Rowley’s Yas Bay opens this Friday, 30 October 2026, from 5pm. You’ll find us on Yas Bay Waterfront in Abu Dhabi, right on the water, and we can’t wait to finally open the doors.
If you’ve been asking us that question in the comments over the past few months, thank you for your patience. Opening a restaurant always takes longer than anyone expects. Opening one on the water, in our 50th year, with a carnival attached, takes even longer. But it’s done, and Friday is the day.
Fifty Years in the Making
Rowley’s has been around since 1976, and the idea has always been simple. A proper British steakhouse, steak cooked to order, and fries that keep coming until you tell us to stop. Fifty years on, that hasn’t changed one bit.
We brought that idea to DIFC in Dubai, then to KAFD in Riyadh. For a while now, Abu Dhabi has felt like the obvious next stop. Plenty of you told us so, and some of you told us more than once.
Why Yas Bay
We ended up on Yas Bay Waterfront, just behind The Emerging Man and a few minutes’ walk from Etihad Arena. What sealed it was the terrace on the water. Around sunset the whole bay turns orange, and nobody wants to go inside.
It’s also the perfect stop before or after a show at the Arena. And yes, dogs are welcome on the terrace too, which the fox took as a personal win.
Opening Weekend at Rowley’s Land
For opening weekend, we didn’t want a ribbon and a speech. So on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October, from 5pm onwards, the waterfront turns into Rowley’s Land, a full carnival takeover. You’ll walk in through a giant gift box, and the fun starts from there.
There are games, a daily prize draw at the Fox Vault, a tote bar where you make your own merch, and a lemonade cart. A DJ, a magician, face painting, popcorn and cotton candy keep things going all evening. There’s a free Fox burger and drinks too, because throwing a party at a steakhouse without feeding anyone just felt wrong.
When you’ve had your fill of the games, come inside for dinner. The full menu is running from day one, so you can end the night properly.
Walk-In Only, Always
One thing that won’t change in Abu Dhabi: we don’t take bookings. We never have, at any of our restaurants. We’d rather keep a seat for whoever walks through the door hungry.
So that’s the answer you’ve been waiting for. Friday, 5pm, Yas Bay. We’ll see you there.
For updates throughout opening weekend, follow @rowleys.uae.
Rowley’s Yas Bay: Quick Facts
When is Rowley’s Yas Bay opening?
Friday 30 October 2026, from 5pm.
Where is Rowley’s Yas Bay?
Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Behind The Emerging Man, near Etihad Arena.
What is Rowley’s Land?
A two-day carnival for opening weekend, 30 and 31 October, from 5pm. Games, prizes, entertainment, and a free Fox burger and drinks.
Do I need a reservation?
No. Rowley’s Yas Bay is walk-in only.
What are the opening hours after launch?
Daily from 11:30am to 2am, starting Sunday 1 November 2026.
Is there parking?
Yes. 3 hours free for dine-in guests. Just validate your ticket.
Is Rowley’s Yas Bay pet-friendly?
Yes, on the terrace.
What is Rowley’s known for?
A British steakhouse since 1976, known for steak cooked to order and bottomless fries.