Janice Rodrigues
A city known for its skyscrapers, Dubai certainly has no shortage of incredible rooftops for sundowners with a knockout view. They range from casual spots serving cocktails and nibbles, to high-end bars with extravagant menus and raucous clubs beloved by celebs and influencers.
A perfect seat for sundowners at Folly
This super popular bar and restaurant is part of the modern-made-to-look-traditional Souk Madinat Jumeira. The rooftop bar has its own sundowner menu, served from 4pm to 8pm, which can be enjoyed along with views of the Burj Al Arab. Once the show’s over, head downstairs to the eatery and fill up on fancy food such as veal cheeks and pressed parsnips with dukkah and truffle.
Souk Madinat Jumeriah
folly.ae
Aura Skypool: don't look down!
Level up your sundowner experience by sipping on a cocktail in the world’s highest infinity pool. It’s located on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower and has poolside loungers and a bar serving drinks and tapas. During sunset, the water takes on a gorgeous golden glow and you can see the sun sink behind Dubai’s landmarks. The Aura Skypool only opened in November 2021, but it already gets booked up weeks in advance (duh), so make sure to reserve a spot.
Level 50, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah
auraskypool.com
Ce La Vi has a swinging atmosphere
We found coconut bae – garnishing a Pineapple Express cocktail
Fancy seeing off the sun while sat in a flower-covered swing on a rooftop opposite the Burj Khalifa? We thought so. You can do just that at Ce La Vi, a Singaporean restaurant and bar on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View hotel. There are loads of delicious Asian bites courtesy of Chef Howard Ko and drinks from expert mixologists to enjoy – though if you’ve got a delicate constitution, perhaps don’t swing too vigorously once you’ve indulged… for everyone’s sake.
Level 54, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai
celavi.com
Lounging about on Level 43
For a glimpse of the sun setting against Sheikh Zayed Road – and the myriad skyscrapers flanking it – head to swanky Level 43. You’ll feel like a giant (and what more could you want?) as you look down from dizzying heights and watch what look like toy cars zooming along the highway below. The drinks menu is extensive, divided into fun categories like ‘A Little Party Hurt Nobody’ and ‘Shoot It Up’ (referring to shots, not encouraging gun crime). We particularly like the Two Shades cocktail of gin, Cointreau, cucumber, tonic and lemon, which is in the ‘Trendy’ category, thank you very much. This is a great rooftop to visit during the winter too, as they provide blankets if you’re feeling chilly.
Level 43; Four Points by Sheraton
level43lounge.com
Take a dip before drinks at LookUp
Sheesh-a! LookUp is an amazing sundowner spot
The poolside venue at City Walk’s La Ville Hotel may not be perched on a skyscraper, but it does offer one of the best views of the Burj Khalifa in the distance. The food is international, with loads of sharing options – think sweet potato fries with truffle aioli, tuna poke, and pepperoni pizza – while they also have a small but well-thought-out drinks menu. The vibe is a little more casual than some of the other places on the list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not still a swanky spot to spend an evening.
La Ville Hotel & Suites, City Walk
livelaville.com
Inside or outside – you won't believe the views from Paros
This rooftop pool-cum-bar and restaurant is located on the 46th floor of Taj JLT, making it the place for sundowners with skyscraper views. The interiors evoke Greek island vibes, while the menu is made up of Mediterranean classics with Middle Eastern influences. Grab a pool pass for Dhs75 and stay from morning ‘til night, or just show up in time for the DJ set and the sunset. Paros has a great sundowner deal too (4pm-7pm, Saturday to Thursday), which includes house beverages at Dhs199.
Level 46, Taj JLT
parosdubai.com
Lofty clientele frequent The Penthouse
If you’re looking to rub shoulders with influencers and reality TV stars, pay The Penthouse a visit. This rooftop venue attracts a glitzy clientele with its Instagrammable views of everything from the Ain Dubai wheel to Bluewaters Island. Part of its attraction, too, is that it provides you with the opportunity to have two kinds of nights in one place: a relaxed evening with friends in its laidback lounge area, sipping on cocktails and grazing on Japanese fusion sharing platters, or a wild night out going crazy to the sounds of world-famous DJs in the club section.
Five Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah
thepenthouse.co
Pure beauty from Pure Sky Lounge
Pure Sky Lounge offers unobstructed views of the Jumeirah Beach Residence’s beachfront vistas. The venue is divided into two sections with one area being more of a lounge, and the other better for sit-down dinners. Either way, you’re treated to views of The Palm and Ain Dubai. This chic spot is pleasantly unpretentious – a great place for laidback sundowners.
Level 35, Hilton Dubai The Walk
hilton.com
Treehouse is worth the 'climb'
A botanical-themed bar and lounge in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Treehouse is a verdant escape from the urban jungle. While it’s quite a pricey place, there are sundowner packages and ladies’ night deals that make it more affordable. You can enjoy the great view of the Burj Khalifa even in the hottest summer months, when the usually al fresco restaurant is enclosed in a glass tent.
Taj Dubai, Downtown Dubai
treehousedubai.ae
We've got 77 problems and a good rooftop bar ain't one
This restaurant is perched next to a Guinness World Record-breaking infinity pool on the 77th floor. The pool is restricted to hotel guests, but visitors can still enjoy the views – which span the Jumeirah Beach Area and beyond – from the restaurant and bar. With Asian-inspired dishes (think sushi and miso lobster), and record-breaking views, you’re bound to feel on top of the world. Warning: these views don’t come cheap – Zeta 77 usually requires a reservation and has a minimum spend policy that starts at AED 700 and tops out at AED 7,777.
Level 77, Address Beach Resort
addresshotels.com
