Saikindō at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi Recognised by the World’s 50 Best Bars and the 2026 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards

Saikindō, the Japanese-inspired hi-fi bar and lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, has received the Best Bar Design Award 2026 at The World's 50 Best Bars 2026, recognising its outstanding design on one of the hospitality industry's most prestigious international stages. The achievement marks the first time an Abu Dhabi bar has been recognised in any category at The World's 50 Best Bars awards.

Building on this achievement, Saikindō has also been named Best Overall Bar at the prestigious 2026 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, one of the world's most respected accolades celebrating excellence in hospitality design. The venue was also awarded Best Middle East & Africa Restaurant/Bar, recognising its distinctive design vision and immersive guest experience.

The multiple accolades mark a significant milestone for Saikindō and Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, highlighting the creativity, craftsmanship and hospitality that have defined the venue since its debut less than a year ago.

Conceived as a bold and highly immersive destination, Saikindō was born from a vision to introduce a refined Japanese listening-bar experience to Abu Dhabi. Drawing inspiration from Japan's deep-listening culture, the venue combines curated vinyl experiences, elevated mixology and a carefully choreographed guest journey to create a destination unlike any other in the region.

"To see Saikindō receive this level of international recognition is an extraordinary honour," said Bob Suri, General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. "When we introduced Saikindō, the vision was to create a destination where music, design and hospitality come together in a truly immersive way. To see that vision recognised on a global stage is incredibly rewarding. This achievement reflects the passion and dedication of our teams and partners, whose collective efforts have brought Saikindō to life and established it as a distinctive addition to Abu Dhabi's evolving hospitality landscape."

Developed through close collaboration with internationally renowned design studio AvroKO, Saikindō embodies a shared commitment to innovation, creativity and exceptional guest experiences. Debuted on 29 November 2025, it draws inspiration from Japan's listening-bar culture and the Japanese Metabolism movement. These influences are expressed through rich wooden panelling, bespoke acoustic detailing, textured wall finishes and carefully curated furnishings, creating an environment that feels both intimate and social while inviting guests to engage with the space through sight, sound and discovery.

Bringing together sound, space and spirit, Saikindō pays homage to Japan's enduring traditions of craftsmanship, refinement and hospitality.

Complementing the listening bar experience, Saikindō also features the intimate Robata Room, a Tokyo-inspired dining space where an open robata grill brings energy, theatre and movement to the guest experience. Defined by crafted wood tones, nostalgic Japanese film posters and a chef's counter that offers a front-row seat to the culinary performance, the space captures the convivial spirit of a modern izakaya while celebrating Japanese craftsmanship, precision and connection.

Since opening, Saikindō has established itself as one of Abu Dhabi's most distinctive social destinations, bringing together music enthusiasts, cocktail connoisseurs and lovers of Japanese izakaya culture through a uniquely immersive experience.

The recognition further underscores Abu Dhabi's growing reputation as a destination for world-class hospitality, culinary excellence and design-led experiences, while reinforcing Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi's position at the forefront of the city's dynamic dining and social scene.