical Music Festival. These top two events featured some of the most prestigious artists from around the globe. We recommend you keep an eye on the local press and stay tuned to radio stations to keep yourself up-to-date on upcoming concerts and festivals. Classical music fans can visit The Abu Dhabi Music & Art Foundation website (www.admaf.org) for the schedule of such performances.

The Laughter Factory, hugely popular with British population is a comedy show organised at the Crowne Plaza (Heroes Diner), where stand up comedians perform . Visit www.thelaughterfactory.com to check when they are performing next.

Theatre fans can take the opportunity to become members of the Abu Dhabi Drama Society (ADSS) that stages pantomimes, comedies and murder mysteries by well known playwrights. For more information on how to become a member visit: www.abudhabidrama.com