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

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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Some of Darwish's last words

"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

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