< PreviousROOFTOP BARS 30 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com xxxxxROOFTOP BARS timeoutdubai.com February 2025 31 T here’s nothing better than a drink with a view, whether it’s watching the sun set over the sea or staring out at Dubai’s glittering city skyline. Happily, here in Dubai, we have brilliant bars boasting spectacular sights. Visitors in town? Date night? We’ve got you covered. These are Dubai’s rooftop bars and bars with a view, as crowned at the Time Out Dubai Nightlife Awards 2024. DREAMY ROOFTOP BARS ABOVE ELEVEN Found on the 15th floor of the Marriott Dubai The Palm (not the 12th, as you might imagine), Above Eleven boasts awesome views of Dubai Marina, the Palm, Dubai Harbour and beyond, making it a prime spot for an al fresco evening out. It’s on the trendy Palm West Beach strip, so you know you’re going to have a memorable time. There’s a variety of Peruvian drinks – from hops to mixed drinks, all ready to be sipped in style in the comfy lounge chairs. The Latino beats are mellow IT’S A VIBE Sensational sunset spots for the city’s most creative sips and cool, while the Nikkei menu should be checked out too, so come peckish. O Open Sun-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am. Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, aboveeleven.com/dubai (04 666 1420). AMAZÓNICO You may well think you’ve landed in the Amazon (well, an extremely chic part of the jungle, at least) when you arrive at this restaurant and bar in DIFC, thanks to the vibrant flowery décor and abundance of foliage. But not only is it a brilliant place for a Latino dinner or a mixed drink at the statement bar on the ground floor, but it’s well worth heading upstairs and taking in the sights and sounds of the trendy terrace, too. Known as Paraíso Rooftop Club, the cool space brings top international DJs to town, making the rooftop an on-trend late-night party venue in DIFC. O Open daily noon-3am. DIFC Pavilion, amazonicorestaurant.com/dubai (04 571 3999). ATTIKO When W – Dubai Mina Seyahi, an adults-only hotel, joined the line-up near Dubai Marina, Above ElevenROOFTOP BARS 32 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com Ko and you’re sure to have a memorable evening. Make sure to take some snaps, just to be sure though. O Open Sun-Fri noon-3am, Sat 12.30pm-3am. Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, celavi.com/dubai (04 584 6111). HIGH SOCIETY BY JEAN IMBERT WINNER! Located on the rooftop of The Lana – Dorchester Collection in Dubai’s Business Bay, this jewel offers breathtaking 180-degree views of the skyline, including the Burj Khalifa. Arguably the most incredible view we’ve seen in Dubai yet. This stunning venue features a picturesque infinity pool and a vibrant late-night lounge. Its creative mixed drinks incorporate unique ingredients like bell peppers and clarified lime, alongside an extensive selection of 118 premium bubbly. The menu includes inventive small plates, from oysters and caviar to courgette flowers and truffle croque monsieur toasties. High Society delivers a remarkable dining experience that meets Dubai’s high standards and is easily one of the most photogenic views we’ve ever seen. It’s a worthy winner of Time Out Dubai’s Best Rooftop Bar accolade and SKY-HIGH SIGHTSEEING ADMIRE THE VIEW FROM AT THE TOP Burj Khalifa is without question Dubai’s most iconic landmark, not to mention the world’s tallest building. Visit At The Top, standing 142m high in the sky, to peer at the world below. On a clear day, you can see most of the city. On a cloudy day, you’ll realise just how high you are as the clouds float by. O From Dhs399. Open daily 8am-midnight. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, burjkhalifa.ae. SEE OLD & NEW FROM DUBAI FRAME Dubai Frame is an unmissable feature on Dubai’s skyline. It has been cleverly designed to frame Old Dubai through one side and the new part of the city on the other, showcasing its legacy and future. From the 150-metre- high sky glass bridge, you can look straight down and even step out onto the glass (if you’re brave enough). It’s an amazing viewpoint and must see attraction in the city. O From Dhs50. Open daily 9am-9pm. Zabeel Park, dubaiframe.ae. The Penthouse High Society by Jean Imbert we knew we were in for some cracking new nightspots. And rooftop bar Attiko has proved us right. Found high up on the 31st floor of the hotel, the sights of the city can be seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as from the spacious al fresco space overlooking the sea. With cosy tables, mood lighting and a chic, well-dressed crowd, it’s a classy spot for a drink, while the Asian bar bites are utterly moreish. The views, décor and vibe are all stellar here. One for the must-visit list when you have guests in town, especially in winter. O Open Sun-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 2pm-5pm, 7pm-2am. W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, theattiko.com (04 350 9983). CÉ LA VI You just need to catch a glimpse of that much- Instagrammed swing to know where you are with this one. High up on the 54th floor of the Address Sky View, there really are some sky- high views at CÉ LA VI. With the city stretched before you, and an upbeat vibe and tunes from the DJ around you, it’s a top place for a night out. Head here for a pre- or post-dinner drink, or make a date at the restaurant to check out dishes from acclaimed chef Howard ROOFTOP BARS timeoutdubai.com February 2025 33 is one worth booking into for when you want something super special. O Open Sun-Wed noon-3.30pm, 5pm-1am, Thu-Sat noon-3.30pm, 5pm-2am. The Lana – Dorchester Collection Dubai, Business Bay, dorchestercollection. com/dubai/the-lana (04 541 7755). MONKEY BAR The views from this rooftop bar at 25hours Hotel along Sheikh Zayed Road are nothing short of eye-popping. Not only is it one of the best vantage points in town of the incredible building that is the Museum of the Future, but the décor of the bar itself is worth eyeballing too. With a jungle-esque vibe and tropical mixed drinks, the vibe here is fun-loving and quirky, and it’s a top spot to check out if you’ve not yet ventured here. Head along after-work for inventive beverages, or stay out late on a weekend – it’s open until 3am. O Open Sun-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sat 5pm-3am. 25hours Hotel Dubai, Trade Centre Area, monkeybardubai.com (04 210 2566). PRIVILEGE Posing for a picture here is easy with the backdrop of stunning views of the city. Located at SLS Dubai, Privilege has not one but two infinity pools at 325m on the 75th floor. With a swim-up pool bar and nightclub, it’s a party spot to head to if you are a sucker for breathtaking vistas. Head here for sundowners and you’ll accidentally find yourself partying into the early hours (4am on a weekend, to be precise). O Open Sun-Wed 9am-3am, Thu-Sat 9am-4am. SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences, Business Bay, slsdubairesidences.com (04 607 0757). THE PENTHOUSE HIGHLY COMMENDED! The Penthouse is one of the best-known rooftop bars around, being the first one to set up on the Palm West Strip before there was anyone else there. Housed on the 16th floor of the popular party hotel FIVE Palm Jumeirah Duabi, The views really are jaw-dropping, however many times you go there, and it’s a must for visitors to Dubai. With ladies’ nights, big DJ sets and loads of other cool events it’s not just the views that the crowds go for either. Wear your best outfit here – it’s a place to see and be seen. O Open daily 4pm-3am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, thepenthouse.co (052 900 4868). TIKI’S BY CANARY CLUB TIKI’s Rooftop Bar is all charming Polynesian vibes, tropical mixed drinks and Tahitian bites. Coming from the team behind The MAINE, you can expect a lively night here, and the rooftop bar is as cool as the Canary Club, the restaurant it sits above. Head here for sundowners to take in the lazy late afternoon vibes and views of JLT’s skyscrapers while nibbling on everything from pizza to sushi to keep you going until the wee hours. It’s especially well-known for its mixed drinks. O Open Mon-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Fri noon-2am, Sat 2pm-7pm, 8pm-2am, Sun 2pm-1am. Banyan Tree Residences, JLT, canaryclub.com (04 584 5999).ROOFTOP BARS 34 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com “It leaves you peering down upon Ain Dubai and Bluewaters, along to JBR and beyond to the Palm” Barfly by Buddha-Bar and by night, the twinkling lights of the skyscrapers in the distance. O Open daily 12.30pm-1am. One&Only The Palm, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, oneandonlyresorts.com (050 332 6832). BARFLY BY BUDDHA- BAR HIGHLY COMMENDED! Part of the trendy Buddha-Bar family, you’d expect Barfly to be a cool place to visit. Not only are the vibes lively, but the views are utterly marvellous as well. Found along the Palm West Beach strip, nestled in between The Penthouse and Above Eleven, Barfly is one of a trio of rooftop bars boasting an incredible vista. A panoramic view of Dubai Marina, Ain Dubai and the Palm can be gazed out at from high tables and cosy little nooks, while the DJ and dancers keep things lively. O Open Sun-Wed 5pm-1am, Thu-Sat 5pm-2am. Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, barflydubai.ae (04 230 0057). ZETA SEVENTY SEVEN There aren’t many better vantage points in town than that from Zeta Seventy Seven. Perched high on the 77th floor of the Address Beach Resort (as the name suggests), this super-swish spot has a birds-eye view all the way across the city. It leaves you peering down upon Ain Dubai and Bluewaters, along JBR and beyond to the Palm, Burj Al Arab and Downtown Dubai. It’s a swish spot, that has a price tag to match (you’ll need to book in advance, too) but for a special occasion, it’s a wow-worthy location. O Open daily noon-2am. Address Beach Resort, JBR, addresshotels.com (04 879 8866). BRILLIANT BARS WITH A VIEW 101 DINING LOUNGE & BAR Sat at the end of a pier at the tip of the west crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the elegant Mediterranean bar and restaurant 101 has some pretty special views. On a deck above the Arabian Gulf, gentle waves lap at the foot of 101 while you take in the expanse of sea on one side and the striking skylines of Dubai Harbour and JBR on the other. By day, it’s the endless blue water that is most captivating BAHRI BAR Nothing says holiday vibes more than a front- row view of Burj Al Arab – and that’s exactly what Bahri Bar has to offer. One of the best bars with a view in Dubai, this spot is super popular with holidaymakers and residents with guests in town alike, after all, everyone wants to get a snap of the iconic, world-famous sail-shaped property, especially when it’s this close. Visit at sunset for the best views and soak in the relaxed, holiday vibes while you sip on a mixed drink. O Open Mon-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat-Sun 4pm-2am. Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Umm Suqeim, jumeirah.com (800 323 232). LUNA DUBAI An under-the-radar spot that’s worth trying. If drinks in Downtown Dubai are your thing, then seek out Luna, a beautiful, low-lit terrace with small pockets to get cosy in and some wonderful views. Not just Burj Khalifa, though there’s a pretty spectacular view of the famous tower, but of the entire DIFC ROOFTOP BARS timeoutdubai.com February 2025 35 and Downtown surroundings. A winner for everything from after-work drinks to a stop- and-show-off for visitors, this is a bar with a view that also has slick service, fancy drinks and a modern Asian bar menu. Watch out for the Dhs300 minimum spend post-9pm. O Open daily 5pm-3am. Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, DIFC, fourseasons.com (04 506 0000). ONGAKU WINNER! The secret bar at CLAP in DIFC is not-so-secret these days thanks to being such a success when it comes to drinks, brunch and late-night dinner vibes. But we’ll forgive that, especially seeing as the views are so delightful. Looking over DIFC and the city’s skyscrapers, it has urban-chic vibes, giving off all the grown-up city feels. A top place to grab a drink and remember that you’re in a cosmopolitan city – and the mixed beverages are pretty impressive too. Not only that, the food is delicious, coming from the CLAP kitchen. O Open Mon-Sat 6pm-3am. Gate Village, DIFC, claprestaurant.com/dubai (04 569 3820). NOBU DUBAI If you want Japanese food from a world- famous name, lively vibes and a belter of a balcony bar, Nobu, perched high up in Atlantis The Palm is worth a visit. Marvel at the fronds of the man-made island as it fans out beneath you and join the line-up of people getting the staff to snap them at what is one of the coolest spots in Dubai. The 22nd floor terrace is the restaurant’s highlight and there’s also a pretty exceptional selection of mixed drinks, too. Peckish? Be sure to try the renowned black cod – it’s a signature with good reason. O Open Mon-Wed 6pm-1am, Thu 6pm-1.30pm, Fri-Sat 12.30pm-3pm, 6pm-1.30am, Sun 12.30pm-3pm, 6pm- 1am. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, @nobudubai (04 426 0760). THIA SKYLOUNGE Quite possibly one of the most underrated nightlife destinations in Dubai. It’s basically the hotel’s pool terrace but while it’s only on The Dubai EDITION’s second floor, Thia Skylounge has completely unobstructed Burj Khalifa views. It’s not the liveliest location Ongaku A HEAD FOR HEIGHTS WALK ON THE EDGE AT SKY WALK DUBAI For an eye-wateringly exciting time, this could be for you. Set 220m above ground, this slide and walking experience gets your heart pumping while you enjoy jaw-dropping views of the city below. If that’s not enough for your inner thrill-seeker, you can try leaning over the edge – with a safety harness – to bag the Instagram snap of your dreams. There’s also a glass slide to slip down – if you’re brave enough. O From Dhs90 (edge walk Dhs499). Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, skywalkdubai.com. ZIP-LINE ABOVE THE MARINA If you’re looking for a thrill in the middle of things, this is the activity for you. Fly through the Dubai Marina at speeds of over 80kmh as you zip-line head-first. Even though it’s 1km long, this will feel like 30 seconds as your heart races and you take in the view as you soar above the yachts. O From Dhs499. XLine, Dubai Marina, xdubai.com.ROOFTOP BARS 36 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com but the garden-like setting and sparkling view makes it a mesmerising spot for a drink or two come nightfall. Thia Skylounge is ideal for date night – private, understated but very impressive and it’s also a good option for when you have visitors or want to entertain. A DJ provides mellow background tracks and shifts up a gear as the evening goes on. Just don’t tell too many people, okay? O Open daily 11am-1am. The Dubai EDITION, Downtown Dubai. Thia-skylounge.com (04 602 3399). SOBE Perched on the rooftop of the super-trendy W Dubai – The Palm is SoBe, overlooking the stunning hotel pool, Arabian Gulf, JBR and the Marina beyond. On the other side are views out to sea, so whichever way you’re looking you’ll be soaking in the sights, making it a prime spot for when you have guests visiting. Especially popular at sunset, as you’d expect, SoBe has a range of mixed drinks to sip on, while on a Saturday it hosts a Candypants post-brunch party (from the neighbouring Akira Back), so expect things to get lively if you’re planning on stopping by post-4pm. O Open Sun-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am. W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, sobedubai.com (04 245 5800). TREEHOUSE A bit of an oldie but as far as bars with a view go, the recently revamped Treehouse gets better and better. The huge rooftop has two decks, one with the main bar and DJ booth and a lower level with some super pretty foliage. There’s plenty of bar seating if you want to mingle as well as lots of small tables for more intimate conversations. Wherever you perch, you’ll get brilliant views across DIFC, Downtown and beyond, with plenty of Burj Khalifa photo ops too. It’s not a venue just for those with a love of all things scenic; Treehouse is a proper party place with DJs, singers, saxophonists and percussionists bringing deep house and R&B to the terraces. O Open Sun-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri 6pm-3am, Sat 5.30pm- 3am. Burj Khalifa Street, Business Bay, tajhotels.com (058 827 2763). URLA HIGHLY COMMENDED! There are few places where you’ll get a better view of the Dubai Fountain than from Urla. With a huge terrace to take a seat on, you’ll have a front-row view once the Fountain show starts off the evening, and with the Burj Khalifa front and centre in all its glittering glory, you may well be lost for words. There’s also an Aegean menu, crafted mixed drinks and a mellow vibe. An amazing place to impress your visitors, for a date night or just a post-work drink. Those views are fantastic, so bag a spot and soak it all in. O Open daily 3pm-3am. Address Downtown Dubai, urlarestaurant.com (052 554 5997). UrlaROOFTOP BARS timeoutdubai.com February 2025 37 Treehouse38 February 2025 timeoutdubai.com Food Thiptara Out to impress Dreamy date night dinners for Valentine’s Day and beyond For Valentine’ s deals visit: timeoutdubai.com/ valentines-da ytimeoutdubai.com February 2025 39 1AT.MOSPHERE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE Best for: Wow-worthy proposals. Ready to pop the question? What could be more impressive than high up in the world’s tallest building? Towering above the city skyline on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, come dressed to impress. Be prepared for your date to be wowed by a sharable menu and an impressive drinks selection served alongside a background of twinkling city skyline lights. Even if you’re not proposing then it’s still a must-visit. O Open daily 7am-2am. Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, atmosphereburjkhalifa.com (04 888 3828). 2EUGÈNE EUGÈNE Best for: Low-key romantic vibes. This magical garden-inspired venue draws inspiration from greenhouses and market halls in France. Eugène Eugène is also handily located in Mall of the Emirates, so if you’re on a little shopping trip with your significant other, that’s where you should take them for a pick-me-up. The modern brasserie offers a cool, relaxed atmosphere, while the terrace is one of the most romantic in town. O Open daily noon-midnight. Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, eugeneeugene.ae (04 379 8963). 3L’AMO BISTRO DEL MARE Best for: Seafood-lovers. At Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, this upscale Italian seafood restaurant offers a fantastic vantage point for golden hour. It’s recently undergone a revamp and has a delicious new menu (don’t miss the tableside-made tiramisu). O Open Mon-Thu noon-3pm, 6pm-11.30pm, Fri-Sun noon-11.30pm. Dubai Harbour, lamorestaurant.com (04 278 4800). 4IL BORRO TUSCAN BISTRO Best for: Turtle spotting. Delivering both a romantic setting and top-notch Italian food, you know you’re in for a treat here. Grab a seat on the terrace that’s idyllically nestled right by Jumeirah Al Naseem’s turtle rehabilitation lagoon and enjoy crowd-pleasers like creamy burrata and truffle pizza. La vita sure is bella here. O Open Mon-Fri noon-3.30pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm, Sat- Sun noon-4pm, 6.30pm-11.30pm. Jumeirah Al Naseem, Umm Suqeim, ilborrotuscanbistro.ae (04 275 2555). 5LA PETITE MAISON Best for: A post-work date in DIFC. There are so many reasons to fall in love with LPM. Firstly, the space is beautiful with its crisp white tablecloths and eclectic artwork. Secondly, and most importantly, its SUBLIME VIEWS? CHECK. Spectacular food? Check? Stellar service? Check. Be it a dishy date night venue or the perfect place for a proposal, you’ll want to choose one of the most romantic restaurants in Dubai for your next night out with your partner. From chic French spots to swanky Thai joints, there are countless options for love birds throughout the city. Love is most certainly in the air. fine French fare is some of the best in the city. Regular live music creates a fun atmosphere, too. Don’t have time to dine on escargots? Pop in for a drink at the bar instead. O Open Mon-Fri noon-3.30pm, 6pm-1am, Sat- Sun 12.30-4pm, 6pm-1am. Gate Village 8, DIFC, lpmrestaurants.com/dubai (04 439 0505). 6MIMI KAKUSHI Best for: Stylish sushi fans. Mimi Kakushi is all moody interiors, cosy leather booths and expertly crafted Asian sharing plates. Expect a low-lit, atmospheric space layered with rich textures, hand-painted walls and beaded curtains – it’s informed by Japan’s jazz age, serving up modern twists on Japanese classics. Be sure to order at least three dishes from the sushi counter and share with your special someone. O Open Mon-Fri 6pm-2am, Sat-Sun noon-4pm and 6pm- 2am. Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah, mimikakushi.ae (04 379 4811). 7MOTT 32 Best for: Views across Bluewaters, Palm Jumeirah and beyond. Mott 32 pays homage to 32 Mott Street in New York, where the city’s first Chinese convenience store opened in 1891. Sat on the 73rd floor of Address Beach Resort, it’s home to one of the most stunning terraces in the city, sure to be a talking-point for any date. Expect enviable views of JBR, the Palm and Bluewaters looking like miniatures below. O Open Sun-Fri 6pm-1am, Sat 12.30pm-4pm, 6pm-1am. Address Beach Resort, JBR, mott32.com (04 278 4832). 8NINIVE Best for: Romance amid skyscrapers. Here you’ll find one of DIFC prettiest terraces complete with twinkling lights and city views. A distinctly Arabic restaurant where service is seamless and plates are sophisticated, so order up a few to share. O Open Sun-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri-Sat 6pm-3am. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, ninive.com (04 326 6105). 9THIPTARA Best for: Iconic Dubai Fountain views. Boasting pride of place by the waterfront of The Dubai Fountain, its prime views of the world-famous water show and Burj Khalifa are only matched by its fine Thai cuisine, which has an emphasis on Bangkok-style seafood. Come hungry as dishes are generous, but just because it’s date night it doesn’t mean you have to share. O Open daily 12.30pm-3.30pm, 6pm-11.30pm. Palace Downtown Dubai, Downtown Dubai, @thiptaradubai (04 428 7961). “Dishes are generous, but just because it’s date night it doesn’t mean you have to share”Next >