What's On Abu Dhabi Awards 2026: The Highly Commended
A standing ovation for the venues, brands and experiences that came incredibly close to taking the top spot
The What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards 2026 celebrated the very best of the capital, and the competition is never easy. These Highly Commended winners delivered outstanding experiences and left a lasting impression on our judges, making them names well worth celebrating.
Highly Commended Favourite Afternoon Tea – Lobby Lounge Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Highly Commended Favourite Afternoon Tea – Lobby Lounge Shangri-la Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Attraction – Leo and Loona Kids Park
Highly Commended Favourite Bar – Novikov Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Bar – Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar
Highly Commended Favourite Beach Hotel – Erth Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Beach Hotel – Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Breakfast – Al Rimal Erth Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Breakfast – Beverly Cafe
Highly Commended Favourite Brunch Hotel – Cooper’s Gastrobar Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Brunch Hotel – The Director’s Club The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
Highly Commended Favourite Brunch Independent – Sushisamba Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Brunch-Independent- Villa Selene
Highly Commended Favourite Burger – Maxzi The Good Food Shop Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Business Lunch – Novikov Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Business Lunch – Valgerand Nordic Grill
Highly Commended Favourite Casual All Day Dining – Garage W Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Highly Commended Favourite Cafe – Society Restaurant
Highly Commended Favourite Casual All-Day Dining – Roots Bar & Kitchen Yas Acres Golf & Country Club
Highly Commended Favourite Casual Asian Restaurant – Waves The Club Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant – Bella Vita
Highly Commended Favourite Casual Italian Restaurant – Marcos Italian Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Highly Commended Favourite Casual Mediterranean Restaurant – Oii Restaurant & Cafe
Highly Commended Favourite Casual Mediterranean Restaurant – Pappas Taverna W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Highly Commended Favourite Casual Middle Eastern Restaurant – Jawaher
Highly Commended Favourite Casual Steakhouse – Brooklyn Chop House W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Highly Commended Favourite Casual Steakhouse – Chamas Churrascaria & Bar Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Concert, Festival Or Family Show – Offlimits Music Festival Etihad Park Yas Island Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Concert, Festival Or Family Show – Saadiyat Nights, DCT Abu Dhabi And Ethara, Highly Commended Favourite Sporting Event – UFC 321 And NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining All-day Dining Restaurant – Giornotte The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining All-day Dining Restaurant – Saddle House
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Asian Restaurant – 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Asian Restaurant – Silk & Spice Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Indian Restaurant – Rangoli Yas Plaza Marina
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Indian Restaurant – Zeera By Buddha-Bar
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Italian Restaurant – Vero Italiano Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Italian Restaurant – Villa Toscana The St Regis Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Mediterranean Restaurant – Bord Eau By Nicolas Isnard Shangri-la Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Mediterranean Restaurant – The Vista The Club Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Middle Eastern Restaurant – Byblos Sur Mer Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Seafood Restaurant – Favourite Fine Dining Seafood Restaurant – Fishmarket Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Seafood Restaurant – Khayal Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Steakhouse – Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel
Highly Commended Favourite Fine Dining Steakhouse – The Grill Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Ladies’ Night – The Overlook The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection By Hilton
Highly Commended Favourite Ladies’ Night – W Lounge W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Highly Commended Favourite Luxury Staycation – Bab Al Nojoum Hudayriyat
Highly Commended Favourite Pool and Beach – The Bayshore Beach Club Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Pool and Beach – The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Pub Grub – Belgian Cafe Yas Island
Highly Commended Favourite Pub Grub – Cooper’s Gastrobar Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Spa – Conrad Spa, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Highly Commended Favourite Spa – Sense, A Rosewood Spa Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Sports Bar – Appaloosa Sports Bar Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Sports Bar – Stock Burger Co. Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi
Highly Commended Favourite Sundowner Spot – Lexx Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
Highly Commended Favourite Sundowner Spot – Tiki Pacifico Dining & Lounge
*What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards 2026: Every winner from the capital’s biggest night out*
*In pics: The Winners of the What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards 2026*
*What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards 2026: The party*
Images: What’s On
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