Jazz, that most rebellious of American art forms, has long stood as a symbol of freedom, spontaneity, and improvisation. Emerging in the early 19th century, the style gave rise to legendary figures such as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis, shaping modern music as we know it. More than a genre, jazz became synonymous with nightlife, culture, and celebration – a sound so enduring that no contemporary cosmopolitan city is complete without it. The UAE’s vibrant capital is no exception. Read on to discover the best jazz bars Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Jazz Bar Abu Dhabi
Set out like an old-school, Prohibition-era bar, Jazz Bar Abu Dhabi has quickly positioned itself as one of the cornerstones of the city's cultural scene.
The venue – located in the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort on Corniche Road – exudes pure jazz elegance, with weekly performances where the warm tones of brass meet exquisite cocktails, all set against some of the city’s most opulent décor. Every detail here has been carefully crafted, creating the ideal space to enjoy a deep dive into the history of one of the world’s most beloved musical forms.
Handcrafted cocktails – such as the Long Island Iced Tea and the Bullfrog – from informed mixologists are the perfect catalyst for a relaxed night out, while the warm service on offer provides the ideal place for you to relax and step back in time for a soul-warming trip through the golden age of jazz.
The menu functions as a symphony of taste, showcasing some of the best contemporary gourmet in the city. Crafted to complement the soulful rhythms and smooth melodies that course through the establishment, the US Black Angus Beef Tenderloin and the Australian Wagyu Rib Eye are big hits, while the venue also puts on a popular Ladies Night every Friday.
For anyone interested in live jazz music, this is the place to be in Abu Dhabi.
Jazz and Fizz
Located in Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, this chic Abu Dhabi bar represents the ideal spot for a post-work signature cocktail. With dulcet jazz grooves in the background and some of the most exquisite city views thanks to its 36th- and 37th-floor location, this laidback establishment not only offers a satisfying menu but also draws visitors primarily for its highly coveted Instagram-worthy vistas.
The ambience on offer is ideal for those who are looking for a vibrant yet relaxing experience, while expertly crafted drinks – such as the magnificent Cosmopolitan – are served with flair, poise and attentiveness. The cocktail menu is further complemented by a comprehensive spirit section, perfect for those who require a slightly stronger tipple after a long week.
A classy atmosphere courses through this bar, thanks in no small part to the absence of big screens. The focus – as it should be in a place like this – is squarely on the music. But don’t fret, this isn’t the sort of place where you have to strain to hear the conversation. While the tunes are lively, they’re not invasive. A fine spot to unwind after a long day at work, Jazz & Fizz also offers a daily happy hour from 6 to 9 pm.
Dragon’s Tooth
Bedecked in exquisite wood textures, this Rosewood Abu Dhabi speakeasy-style bar calls on the spirit of the 1920s Shanghai Jazz movement. The establishment is accessible through the hotel restaurant, Dai Pai Dong, and boasts an ambience which blends both sophistication and secrecy in some of the most refined surroundings around.
With the resurgence in speakeasies in the UAE at the moment, Dragon’s Tooth stands proud as one of the best, thanks to its dark-and-moody theme and oriental-style detailing. The menu, sourced from the neighbouring Dai Pai Dong, reflects the bar’s Chinese-inspired theme, with the dim sum standing out as a particular highlight, while the extensive drinks selection features some of the city’s finest cocktails, including the renowned Heart of the Dragon.
Thanks to the secretive nature of this refined bar, Dragon’s Tooth is currently one of the city’s best-kept secrets. However, it is advisable to go and check this bar out as soon as you can, as these hidden gems don’t tend to stay hidden for too long.
The Jazz Club By QC
Another hidden speakeasy-style bar, The Jazz Club by QC is one which has been specifically curated for those with a sweet tooth. The bar has a strong focus on desserts, with attentive staff on hand to recommend which cocktail might pair with which sweet treat best.
The origin story of this Raha Beach Bar – which boasts a 70s era feel thanks to maroon-draped curtains – is one of the most authentic around. Owner Sulaiman Alalawi was brewing coffee one morning when he came across the Miles Davis classic, Kind of Blue. And the rest, as they say, is history. He created a space dedicated to the preservation of one of music’s most celebrated art forms.
Exclusive thanks to its small size – the bar seats just 20 guests – a traditional record player crackles in the background as portraits of the genre's greats stand guard over the informed crowd who frequent this charming bar.
Be sure to head here for a night of musical sophistication, and don’t be afraid to linger like a long trumpet semibreve for one of the decadent treats that perfectly complement the ambience.
Abu Dhabi boasts a number of exclusive jazz bars, ensuring the city is well stocked in terms of early modern musical experiences. From sky-high venues offering panoramic views, to speakeasy-style hidden bars where only a select few are in the know, the capital’s jazz scene continues to grow in both sophistication and prestige. So, the next time you are thinking about heading out for a night of refined music, you could do much worse than some of these elegant offerings.
