15 rooftop bars and terraces in Dubai that you need to try

In a city of seemingly endless rooftops, it can be tricky to find a venue that ticks all the boxes when it comes to after-work drinks or weekend sundowners. Here are 15 of team FACT’s top picks.

Amazónico – DIFC:

The return of rooftop season sees DIFC hotspot Amazónico officially reopen its Copacabana terrace. The tropical-inspired space is perfect for post-work sundowners, pre-dinner cocktails or leisurely al-fresco catch-ups. Located in the heart of DIFC with views of the city’s skyline, Amazónico’s rooftop is open from 6pm until late. Uplift your spirits with refreshing cocktails paired the new sharing-style Piqueo’s.

GO: Email reservations@amazonico.ae or call (0)4 571 3999 for reservations and more information.

Antika Bar – DIFC:

Antika Bar is a Levantine bar and restaurant situated in the heart of the bustling DIFC area, where guests can enjoy an upgraded Levantine experience. Foliage abounds in the Antika Bar Garden with its flora-filled terrace open from 5pm until 3am daily. With a daily rotation of live performers and musicians, Antika Bar pays tribute to the Levant region’s timeless arts while also offering a post-work Happy Hour, from 5pm to 8pm. The curated happy hour menu includes selected hand-crafted mixed beverages for AED 30.

GO: Call (0)50 735 9177 for reservations and more information.

CÉ LA VI Dubai – Address Skyview:

The Sky Bar at CÉ LA VI Dubai is an outdoor oasis with sweeping city views. With 360-degree city views, this is easily one of the best views of Burj Khalifa in Dubai. A special candy shop menu is available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, offering a completely new take on mixology. Don’t miss the famous CÉ LA VI swing for that picture-perfect shot from the Gram. 

GO: Call (0)4 582 6111 for reservations and more information.

Cielo Sky Lounge – Dubai Creek Yacht Club:

Bringing a slice of Ibiza to the Dubai Creek area, Cielo Sky Lounge located on the top floor of the Dubai Creek Yacht Club offers a unique vantage point over the city, as well at the Dubai Creek. Cielo is a lounge that feels very Balearic with its sleek contemporary design and an excellent spot to enjoy sunset drinks, with the party continuing late into the night. The combination of cocktails, tapas and a unique ambience will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. 

GO: Email cielo.reservations@hyatt.com or call (0)4 416 1801 for reservations and more information.

Flair 5 – The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre:

Nestled among the modern architecture of DIFC, Flair 5 is an outdoor bar and lounge concept. Open from 5pm to 2am daily, Flair 5 serves its patrons unique botanical inspired drinks and delicious Nikkei cuisine, while lush vegetation provides an urban jungle vibe. Whether you’re looking to end the day with a sundowner, enjoy a meal with friends, or party the night away. There’s a reason Flair 5 was voted ‘best outdoor bar’ at the Fact Dining Awards Dubai 2020.

GO: Call (0)4 372 2222 for reservations and more information.

folly by Nick & Scott – Madinat Jumeirah:

With impressive Souk Madinat and Burj Al Arab views, The Rooftop at folly is the perfect place to impress out of town guests for sundowners. Taking up residency at The Rooftop at folly, DJ Conan Liquid has a regular weekday slot, mixing up the best house tracks to the backdrop of the city’s picturesque sunset views. You don’t want to miss the food either, as folly was recently awarded ‘best al fresco dining restaurant’ at the Fact Dining Awards Dubai 2020.

GO: Call (0)4 430 8535 for reservations and more information.

Infinity Bar at Tasca by José Avillez at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai:

Located on the 6th floor of the beachfront resort, the exclusive rooftop Infinity Bar is exceptionally Instagrammable. Visitors to this beautiful spot will be granted unbeatable views of the Arabian Gulf, exquisite beverages and a trendy ambience. Guaranteeing marvellous sunset views and delicious Portuguese staples, all of the beverages at Infinity Bar are served with imaginative flair and paired with a collection of tasty bites and chill-out tunes.

GO: Call (0)4 777 2231 for reservations and more information.

MOOD Rooftop Lounge – The Meydan Hotel:

MOOD Rooftop Lounge, located atop The Meydan Hotel in Nad Al Sheba is now operational all year long. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy an enjoyable late-night experience thanks to a newly installed retractable ceiling that provides a fully air-conditioned space during the summer months. The venue also features a bold new look and features an exotic garden lounge and plenty of cosy sofa seating in vibrant colours. Indulge in signature dishes, tasty bites and refreshing beverages while taking in the 180-degree views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai.

GO: Call (0)5 444 00227 for reservations and more information.

Paros – Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers:

Paros, the Mediterranean inspired and effortlessly chic rooftop bar and restaurant invite guests to escape from reality. The venue boasts mesmerising panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, including Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf. The rooftop haven is an ideal vantage point to catch the sky changing colour over epic sunsets with incredible offers for sun worshippers including a Sip&Dip day pass, Ladies night every Wednesday and daily Sundowners. Guests are invited to end the week in a relaxed style with ABOVE, a multi-sensory sunset ritual every Friday. 

GO: Call (0)45741 111 for reservations and more information.

Pure Sky Lounge, Hilton Dubai The Walk:

Situated on the 35th floor of Hilton Dubai The Walk, the chic nightspot features two large terraces overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the Ain Dubai, plus ample seating space indoors and outdoors. Soak up the skyline views whilst sipping on refreshing drinks and enjoy a variety of Pan-Asian bar bites such as prawn tempura, vegetable tacos and pure breaded chicken slides.

GO: Email restaurant.jbr@hilton.com or call (0)4 318 2319 for reservations and more information.

SoBe – W Dubai – The Palm:

The only rooftop bar on the Palm with 360-degree views, SoBe is the place to enjoy an unobstructed view of the sunset. Step into the adults’ only playground, flanked by art deco and street art, highlighting the gritty side of South Beach Miami and dive into delicious food and drinks as you soak up the vibe. An urban playground for adults, SoBe is renowned for its artisanal cocktails and is perfect for simmering sundowners and late-night escapades.

GO: Call (0)4 245 5555 or reservations and more information.

The Locale – Andaz The Palm:

The neighbourhood eatery on Palm Jumeirah has reopened its al fresco terrace just in time for the winter months. The Locale is the hotel’s central restaurant that brings together culinary stories from around the city and weaves a blanket of flavours that only Dubai offers. Drawing from the city’s hidden boltholes – the oldest kebab house to Jumeirah’s favourite fish shack – guests can expect the ultimate dining experience in a laid back coffee house atmosphere. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

GO: Call (0)4 581 1234 for reservations and more information.

The Pangolin – The Els Club:

Dubai’s new neighbourhood hangout, The Pangolin has recently launched its first-floor restaurant and terrace, The Highlands. With a keen focus on community spirit and connecting people through real, honest food and drink, The Highlands restaurant, bar and terrace are open daily for lunch and dinner. The menu presents experimental dishes from both the land and the sea, cooked over fire pit embers, including Zesty BBQ Scallops, Smoked and BBQ Duck Pancakes, Andalusian Style Adobo Sea Bass, Open Fire Roasted Oysters, Chicken Heart Kebabs.

GO: Call (0)58 573 2594 for reservations and more information.

Treehouse – Taj Dubai:

Winner of ‘favourite rooftop bar’ at the Fact Dining Awards Dubai 2020, Treehouse is an the urban rooftop oasis promising glittering views over the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. Guests are invited to enjoy a series of effortlessly chic nights including an irresistible Komorebi (sunlight streaming through the trees) Happy Hour Menu, Remedy Sundays and the Treehouse Angels Ladies’ Night.

GO: Call (0)4 438 3131 for reservations and more information.

TWENTY THREE Rooftop Bar – Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City:

It’s easy to see why TWENTY THREE Rooftop Bar steals the show as Media City’s new hotspot overlooking the city’s iconic skyline—combining panoramic urban views with light bites and classic cocktails. The theme of “23” is tangible throughout – 23 different twisted cocktails, 23 tastes, 23 brews and 23 grapes, in line with the venue’s aim to turn convention on its head. A great space to gather, a good party spot, or a venue to brunch and watch the sun go down.

GO: Call (0)4 525 7777 for reservations and more information.