ALOFT AL AIN’S ROOFTOP BAR
A new pool bar opens in Al Ain
Al Ain recently gained its first Aloft hotel and with it, a new bar. The Rooftop, you won’t be surprised to hear, sits on the hotel’s roof, on the fourth floor, and right next to the swimming pool. It has indoor and alfresco seating and, naturally, is used by guests in the day wanting a bite or a drink, but is quickly gaining popularity among Al Ain residents as well at night.
In terms of location and décor, there is a lot to like about The Rooftop. Giant glowing orbs line the pool, which changes colour sporadically once the sun goes down. But what really makes this venue stand out are the views. While one side is dominated by the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium’s jagged architecture (home to Al Ain’s rather successful football team), the other gives you a glimpse of the city’s skyline, including, in the distance, that big old rock called Jebel Hafeet. Sunset here is special as a result.
There’s an extensive list of cocktails and mocktails, along with the usual beers and wines on offer, and also a varied bar bites menu. Highlights from the evening menu include cassava chips, calamari in pink salt with a vanilla and yuzu emulsion (which shouldn’t work but strangely does), plus a portion of grilled octopus.
There’s plenty to like about The Rooftop – if you live in the garden city, you could do a lot worse if you’re looking for a new local.
Aloft Al Ain, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium Development, Al Towwaya, Al Ain, daily 9am to 2am. Tel: (03) 7138888. Taxi: Al Ain football stadium. aloftalain.com