As a city, Dubai has a huge amount to offer. Home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, a mouth-watering array of spectacular restaurants, and too many impressive shopping malls to name, people visiting or living in Dubai are certainly rarely short of things to do. Dubai is, of course, also known for its jaw-dropping skyscrapers and high rises, many of which are feats of modern architecture. This means that as well as there being plenty going on down below, it’s a city which can be equally enjoyed from up on the rooftops.
It’s therefore of little surprise that Dubai has a lot of amazing rooftop bars where you can go to enjoy a few drinks while taking in views of the city down below. The sweltering climate also means that most of these rooftop bars are open to the elements, making them spectacular spots to soak up the afternoon sun, as well as drink late into the night. In terms of what these rooftop bars have to offer, you can expect everything from panoramic terraces to infinity pools and more, making them a really special option when you’re looking for somewhere to drink.
You might expect most of the city’s best rooftop bars to be exclusively for the use of guests of fancy hotels, but actually the majority of them are open for everyone to use. Now Dubai’s a pretty big city so it can be tricky knowing where to start when looking for a rooftop bar to visit. That’s why we’ve put together a guide below to best rooftop bars Dubai has to offer. So, whether you’re looking for somewhere to visit for a special occasion or simply want to drink and dance, we’ve got you covered.
Uptown Bar
What: Sat on the 24th floor of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Uptown Bar’s open-air terrace boasts stunning views of the ocean and Burj Al Arab. Compared to some of Dubai’s more lively rooftop terraces, Uptown Bar is a relatively relaxed affair with calm background music and comfy sofas which are first come first served. This makes it a particularly good spot to come and chill out while enjoying a few excellently made cocktails.
Where: 24th Floor, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Road
Level 43 Sky Lounge
What: For those wanting a rooftop bar right in and among Dubai’s many amazing skyscrapers, Level 43 Sky Lounge at the Four Points by Sheraton is the place to go. Providing mind-blowing views of the cityscape including of the soaring Burj Khalifa, this is a particularly popular bar so prepare for it to get quite busy. Things really start to get buzzy when the bar’s resident DJ starts to play in the evening.
Where: Level 43, Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road
Tamanya Terrace
What: The later you visit Tamanya Terrace, the more of a party you can expect. This glitzy cocktail lounge, found on top of the Radisson Blu Hotel Media City, has a dedicated dance floor which always fills up as the night goes on, and DJs spinning records until the early hours. Earlier in the day Tamanya Terrace is a tamer affair and is well worth visiting for post-work drinks with a view.
Where: Radisson Blue Hotel Media City, 4 Al Falak Street
Eve Penthouse & Lounge
What: Based on the 34th floor of the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, Eve Penthouse & Lounge is a little slice of luxury. The covered bar area, which offers panoramic views of the city, is open to the elements and features comfy purple sofas and greenery hanging from above. We’d recommend heading here around sunset to watch the distant skyscrapers slowly light up the night sky.
Where: Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, Dubai Healthcare City
Bibé Rooftop Bar
What: There’s an air of real sophistication at Bibé Rooftop Bar, found atop the JA Lake View Hotel, added to by its incredibly slick and modern design. It may be a little further away from the centre than some of the other bars in the guide, but it’s worth making the journey to Bibé just to try a few of its expertly mixed cocktails. There’s also shisha on offer here if you’re so inclined.
Where: JA Lake View Hotel, Jebel Ali
TOMO Views Bar
What: Predominantly a fantastic Japanese restaurant, TOMO also has a rooftop bar with views of the Dubai skyline that are tough to beat. Come here to try some of the many different varieties of Sake and Sochu on offer alongside some exquisite Japanese tapas, all while watching the sun disappear behind the silhouette of the Burj Khalifa. Now try to tell us that doesn’t sound idyllic.
Where: Hotel Raffles, Sheikh Rashid Road
The Penthouse
What: You get the best of both worlds when it comes to views at The Penthouse at the FIVE Palm Jumeirah, with the glorious coastline on one side and the Dubai skyline on the other. The bar also benefits from a swimming pool, which is great for cooling off during the warm days, and a stellar line up of DJs and musicians to get the party going.
Where: FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel, No. 1 Palm
Treehouse
What: Foliage-laden rooftop bar Treehouse is a popular haunt with business men and women for a post-work drink thanks to its prime location in the city's Business Bay district. Offering delicious Mediterranean nibbles alongside an innovative selection of cocktails, Treehouse is also a great spot for daytime drinking. The bar's quirky decor takes its inspiration from the inside of a house and even features a gothic fireplace at one end.
Where: Taj Dubai, Burj Khalifa Street
Atelier M
What: If there’s one place you want to have been seen when you’re in Dubai, it’s Atelier M. Covering the three top floors of Dubai Marina’s impressive Pier7 development, you can easily spend a whole evening at Atelier M. Not only does it have a brilliant art-deco inspired lounge and of course a rooftop bar serving intriguing cocktails, but it’s also home to a Mediterranean-cum-Asian restaurant which is where we think all good evenings at Atelier M should begin.
Where: Pier7, Marina Promenade, Sheikh Zayed Road
Cielo Sky Lounge
What: Cielo Sky Lounge may have been around for a little while now but that doesn't stop it from still being one of the most fashionable rooftop spots in Dubai. Found at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the bar overlooks the water and has a distinct blue and white colour scheme to really add to the maritime feel. For those looking for a quiet drink, don't come too late in the evening as that's when Cielo starts to blast out deep house music and descends into a party.
Where: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Port Saeed
Mercury Lounge
What: There’s a lot of character to the Four Seasons’ Mercury Lounge, which aims to bring a bit of Monaco to Dubai. The big rooftop bar has a variety of different seating areas, some tucked away in discreet corners, as well as some larger open spaces which are perfect if you’re with a larger group. For those looking for something extra special, Mercury Lounge also has a few private cabanas on the rooftops that can be booked in advance.
Where: Four Seasons at Jumeirah Beach, 2 Jumeirah Street
Tasca's Infinity Bar
What: Up on the sixth floor of the Mandarin Oriental, this winter Infinity Bar is just as spectacular as it sounds. Located within Portuguese restaurant Tasca, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d been teleported to the Algarve when lounging at the Infinity Bar with a cocktail in hand. The main selling point however is of course the stunning infinity pool which beautifully blends in with the crystal-clear sea behind.
Where: Mandarin Oriental, Jumeirah Beach Road
Cé La Vi
What: Offering an unrivalled view of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, Cé La Vi is a restaurant, rooftop lounge and bar located on the Address Sky View Hotel’s impressive Sky Bridge. Serving up a menu of classic cocktails as well as food including bao buns, Cé La Vie also has a huge swimming pool that looks right out over the city.
Where: Level 54, Address Sky View Hotel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
Siddharta Lounge
What: Over the years the Siddharta Lounge has earnt a reputation for being one of the most luxurious rooftop bars in the whole of Dubai. Based on the roof of the Grovesner Hotel in Dubai Marina, not only does it boast spectacular views of both the sea and the city, it also has a pool surrounded by plush sun loungers, a menu full of delicious food, and a spectacular range of cocktails available. That's a combination that's hard to beat.
Where: Grosvenor House, Al Emreef Street
Pure Sky Lounge
What: Pure Sky Lounge's chic blue and white colour scheme is almost reminiscent of a Greek island, and its early evening views of the sunset over the water only add to the vibe. Pure Sky Lounge actually consists of two terraces, one of which is only for customers eating at the restaurant, and the other for those who simply want to relax and sip on one of the bar's signature martinis. Don't be fooled though, come the evening, the music ramps up and Pure becomes an out-and-out party spot.
Where: Level 35, The Hilton The Walk, Al Mamsha Street
Want to find the perfect place to visit after a Friday evening of rooftop drinking? Check out our guide to Dubai's best Saturday brunches