If there was ever a city that begged to be viewed from above, it’s Dubai. From iconic views of the world’s tallest building to the sun setting over the Arabian Gulf, there’s plenty to be seen from a bird’s eye view. Here, you’ll find everything from party bars selling drinks served with fireworks to seating areas sunken inside infinity pools, and desserts served on mini ferris wheels. The majority of rooftop bars also double up as restaurants (and at the very least you’ll find decent bar grub), and all of them boast killer views. These are the very best of Dubai’s sky bars.
1. Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar
An oldy but a goody on the rooftop bar scene in the city, this Dubai Marina offering is still a showstopper. The restaurant here has a Mediterranean vibe (both menu and decor) that spills out onto the terrace, which is dotted with lanterns and table lights. Guests at the Grosvenor House Hotel can take a dip in the pool while sipping on a cocktail and watching the sunset, but if you’d rather keep your fancy clothes on, snag a table overlooking the pool, order up some Mediterranean or Asian cuisine and let the chill-out tunes roll.
2. Above Eleven Dubai
This rooftop Peruvian Nikkei spot above West Palm Beach on the Palm is everything a rooftop bar should be. Fun decor that’s chic and cozy at the same time, killer views over the Palm, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline, delicious drinks and food that nods to the bar’s Latin roots – it’s the perfect place to while away the hours. Here you’ll often find live music, from saxophone players to DJs, as well as a brunch offering and an upbeat unpretentious vibe. Maybe it's the myriad plants that make you feel like you’re in a jungle, maybe it’s the crowd, but this is a truly fabulous spot.
3. CouCou
Sitting pretty on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, CouCou is a perennial favourite with locals in Dubai. The wraparound, floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible views of Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai coastline and the city. A modern, fresh approach to decor is also reflected in the incredible food, which focuses on the highest-quality ingredients with a Mediterranean focus. The service is warm and welcoming, while still remaining consummately professional. Relax with friends over the extensive and refreshing drinks menu as you feast on the views from every angle.
4. The Penthouse Dubai
One for the party people, The Penthouse is full glam. It’s divided into a club and lounge section, but make no mistake – it’s lively. Nights tend to be musically themed (hit the club on a Thursday for some deep house or on Saturday for hip hop), with a wide range of guest DJs keeping things fresh. If you can pull yourself away from the dancefloor, the Japanese-fusion cuisine is mouthwateringly good – and did we mention the view? Perched on top of Five Palm Jumeirah, tables overlook the sparkling blue waters around the Palm and make for a postcard-perfect view of the city’s skyline.
5. Pure Sky Lounge Dubai
JBR favourite Hilton Dubai The Walk serves up sheer summer vibes at its sky bar on the 35th floor. With views overlooking the Arabian Gulf (and the Palm, and Ain Dubai, but who’s counting?), this is an absolute top spot for sundowners with a beachy view. The decor is simple but funky (think white wicker furniture with touches of turquoise outside, and comfy sofas inside), and the food menu is super fun (order the mini desserts served on a ferris wheel). You’ll find things are reasonably chilled out here in the day and early evening, with the vibes (and the sound) turning up after dark.
6. Malibu Sky Lounge Dubai
This Malibu-themed offering on the 64th floor of the Paramount Hotel Midtown is a chic yet quirky bar, where some of the prime seating areas are submerged in the infinity pool overlooking The Palm, Burj Khalifa and the coastline. If being surrounded by water while perched at a mind-bogglingly height isn’t for you, there are some regular tables with great views too. There’s a chic but easy breezy vibe here – it’s the perfect place to people watch (or see and be seen). The cocktails here are superb, and the food menu varied. Like most other sky bars, this place gets louder and more dancey at night.
7. Treehouse Taj Dubai
Describing itself as an ‘urban hideaway treehouse’, the rooftop bar at the Taj Dubai hotel certainly brings a whimsical vibe to the rooftop scene. Hanging foliage and upside down wicker lights, coupled with wooden decking and heavy wooden furniture, do make this place feel like a treehouse for adults. Entertainment here comes in the form of DJs, dancers and performers (it’s all very Dubai), and the bar staff put some serious effort into their signature drinks. While you’re here, take in the seriously good views of the Burj Khalifa and (well, if you squint a little) the Dubai Fountain.
