In pics: What's On Abu Dhabi Awards 2025 Highly Commended

The highly commended list is here…

Abu Dhabi showed up on Tuesday night. 600 names from the capital’s dining, leisure, and entertainment scenes gathered at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island for a night that did what it came to do: celebrate the city’s best. The 2025 winners are already out in the world right here, but this one’s for the Highly Commended ones who made a serious mark this year. Here’s a glimpse at some of our standout Highly Commended winners from the What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards 2025.

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Highly Commended Pub Grub | McCafferty’s

Highly Commended Favourite Casual European Restaurant | ERGON Deli & Cafe

Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Middle Eastern Restaurant | Bushra by Buddha-Bar

Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Middle Eastern Restaurant | Batroun Aal Bahr by Celebrity Restaurant

Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining European Restaurant | Jose by Pizarro

Highly Commended Favourite Asian Fine Dining Restaurant | Shang Palace

Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Asian Restaurant | Sontaya

Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining All Day Dining Restaurant | Artisan Kitchen

Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining All Day Dining Restaurant | Slaw and More

Highly Commended Favourite Steakhouse | Entrecote Cafe de Paris

Highly Commended Favourite Seafood Restaurant | Ryba

Highly Commended Favourite Seafood Restaurant | Fishmarket at InterContinental Abu Dhabi

Highly Commended Favourite Steakhouse | Oak Room

Highly Commended Favourite Casual Middle Eastern Restaurant | Jawaher Restaurant

Highly Commended Favourite Indian Restaurant | Punjab Grill

Highly Commended Favourite Casual Middle Eastern Restaurant | Kamoon

Highly Commended Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant | Meridien Plaza

Highly Commended Favourite Casual Asian Restaurant | Waves

Highly Commended Favourite Casual All-day Dining Restaurant | Society Abu Dhabi

Highly Commended Favourite Casual All-Day Dining Restaurant | Roots Bar & Kitchen

Highly Commended Hotel Brunch | Sofra bld

Highly Commended Favourite Brunch: Independent | La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi

Highly Commended Favourite Brunch: Independent | Paradiso

Highly Commended Favourite Cafe | Love Vibe Cafe

Highly Commended Favourite Pub Grub | Cooper’s

Highly Commended Favourite Business Lunch | Cafe 302, Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana

Highly Commended Favourite Business Lunch | Flamingo Room by tashas

Highly Commended Favourite Breakfast | Cafe Palmier

Highly Commended Favourite Breakfast | 90 Centigrade

Highly Commended Favourite Cafe | Ritual Cafe & Studio

Highly Commended Favourite Pool and Beach Day | Cafe del Mar Abu Dhabi

Highly Commended Favourite Luxury Staycation | Royal M Hotel by Gewan Abu Dhabi

Highly Commended Favourite Sporting Event | NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024 Presented by ADQ

Highly Commended Favourite Spa | Conrad Spa

Highly Commended Favourite Luxury Staycation | Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat

Highly Commended Favourite Concert, Festival, or Family Show | Saadiyat Nights – DCT Abu Dhabi

Highly Commended Favourite Sundowner Spot | BRICK Rooftop Kitchen & Bar

Highly Commended Favourite Bar | Ma Buckley’s Bar & Restaurant

Highly Commended Favourite Sports Bar | McGettigan’s

Highly Commended Favourite Pool and Beach Day | West Bay Abu Dhabi

Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Italian Restaurant | TOTO Abu Dhabi

Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining All-Day Restaurant | Artisan Kitchen

Highly Commended Favourite Indian Restaurant | Rangoli

Highly Commended Favourite Breakfast | Cafe Palmier

Highly Commended Favourite Cafe | Love Vibe Cafe

Highly Commended Favourite Sports Bar | Stock Burger Co. Abu Dhabi

Highly Commended Favourite Evening Brunch | Teatro

Highly Commended Favourite Sporting Event | Abu Dhabi Showdown Week 2024 UFC 308

Highly Commended Favourite Sundowner Spot | Art Lounge

Highly Commended Favourite Evening Brunch | Atlon Bar & Bistro

Highly Commended Favourite Ladies Night | Siddartha Lounge by Buddha Bar

Highly Commended Favourite Afternoon Tea | Lobby Lounge Shagri-La Qaryat Al Beri

Highly Commended Favourite Casual European Restaurant | Alba Terrace

Highly Commended Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant | Porto Gina