This is a far cry from the Africa of commercialised tourist traps and dusty clichés. This is the Africa that stirs the imaginations and hearts of great writers, artists and travellers, a world of a bygone era and it resonates with all the luxury and easy-going generosity of the magnificent continent it pays homage to.

The voluptuously draped ceiling and low-key, soft lighting evoke the romance of a tented safari camp on the plains of Botswana. The warm, earthy colour palette and rich design details combine a refined tailored look with welcoming comfort. There are quirky, playful touches too - the space is filled with beautiful African objets d’art and crafts. Sink into a cocooning armchair, acclimatise to this wonderful new world and take your pick from the menu of fruit and botanical-forward cocktails. The sunset-tinged Step Up with 7 year old Havana rum, verjuice and aromatic almond, is laced with notes of rooibos, South Africa’s premium tea. It whispers “summertime”, as does the Senzo Spot, a mocktail that cuts the sweetness of pineapple and Sichuan agave with a cool breeze of citric kalamansi and lime.

Nothing enhances a cocktail quite like a spectacular view from the terraces.. Abu Dhabi’s panoramic outlook over the Al Maryah marina, and Riyadh’s view across the Wadi Hanifah, elevate the experience into something sublime.

Accompany your drinks with a few dishes from an imaginatively curated menu that celebrates a relaxed, sociable style of dining with savoury dishes and decadent desserts designed for sharing. If it’s something sweet your heart desires, there are gorgeous desserts, pastries and cakes to indulge in with a pot of fragrant tea from a selection of the finest black, green, and herbal varieties from around the world.

African Lounge is an original and versatile space. Its welcoming ambience creates a relaxed but elegant experience for discreet business meetings, post-work drinks, sundowners, tea parties, celebrations, cosy date nights, and sociable get-togethers with family and friends. Without leaving the city, this is the closest you’ll get to the heart of Africa.