Jazz it up.

On a busy night, Jazz Bar & Dining at the Hilton Abu Dhabi is literally buzzing with energy. Whether you’re sat in front of the stage or on a table on the outskirts of the restaurant, it’s impossible to stop your feet tapping once resident band Turning Point gets going.

With vocalists Mark and Rene belting out a wide variety of popular music as well as a few classic jazz favourites, this isn’t your traditional jazz club, but it makes for a lively alternative to your average Abu Dhabi nightspot.

True jazz aficionados may be disappointed at the lack of improvisation, or the dreadful requests from the audience – note: Maroon 5 and Eric Clapton don’t do jazz – but you can’t blame the band, and no matter how awkward the selection, they perform each song with the same verve.

What we love about this place though is the lack of formality. If you want to drink and chat with friends while the band’s playing that’s fine; if you’d like to order dinner and spend the whole evening enjoying the entertainment, there’s no one rushing you away from your table. We love the jumbo shrimps and asparagus tempura with Japanese vegetables or the strips of Black Angus beef tenderloin, both coming in under AED 170.

Entrance is free, though booking ahead on a Thursday or Friday is advisable. The entrance is hidden away in the hotel’s Hemingway’s complex, which is a little confusing if you don’t know the place, but it’s worth searching out.

Turning Point plays at Jazz Bar & Dining every Sunday to Friday from 8.45pm onwards. Also every Monday night, ladies are treated to complimentary house beverages and bubbly from 8pm to 11pm.

Open every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday from 7pm to 12.30am, on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday until 1.30am, Jazz Bar & Dining is closed every Saturday.

For more information: 02 681 1900 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it