Sponsored: At Saikindō, music comes first, with Thursdays dedicated to themed Listening Nights inspired by four iconic music cities

At Saikindō, everything begins with music. The Hi-Fi cocktail bar inside Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island is built around the listening experience, from its acoustics to its atmosphere. But on Thursdays, the concept takes on a new theme, with Beverage Director Marco Corallo stepping behind the decks to curate the evening’s soundtrack.

Some nights are made for catching up. Others are made for listening. At Saikindō, Thursdays are firmly dedicated to the latter. The venue’s Listening Nights series takes guests through four of the world’s most influential music cities – New York, Tokyo, London and Berlin – brought to life through carefully curated vinyl, city-inspired cocktails and a setting designed with sound at its core.

The concept

Every Thursday, Beverage Director Marco Corallo takes over both the bar and the decks, guiding guests through the sounds of New York, Tokyo, London and Berlin. Each week focuses on a different city, exploring the music, culture and atmosphere that shaped its sound. The journey begins in New York with soulful disco, house and the roots of hip-hop before moving to Tokyo’s vinyl-loving jazz kissa culture. London brings a mix of acid jazz, UK soul and electronic sounds, while Berlin closes the rotation with deep electronic music and underground club influences. Once the cycle ends, it begins again, offering a new perspective on each destination every time.

The music

This is where Listening Nights comes into its own. Every set is carefully curated to reflect the character of the featured city, with records selected to tell a story.

The cocktails

Alongside the music, guests can expect cocktails inspired by the flavours and personality of each city. The bar also continues to serve its Aji No Hibiki menu, which explores the relationship between flavour, rhythm and sound through a collection of creative drinks designed around musical concepts.

The food

In addition to listening to the best tracks from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, and complementing your experience with cocktails inspired by these iconic hits, you can also enjoy the finest of Japanese cuisine at Saikindō, from exquisite robata to sushi and more, elevating your night with indulgent bites.

The space

Saikindō was built with listening in mind. A concert-grade sound system fills the room with remarkable detail, while warm wood finishes, Japanese design references and vintage-inspired touches create a comfortable setting for long evenings. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to put your phone down and focus on what’s playing.

Why go?

For anyone looking for something different from the usual Thursday night plans, Listening Nights is worth adding to your calendar. If the music is usually the reason you choose a venue, Saikindō’s new weekly series is for you.

Where: Saikindō, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

When: Thursdays; 5pm to 3am

Contact: @saikindo @fsabudhabi

Images: Provided