At many hotels, the bar is nothing but a footnote to the evening, some lifeless corner of the lobby for libations. But at others, it’s the heart of the story. These places craft excellent cocktails while also capturing the essence of their locations and providing memorable experiences. Forbes Travel Guide’s incognito inspectors tasted their way through lounges across the United Arab Emirates, and we found the five hotel bars that stand above the rest.
These watering holes are part of Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Bars, an inaugural list of the world’s best hotel bars. To find the 58 honorees — the number pays tribute to FTG’s 1958 founding as Mobil Travel Guide — expert inspectors visited each one multiple times and sipped cocktails. The winners were determined by data collected as part of FTG’s 2024 and 2025 Star Ratings, based on several exacting standards. The top publicly accessible bars achieved the highest scores for their beverage program and presentation, as well as providing seamless service and an exceptional guest experience.
Here is the list of the UAE’s best hotel bars for 2025:
Manhattan Lounge
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
With New York City’s dynamic energy at its core, the Manhattan Lounge is The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi’s classy bar. The versatile space can play the quiet, sultry role with intimate conversations on leather chairs, or it can get festive with live entertainment. In either scenario, a dreamy cocktail is undoubtedly nearby.
A local interpretation of the bloody mary, the Arabian Snapper stands out with za’atar, a prized regional ingredient that gives the cocktail a distinctive, aromatic Middle Eastern character.
The Polo Bar
Al Habtoor Palace
Dubai
Tucked inside Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Al Habtoor Palace, The Polo Bar is a quiet retreat with a nod to equestrian tradition. Dark wood paneling, leather seating and equine-themed art give the space a refined sports bar atmosphere. It’s a favored spot for those looking to unwind over a classic cocktail or catch a jazz set in a setting that feels far removed from the city’s flashier venues.
The venue’s signature cocktail, The Red Stallion, blends bourbon, peppercorn-infused pinot noir, red apple and hibiscus.
Bvlgari Bar
Bvlgari Resort and Residences Dubai
Elegance is the name of the game at Bvlgari Bar, whether we’re talking about how the iconic bar’s shiny chrome façade shimmers against the seaside promenade at dusk or how a cocktail menu filled with aromatic profiles and layered flavors looks at any hour.
Be whisked away to a fabulous French bistro with Le Parisien, an indulgent pour marrying Hendrick’s Gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur rosé and crisp cucumbers.
Peacock Alley
Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre
This bar in the heart of Dubai’s business center paying homage to old-school New York — Peacock Alley, after all, is the name of the meeting area in the corridor between the Waldorf and Astoria hotels back in late 19th-century Manhattan — excels because it respectfully embraces both cultures.
Taste the results in Game On, which is done with Johnnie Walker Black Label whiskey, a touch of acid solution and aquafaba, spiced coconut whey water that’s garnished with gold specks and crisp chickpea flour.
Library Bar
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
Inspired by traditional drawing rooms of yesteryear, the Library Bar sets the tone for an easy evening with a box beam ceiling and hardwood floors. Sink even deeper into the cream tufted chairs once the whiskey flight, hand-rolled cigar or vintage malt comes to your table.
Drawing from Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, the KEN-95 boldly blends Woodford Reserve with tobacco syrup, cranberry bitters and a seven-spice mix. Enjoy the smoky, spiced libation alongside Bella di Cerignola olives and truffle cashews.
