Best live music venues in Abu Dhabi for music lover

Have you ever wandered Abu Dhabi’s Corniche at sunset, only to pause when the breeze carries a faint saxophone melody? The UAE’s capital isn’t just about glittering skyscrapers—it’s a crescendo of hidden rhythms, from soulful Arabic tarab to electric indie beats. Let’s dive into the spots where music lovers find their groove.

JAZZ BAR & DINING

Sultry Notes in an Intimate Setting

Tucked inside the Abu Dhabi EDITION, this candlelit haunt feels like a New York jazz club with an Emirati twist. The stage hosts local talents like Lebanese pianist Tarek Yamani and Emirati vocalist Eida Al Menhali. Arrive by 8 PM for front-row leather booths—perfect for sharing mezze platters (around 150 AED). Insider tip: Sundays feature “Jazz Jam” nights where audience members can join the band. The www.few.ae editor swears their date-infused Old Fashioned is liquid gold.

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THE CLUB AT YAS LINKS

Live Music with a Side of Golf Greens

Overlooking Yas Island’s championship golf course, this venue blends sunset acoustic sets with weekend rock bands. Local cover groups like Desert Rose Band play everything from Eagles classics to Khaleeji pop. Entry is free, but reserve tables for Friday brunches (350 AED) featuring live oud players. Dress code? Collared shirts for men—no sandals. Fun fact: Their sound system uses Turkish-made Borusan speakers for crisp acoustics.

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STILLS RESTAURANT & BAR

British Pub Vibes Meet Rock ‘n’ Roll

Craving fish and chips with live guitar riffs? This Crowne Plaza hotspot delivers. Wednesdays are tribute nights (think Queen or Dire Straits), while Thursdays spotlight UAE-based bands like Turkish rock group Anatolia. Happy hour (4–7 PM) slashes drink prices by 40%. Try their “Abu Dhabi IPA,” brewed with local dates. Crowd warning: Gets rowdy during football matches!

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HEROES – COMIC BOOK RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ

Geeky Fun with Acoustic Backdrops

This Al Zahiya gem pairs live music with superhero murals and comic-themed cocktails. Local singer-songwriters perform Thursdays—think Arabic covers of Ed Sheeran or original indie tracks. No cover charge, but order their “Hulk Smash” mocktail (35 AED) for free popcorn refills. Bonus: Staff wear costumes—ask Spider-Man for a selfie!

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RAY’S BAR – JUMEIRAH AT ETIHAD TOWERS

Sky-High Beats with Gulf Views

On the 62nd floor, Ray’s offers live DJs and saxophonists against panoramic cityscapes. Fridays feature “Sunset Sessions” with chill house music and sushi platters (200 AED). Dress to impress—no shorts after 7 PM. The www.few.ae editor recommends arriving early for golden-hour photos at their sky deck.

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THE IRISH PUB – LE ROYAL MÉRIDIEN

Raise a Pint to Rock Anthems

A stalwart since 1982, this pub’s live bands draw expats and locals alike. Mondays are open mic nights, while weekends rock with cover bands like Dubai’s The Boxtones. Try their “Emerald Isle” platter (lamb stew + Guinness bread, 120 AED). Cultural tip: Avoid loud cheers during solemn Irish ballads—regulars take them seriously!

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SAMBUSEK – ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI

Arabic Melodies Over Mezze

At Rosewood’s Lebanese restaurant, live Arabic bands accompany dinners of grilled halloumi and lamb kibbeh. The vocalists often blend Fairuz classics with modern Khaleeji beats. Reserve terrace seats for views of Al Maryah Island’s skyline. Dinner averages 250 AED per person—worth it for the rosewater cheesecake alone.

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COOPER’S BAR & RESTAURANT – PARK ROTANA

Blues, Brews, and Bar Bites

This industrial-chic spot at Park Rotana hosts Abu Dhabi’s only weekly blues night (Tuesdays). The house band, led by Egyptian guitarist Karim Mostafa, mixes BB King riffs with Arabic maqams. Happy hour (5–8 PM) offers half-price craft beers. Must-try: Their spicy “Desert Dragon” wings.

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LIVE NATION ABU DHABI – ETIHAD ARENA

Where Global Stars Take the Stage

This 18,000-seat arena on Yas Island hosts giants like Coldplay and Turkish pop star Tarkan. Ticket prices start at 300 AED for balcony seats—splurge on “Golden Circle” passes (1,200 AED) for upfront views. Pro tip: Use the Yas Express shuttle from downtown to avoid parking chaos.

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STARS N’ BARS – YAS MARINA

Family-Friendly Beats by the Water

At Yas Marina, this venue offers live bands alongside burger sliders and mini-golf. Sundays feature acoustic duos, while Fridays mix DJs and sax players. Kids eat free (12 PM–5 PM) with live entertainment like magicians. Don’t miss their “Yas Sunset” cocktail—pomegranate and saffron magic.

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Abu Dhabi’s music scene dances between tradition and innovation. Whether you’re sipping cocktails 62 floors up or clinking pints in a comic-book café, the city’s rhythm will sweep you off your feet. Ready to explore? Grab your tickets—and keep www.few.ae bookmarked for secret gig alerts. The next show is just a chord away.