Your Guide To Abu Dhabi’s Favourite Pubs and Bars

McCafferty’s 

Yas Bay Waterfront

Arguably the most popular Irish pub - or indeed, pub in general - in Abu Dhabi, McCafferty’s on Yas Island does a roaring trade. From their boozy Friday and Saturday brunches, to live music and a hopping dance floor, events throughout the week and a well-loved Sunday carvery, there’s plenty going on. 

While it’s pretty big, they’ve done well to capture some Irish charm: the walls are adorned with pieces of home, there’s seating at the bar if you want to pull up a stool and enjoy a pint solo, and there are a couple of snugs tucked away behind the bar. Even in summer, they blast some pretty powerful AC units, so it’s possible to sit outside - no mean feat - and there’s more seating upstairs for when they get really full (and they do). The kitchen is solid - everything from a Guinness pie to the mandatory Irish spice bag is on the menu - and their bands put on some of the best live music in Abu Dhabi. It’s casual, always lively and a good night is guaranteed. 

Open: daily | 9AM - 3AM

Booking: 058 598 3623

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The Keg Room 

Al Zeina 

A proper community establishment, and the only Aussie bar in Abu Dhabi, The Keg Room has become a go-to for both Al Zeina residents and the wider Abu Dhabi crowd. It’s the kind of pub we all wish was within walking distance of home - great to pop in for a quick drink if you’re passing, an easy option for a weekend roast, and they even do a great breakfast - and they’ve nailed the good vibes.

Importantly, they do a great chicken parmi, and their excellent quiz night books out each week, so book in advance if you want to take a stab at the hotly contested winners podium. There’s a nice outdoor area for the winter months, perfect for a spot of people watching - and keeping an eye out for passing mates. The wines are decent, and you can find some beer and wine from Down Under if that itch needs scratching - not the easiest task in Abu Dhabi! 

Open: Friday - Sunday | 9AM - 1AM | Monday - Thursday | 11AM - 12AM 

Contact: 056 410 4101

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Craft by Side Hustle

The Galleria Al Maryah Island

The Middle East's first ever microbrewery opened with a lot of fanfare in 2024 and they haven't looked back since! Quickly becoming one of the most popular nightspots in the city, Craft’s a solid all-rounder with mass appeal: it’s buzzing every day of the week, the food is a cut above your average pub grub, their ladies night fills up and families flock in every weekend. 

When it comes to beer, this is proper craft brewing. The brewing room is visible from the main bar, and their in-house brewmaster is usually around, tinkering away to ensure everything’s up to scratch. As for the food, it’s a bit Southern Louisiana, a little bit Creole, a bit of everything. Tuck in to anything from a reimagined pie to a perfectly executed meat platter and boozy desserts to the most moreish bar nibbles - it’s good stuff. The pub itself feels like the local you didn’t know you’ve been looking for. From booths to sink into for a proper Sunday session and high stools at the bar for a pint with your mates, to a back area that opens to the waterfront, you’ll feel instantly at home. It’s the small things that really make a difference: check out the light fixtures and tasting paddles crafted from barrels and a giant mural reflecting the heritage and influence of the brewery. Craft’s a great spot, and it’s very easy to see why it’s so popular. 

Open: daily | 12PM - 2AM | until 12AM Sunday - Tuesday

Contact: 02 631 9855

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49ers 

Reem Island 

Moving from the city across the bridge to Reem Island’s Leaf Tower was a stroke of genius for 49ers. It’s always pulled a decent crowd, but the new location has done them plenty of favours - it’s a stone’s throw from The Galleria, walking distance from Craft (if it’s not summer) and one of only two bars on Reem - for now. Their popular quiz night is a tonne of fun - shape up against the regulars and plenty of new arrivals each week while you grab dinner and make the most of happy hour. The burgers are excellent, and the steak is solid too - perfect if you’re after a protein hit. Western-themed (ish), it’s pretty relaxed in the afternoon and early evening. Closing at 4AM - one of the latest bars in the city - the mood switches up a bit as the night wears on, so depending on what you’re in the mood for you’ll find your groove. 

Open: daily | 12PM - 4AM

Contact: 02 645 8000

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Baloo’s Social Bar & Grill

Millennium Al Rawdah Hotel

A runaway favourite for the South African contingent of Abu Dhabi, Baloo’s is a big, rambunctious pub that’s the place to be whenever there’s a rugby game on. There’s plenty of space inside and out - perfect for big groups - and it’s super family friendly. 

Baloo’s loves a big event - whether it’s sport or a party - as well as a good braai, and they make an effort to keep their prices reasonable by having patrons order at the bar - not a big deal for most expats, as it’s similar to home! Their kitchen churns out plenty of South African favourites - their Sunday lunch even has both a roast and a potjiekos option - so it’s easy to see why they have a lot of loyal fans. 

Open: daily | 12PM - 2AM | until 3AM Friday & Saturday | until 11PM Sunday | closed Monday

Contact: 052 839 3585

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Lock Stock & Barrel

Yas Bay Waterfront

Abu Dhabi’s quintessential party bar, Lock, Stock & Barrel guarantees bangin’ vibes, great times and tasty bar food. Saturday’s brunch is a good time, and the bar is super close to Etihad Arena so it’s the ideal spot for a drink - and a dance - pre or post-show. Happy hour runs from 4-8PM daily, and the food’s good - share a flat bread and get a burger or the nachos - two total winners! It’s a great spot to end up on a night out - the bands really get going and you can find a spot on the dance floor if you want to bust a move, or on the open upper level for a great view. 

Open: daily | 4PM-2AM | earlier opening Friday-Sunday

Contact: +971 2 235 8659

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Ma’s (reopening soon) 

Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche

Opening a couple of years ago and almost immediately attracting a legion of loyal fans - Irish and otherwise - the former Ma Buckley’s is getting a new lease on life, with a new location and a new name. Rebranding to Ma’s and moving further up-island to Radisson Blu on the Corniche, city-dwellers will be stoked with this new(ish) opening. Promising all the charm, solid food, good vibes and properly poured pints to Guinness that won them friends in the first place, it’s one to watch. 

Open: TBC

Contact: TBC

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