Opening of Legends shows just how far Abu Dhabi’s clubbing scene has come

We take a closer look at the sudden explosion of the capital's after hours clubbing scene.

Last-minute preparations under way at Legends, ahead of the club's launch party last weekend. Silvia Razgova / The National

A conversation about Abu Dhabi’s nightclub scene used to be over before it had begun – mainly because there wasn’t a lot to talk about.

While Yas Island’s Du Arena has helped put the emirate on the map by hosting some of the biggest live gigs in the region, the after-hours scene has traditionally been rather more subdued than our world-renowned northern neighbours.

But recently, one can’t help noticing this has started to change, following a string of high-profile openings. The latest, Legends, welcomes Paris Hilton to its red carpet on Thursday.

Blockbuster film Furious 7 painted a glamorous picture of Abu Dhabi as the centre of the VIP nightlife universe – and it was not just a Hollywood fairy tale. After bubbling away just under the surface, the emirate's after hours scene has exploded.

The first signs of change came three years ago, with the opening of Blue Marlin Ibiza, a renowned Mediterranean party brand that has been one of the hottest spots in the land since its February 2012 launch, attracting some of the biggest names in dance music every weekend.

But, notably, it is in Ghantoot – which is part of Abu Dhabi emirate but closer to the party people of Dubai.

It was not until November 2013 that the capital got a world-class player. Launched during the fifth Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, O1ne Yas Island was the real deal, a trailblazing venue that attracted headlines for its dynamic ceiling-to-floor projection mapping screens – an immersive, 350sqm marvel that has to be seen to be believed – and it’s colourful exterior. At 17 metres tall, the circular structure is the largest privately owned graffiti wall in the world, the work of 18 artists.

That was the beginning. The city’s party credentials were sealed when People by Crystal opened, almost exactly a year ago, on Saadiyat Island. A sister venue to the multi-award winning Dubai club of the same name, the decision by Beirut’s The Crystal Group (also behind Dubai’s Eden Beach Club and 40 Kong) to expand to the capital was a major stamp of approval. Meanwhile the team’s commitment to bringing regular international stars – most of the DJs and rappers who gig the Dubai venue also now play the southern sister – has finally dispelled all those “there’s nothing going on in Abu Dhabi” moans.

Proof that the capital’s nightlife scene is worthy of not only of note, but commendation, came last month when Time Out Abu Dhabi hosted its first Nightlife Awards – recognising venues, people and events in 19 categories – five years after their Dubai title introduced a similar ceremony.

The latest piece of good news came last week with the opening of Legends at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi, on the site of the former Zenith.

General manager James Vadakkethil says the name was chosen to “send a message” to the party people.

“Legends means what?” he asks. “We want people to be Legends – and we expect Legends to be here – that’s the reason we’re bringing Paris Hilton.”

While smaller, less shiny (and notably cheaper) than some island-based competition, the 400-capacity space is notably open every day, and in the centre of town – and Vadakkethil says this is what will set his venue apart.

“We want the cream of Abu Dhabi,” he added. “There are so many clubs coming up right now, so much nightlife happening, but I think Legends will have the most – because we’re in the city.”

Time will tell whether or not this place succeeds in attracting the legends and cream of the capital it hopes for, but to celebrate the news, we’ve selected our pick of the capital’s best clubs.

• Legends is open daily from 8pm at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, www.legendsabudhabi.com (02 697 0358)

Abu Dhabi clubs – five to try

People by Crystal

For floor-shaking urban basslines and big-name hip-hop stars, look no further than this game-changing 400-capacity hot spot. Recently named Best Club by the scenesters at Time Out Abu Dhabi, since opening last year the venue has welcomed an enviable list of guests including The Weeknd, Nas, Craig David and Kid Ink. Keep an eye on www.facebook.com/PeoplebycrystalAbuDhabi for upcoming nights and bookings.

• The Collection, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (050 826 9698)

O1NE Yas Island

The one that put Abu Dhabi on the map, this technical marvel continues to impress. It comes into its own over the F1 weekend, last year welcoming Solomun, T-Pain, Jason Derulo and Armin van Buuren over four nights of madness. For the rest of the year, O1ne normally opens for just four hours a week – so make those four hours count. One to impress your visitors with.

• Open Thursdays from 11pm. Yas Island, www.o1neyasisland.com (052 7888 111)

Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE

The big name DJs that spin at this beachside spot week-in-week-out pack some serious clout – and it’s the quality of these bookings that have ensured that, after three years, Blue Marlin remains a prime contender for the country’s best outdoor clubbing space. Get here for sundowners on a Friday and watch the night build up and explode.

• Open Fridays and Saturdays from 1pm at Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotels and Resort, Ghantoot, www.bluemarlinibiza-uae.com (056 113 3400)

Saadiyat Beach Club

A chilled sundowners spot for most of the week, this recently rebranded beachside spot (formerly the Monte Carlo Beach Club) has been known to kick off with one-off big-name international DJs, such as Tom Novy last month and Wankelmut omorrow

• Look out for special events. www.saadiyatbeachclub.ae (02 656 3500)

Rush

If you’ve been out in Abu Dhabi, chances are you’ve stumbled across Rush, the perennially popular nightspot perched over the Yas Marina Circuit. Despite the newer, glitzier neighbours, after five years, Rush’s generous drinks packages and ladies’ nights ensure this stalwart endures.

• Open Monday-Saturday from 10.30pm. Yas Viceroy Hotel, www.facebook.com/RushAbuDhabi (055 780 0086)