Abu Dhabi after dark: 10 illuminating reasons to visit in the summer
Words Hazel Plush
As a solo female traveller, it can be difficult to explore a new city at night. All too often, we feel forced to stick to busy, touristy places when the sun goes down – eschewing adventure for caution. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
In 13 years of travelling to Abu Dhabi alone, I’ve never once had to curb my evening agenda. Not only is it a blissfully safe city for solo females, but it’s full of energy after dark – especially in summer, when the entire capital embraces those long balmy nights.
In comfort, confidence and security, you can explore the best and brightest that the city has to offer. From moonlit sightseeing to Emirati suppers, these are my favourite things to do in Abu Dhabi after dark this summer.
1: Snacks and scooting on the Corniche
On Friday and Saturday evenings, local families unfurl their picnic blankets in the parks along the Corniche waterfront – enjoying its warm sea breeze and sociable buzz, beneath the moonlit skyscrapers and palm trees. I like to buy mezze goodies from a supermarket deli (think stuffed vine leaves and creamy mutabal aubergine dip), and simply watch the world go by. Then, grab an e-scooter from one of the rental stations and zoom along the 8km promenade, stopping for ice cream at a seafront kiosk.
The Corniche, a scenic waterfront promenade with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and the city’s iconic skyscrapers (Shutterstock)
2: Explore the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque by moonlight
The soaring minarets and domes of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are always beautiful, but at night they look ethereal. The mosque is lit according to the lunar cycle, so in full moon it blazes white – and when the moon is waning, it turns blue. It’s open until 10pm, and it feels even more spiritual when the daytime crowds are long gone: the abundant white marble seems to glow after dark, and those vast crystal chandeliers are all the brighter.
Sunset over Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Shutterstock)
3: Seafood suppers at Mina Zayed
I love the hubbub of Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi’s open-air harbour and trading area, which bustles until 10pm closing time. You can simply wander around, sniffing the frangipani and honeysuckle blossoms in the Flower Market, and haggling for plump medjool and halawi dates in the Dates Market (the staff at Green Lawn Dates will ply you with freebies). The fish market is surrounded by affordable seafood bistros: don’t miss the grilled hammour and clam chowder at Gandofly Restaurant.
View of the modern skyline of Abu Dhabi, seen from the Mina Zayed (Shutterstock)
4: Catch live legends at Etihad Arena
Attracting the world’s biggest names in comedy, music and dance, Etihad Arena is the epicentre of Abu Dhabi’s entertainment scene – so check what’s on during your visit. The likes of J.Lo, Beyoncé and Guns N’ Roses have played here, alongside comedians including Jimmy Carr, Michael McIntyre and Trevor Noah. After the gig, take a stroll to Yas Water Front for sea-view dim sum and shisha at Siddharta Lounge; it’s open until 2am.
5: Table for one at Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Mamsha Beach (Shutterstock)
6: Feel on top of the world
For the ultimate night-time view of the capital, head to the Observation Deck at 300, on the 74th floor of Etihad Towers. As the sun dips over the Arabian Gulf, the city’s illuminations spring to life: the golden domes of Qasr Al Watan, the glittering skyscrapers along the Corniche, the fairy light-decked dhow boats bobbing just off-shore. P.S: treat yourself to a slice of red velvet cake in the sky-high café.
Etihad Towers (Shutterstock)
7: Hit the track at Yas Marina Circuit
Why stick to your hotel gym when you can cycle, jog and walk around one of Abu Dhabi’s most famous landmarks? Yas Marina Circuit hosts the Formula 1 and other high-profile races throughout the year, but it also opens to the public on selected evenings (6pm to 10pm) for free workout sessions. You can go at your own pace, and bike hire is available. It pauses at the height of the summer in July and August, but resumes in September.
Yas Marina Circuit (Shutterstock)
8: Soak up the culture of Saadiyat Island
The museums and galleries of Saadiyat Cultural District stay open into the evening, so why not tour the masterpieces and magnificent star-filled dome of Louvre Abu Dhabi, or be wowed by the light installations of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi? On selected dates, look out for special “Nights at the Museum” at the former – featuring film screenings, after-dark tours, art-inspired suppers and more.
9: An Emirati evening at Yas Mall
When summer hits, Emiratis love to go shopping – especially at night. So make like a local and head to Yas Mall to people-watch over Arabic coffee, and browse hand-made ceramics and jewellery at Ether, an emporium of local independent brands. For dinner, I can’t resist the prawn biryani at Al Fanar, an Emirati restaurant that’s styled like a 1960s home, complete with black-and-white photography and vintage plates. The mall is open until 10pm, or midnight.
Food at Al Fanar (Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe)
10: Spot the Milky Way at Al Quaa
Deep in the desert, around a two-hour drive from the city, Al Quaa is renowned for its clear views of the Milky Way – thanks to its minimal light pollution. On an overnight safari, you can kick back with a barbecue, shisha and camping under the stars; group trips depart from the city, and include gear and transportation. It’s a tranquil antithesis to Abu Dhabi’s bright lights and energy, and a tantalising glimpse of the emirate’s extraordinary desert dunes.
The bright Milky Way in the desert (Shutterstock)
For more information and inspiration, head over to the official Visit Abu Dhabi website
