Abu Dhabi’s biggest night out is back, and this year it’s bigger, bolder and even more delicious

The What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards return to honour the city’s best restaurants, bars, hotels, events and experiences. Every year, Abu Dhabi raises the bar with new openings and unforgettable nights out, but 2025 has been something special. From show-stopping restaurants to new beach clubs and world-class entertainment, the city has truly outdone itself, and now it’s time to celebrate the people who make it all happen. The What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards are the capital’s biggest celebration of food, fun and entertainment, and the only ones where you decide who takes home the trophy. It’s the people’s choice for everything worth eating, drinking and doing in the city. Get all the info here.

Each year, hundreds of hopefuls enter, from the hottest new restaurants to long-time favourites that have become part of Abu Dhabi’s story. The awards night is a glittering affair filled with the who’s who of the hospitality scene, from chefs and restaurateurs to mixologists and entertainment heavyweights.

Registrations are now open, so if you’re in the business or know a venue that deserves its moment in the spotlight, this is your time. Once registered, rally your fans, followers and regulars to vote before January 2026. You can register here.

The shortlist will be revealed at the end of February 2026, giving everyone a chance to cheer for their favourites before the big night.

Because in a city that never stops evolving, there’s always something, and someone, worth celebrating.

Food Concept:

Favourite Afternoon Tea​

Favourite Café ​

Favourite Business Lunch​

Favourite Pub Grub​

Favourite Burger ​

Favourite Breakfast ​

Favourite Pizza ​

Leisure:

Favourite Spa ​

Favourite Luxury Staycation​

Favourite Beach Hotel​

Favourite Pool and Beach

Nightlife:

Favourite Bar ​

Favourite Sundowner Spot​

Favourite Evening Brunch​

Favourite Ladies’ Night ​

Favourite Sports Bar

Entertainment:

Favourite Concert or Festival​

Favourite Sporting Event ​

Favourite Attraction ​

Favourite Family Show

Restaurants:

Favourite Brunch: Independent​

Favourite Brunch: Hotel​

Favourite Casual All-Day Dining Restaurant ​

Favourite Casual Asian Restaurant ​

Favourite Casual Indian Restaurant ​

Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant ​

Favourite Casual Mediterranean Restaurant​

Favourite Casual Middle Eastern Restaurant 

Favourite Casual Seafood Restaurant ​

Favourite Casual Steakhouse Restaurant​

Favourite Fine Dining All-Day Dining Restaurant​

Favourite Fine Dining Asian Restaurant​

Favourite Fine Dining Indian Restaurant​

Favourite Fine Dining Italian Restaurant ​

Favourite Fine Dining Mediterranean Restaurant​

Favourite Fine Dining Middle Eastern Restaurant​

Favourite Fine Dining Seafood Restaurant​

Favourite Fine Dining Steakhouse Restaurant ​

Editor’s Choice:

What’s On Newcomer of the Year​

What’s On Homegrown Restaurant of the Year​

What’s On Restaurant of the Year​

What’s On Homegrown Restaurant of the Year

Register here!