10 of the best outdoor dining spots in Abu Dhabi: from Alba Terrace to 99 Sushi


Sophie Prideaux
  • English
  • Arabic

With the weather at its optimum temperature right about now, outdoor life has really come to the forefront.

Thankfully, there are plenty of beautiful spots in Abu Dhabi to really make the most of the capital’s natural beauty while enjoying some food, a drink and a catch-up with friends.

Here are some of the capital’s best outdoor terraces.

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant

Popular fine-dining Japanese restaurant 99 Sushi is located at The Galleria on Maryah Island, offering diners panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. The restaurant's signature dishes include foie gras nigiri, spicy tuna tartare and its popular crispy tiger prawn tempura. For those wanting to take in the views during the day, there is an Omakase business lunch menu with nine courses for Dh150.

Open daily, 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7pm-11:30pm; Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island; 02 672 3333, reservations_ad@99sushibar.com

Alba Terrace

Expect cosy areas with lounge seating and plenty of greenery at this Mediterranean restaurant, located on the marina side of The Abu Dhabi Edition hotel.

Early risers can opt for the limitless breakfast with options such as baked shakshuka and market French toast. The restaurant has also launched an Alba Eats limitless menu, featuring dishes such as veal and lamb meatballs, wild mushroom risotto and sea bass fillet.

Open daily, 7am-11pm; The Abu Dhabi Edition; Al Bateen; 02 208 0000, restaurantreservations.auh@editionhotels.com

Flooka

This restaurant serves some of the freshest seafood and its terrace has a peaceful vibe, with uninterrupted views of the mangroves.

Flooka describes its cuisine as Mediterranean seafood with a Lebanese twist, and the menu features mezze such as crab salad; squid sauteed in a black ink marinade; and samke harra or fish ratatouille with tomato, hot peppers, onion and coriander.

Open daily, noon-2am; Eastern Mangroves; 02 441 8244; www.instagram.com/flookauae

Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar

Located on the 12th floor of the Aloft Abu Dhabi, Brick Rooftop Kitchen & Bar is a laid-back, lively spot offering impressive views across the city. Popular with the after-work crowd, the menu features regular drinks deals and offers hearty food served from the restaurant’s twin brick ovens.

Open daily, 5pm-midnight; Aloft Abu Dhabi; 02 654 5000, www.marriott.com

Azura Panoramic Lounge

Offering sweeping views out over the Corniche, Azura Panoramic Lounge is a romantic and buzzing rooftop spot at the five-star The St Regis Abu Dhabi. With its low lighting, multilevel seating and wooden beamed roof, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset.

Open daily, 4pm-1am; The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers; 02 694 4553, www.azuraabudhabi.com

Diablito

This popular casual dining spot at Yas Marina has an open-air rooftop space that looks out directly over the yacht-filled waters below, as well as part of Yas Marina Circuit.

With a Spanish-style menu, regular drinks deals and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great spot for catching up with friends and enjoying some of Yas Island’s best views.

Open daily, noon-midnight; Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi; 02 565 1175; www.instagram.com/diablito_yasmarina

Glo

The Rosewood Abu Dhabi's distinctive pool bar Glo offers the perfect day-to-night setting in the capital. With views looking out from Al Maryah Island over the Arabian Gulf, the rooftop lounge transforms from a relaxed poolside spot by day to a vibey bar by night, with huge metal lighting structures setting the mood.

Open daily, noon-midnight; Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island; 02 813 5550, www.rosewoodhotels.com

Buddha-Bar Beach

Set on the edge of Abu Dhabi’s stunning Saadiyat Beach, Buddha-Bar Beach offers waterfront relaxation at its very best. From live DJs and entertainment to an impressive menu, this upmarket spot is perfect for an occasion, or just for the days when you want to make the most of the capital’s nature.

Monday to Thursday, 5pm-midnight, Friday to Sunday, noon-midnight; The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort; 02 498 8888, www.buddahbarbeachabudhabi.com

Filini Garden

With sweeping views out across the mangroves surrounding Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, Filini Garden’s sprawling terrace offers tranquillity during the day, before dialling things up to create a lively atmosphere at night. Serving up an Italian-inspired menu, as well as hosting regular themed evenings and a weekend brunch, it’s a good one to visit while the weather allows.

Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday, 5pm-1am, Monday and Friday, 5pm-3am; Saturday, 12.30pm-2am; Radisson Blu, Yas Plaza, Yas Island; 02 656 2000, www.radissonhotels.com

Shala Beach Lounge

With bohemian vibes, a premium beachfront location and front-seat sunset views, Shala Beach Lounge at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is an Instagram-perfect spot for an afternoon al fresco. With a Mediterranean menu centred on the four elements and an impressive drinks menu, as well as plush seating, open-flame heaters and plenty of greenery, it’s one of the best places to enjoy Saadiyat Island’s stunning views.

Open Thursday to Saturday, 5pm-1am; Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island; 02 407 1138, www.hyattrestaurants.com

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Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

The Bio

Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village

What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft

Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans

Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface

Profile

Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari

Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.

Number of employees: Over 50

Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised

Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital 

Sector of operation: Transport

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Real Madrid (2) v Bayern Munich (1)

Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
When: 10.45pm, Tuesday
Watch Live: beIN Sports HD

What is the definition of an SME?

SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a “small company” in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development.

A “medium-sized company” can either have staff of 51 to 200 employees or 101 to 250 employees, and a turnover less than or equal to Dh200m or Dh250m, again depending on whether the business is in the trading, manufacturing or services sectors. 

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Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

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Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

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Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

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Long read

Mageed Yahia, director of WFP in UAE: Coronavirus knows no borders, and neither should the response

BlacKkKlansman

Director: Spike Lee

Starring: John David Washington; Adam Driver 

Five stars

ENGLAND TEAM

England (15-1)
George Furbank; Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell (capt), Elliot Daly; George Ford, Ben Youngs; Tom Curry, Sam Underhill, Courtney Lawes; Charlie Ewels, Maro Itoje; Kyle Sinckler, Jamie George, Joe Marler
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, George Kruis, Lewis Ludlam, Willi Heinz, Ollie Devoto, Jonathan Joseph

Liverpool’s fixtures until end of 2019

Saturday, November 30, Brighton (h)

Wednesday, December 4, Everton (h)

Saturday, December 7, Bournemouth (a)

Tuesday, December 10, Salzburg (a) CL

Saturday, December 14, Watford (h)

Tuesday, December 17, Aston Villa (a) League Cup

Wednesday, December 18, Club World Cup in Qatar

Saturday, December 21, Club World Cup in Qatar

Thursday, December 26, Leicester (a)

Sunday, December 29, Wolves (h)

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

The Vile

Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah

Director: Majid Al Ansari

Rating: 4/5

Skoda Superb Specs

Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol

Power: 190hp

Torque: 320Nm

Price: From Dh147,000

Available: Now

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport - the specs:

Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 

Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto 

Power: 1,600hp

Torque: 1,600Nm

0-100kph in 2.4seconds

0-200kph in 5.8 seconds

0-300kph in 12.1 seconds

Top speed: 440kph

Price: Dh13,200,000

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport - the specs:

Engine: 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 

Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto 

Power: 1,500hp

Torque: 1,600Nm

0-100kph in 2.3 seconds

0-200kph in 5.5 seconds

0-300kph in 11.8 seconds

Top speed: 350kph

Price: Dh13,600,000

How tumultuous protests grew
  • A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
  • Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved 
  • Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
  • At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
  • Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars 
  • Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
  • An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital 
Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier

ICC Academy, November 22-28

UAE fixtures
Nov 22, v Malaysia
Nov 23, v Hong Kong
Nov 25, v Bhutan
Nov 26, v Kuwait
Nov 28, v Nepal

ICC T20I rankings
14. Nepal
17. UAE
25. Hong Kong
34. Kuwait
35. Malaysia
44. Bhutan 

UAE squad
Chaya Mughal (captain), Natasha Cherriath, Samaira Dharnidharka, Kavisha Egodage, Mahika Gaur, Priyanjali Jain, Suraksha Kotte, Vaishnave Mahesh, Judit Peter, Esha Rohit, Theertha Satish, Chamani Seneviratne, Khushi Sharma, Subha Venkataraman

The specs

Common to all models unless otherwise stated

Engine: 4-cylinder 2-litre T-GDi

0-100kph: 5.3 seconds (Elantra); 5.5 seconds (Kona); 6.1 seconds (Veloster)

Power: 276hp

Torque: 392Nm

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/ 8-Speed Dual Clutch FWD

Price: TBC

The specs

Engine: 5.0-litre V8

Power: 480hp at 7,250rpm

Torque: 566Nm at 4,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: L/100km

Price: Dh306,495

On sale: now

MATCH INFO

Who: UAE v USA
What: first T20 international
When: Friday, 2pm
Where: ICC Academy in Dubai

Updated: February 27, 2022, 6:08 AM