Champagne Lovers’ Guide to Abu Dhabi: restaurants, bars and things to do
Abu Dhabi offers a more polished and relaxed take on the UAE’s luxury lifestyle, with Champagne naturally woven into its international dining, hotels and special-occasion culture. The city combines modern architecture and elegant hospitality with Emirati traditions, beaches and a striking desert landscape. For Champagne lovers, it is a destination where a sophisticated dinner can easily be combined with a day of culture or an evening by the Arabian Gulf.
Emirati cuisine centres around rice, meat, seafood, dates and aromatic spices. Try machboos, harees, thareed, grilled seafood, lamb and luqaimat, along with Middle Eastern mezze such as hummus, fattoush and baba ghanoush. Champagne’s acidity and bubbles can be especially refreshing with seafood, fried appetisers and salty mezze, while aromatic flavours such as saffron, cardamom and dried lime create more unexpected combinations.
The cultural side of Abu Dhabi is one of its biggest attractions. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an architectural highlight, while Louvre Abu Dhabi brings an international art collection into a spectacular waterfront setting. Explore Qasr Al Watan, walk along the Corniche or spend time on Saadiyat Island, known for its beaches and cultural institutions. The city also has extensive green spaces and waterfront promenades, giving it a more relaxed feel than its reputation as a luxury destination might suggest.
For a change of scenery, head into the desert surrounding Abu Dhabi. The Liwa Oasis and the vast dunes of the Empty Quarter offer a completely different landscape, while the mangroves around the city provide opportunities for kayaking and seeing the natural side of the emirate.
Abu Dhabi works particularly well for Champagne lovers who enjoy combining wine with culture and luxury. A day exploring museums and architecture, followed by Champagne overlooking the Gulf, creates an experience that feels distinctly Abu Dhabi.
