Summer is coming, but there’s still time for sundowners outside…

This April, we’re kicking off our season bucket list with the ultimate guide of everything you need to do before summer strikes.

Whether it’s beachfront restaurants, outdoor brunches or the city’s best pool and beach deals, we’re rounding up the best ways to make the most of being outside while you still can.

So if you want to catch those last few weeks of sipping sundowners, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are 12 of Dubai’s best outdoor bars.

Twenty Three

The number 23 is believed to have a unique role in human relationships, health and life order and this brand new 23-themed rooftop bar on, (you guessed it), the 23rd floor at the Grand Plaza Movenpick hotel in Media City is perfect for after-work drinks, sundowners and has incredible views of the city at night. If you fancy some dishes to share, try the miso ginger fried chicken or succulent black angus beef sliders. What’s more, they have an awesome happy hour on every day from Sunday to Thursday, 4.23pm to 7.23pm for Dhs23 per drink.

Best for: After work drinks

Twenty Three, Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City, Sheikh Zayed Road. 4pm to 3am, daily. Tel: (04) 525 7777. movenpick.com

SoBe

Dubai’s trendiest new rooftop bar, SoBe, is a brilliant spot for sundowners. The playful spot boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, with options to sit at bar tables for two facing the ocean or cosy booths that gaze out at the striking Dubai skyline. As word spreads of this brilliant bar it’s already getting busy, so book ahead to bag the best seat.

Best for: Lots of things, but the views are pretty special

SoBe, W Dubai – The Palm, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, 4pm to 1am weekdays, 4pm to 3am weekends. Tel: (04) 245 5555. wdubaithepalm.com

Mercury Lounge 

The jewel atop of the Four Seasons, Mercury Lounge is a glamorous Dubai rooftop bar with one-of-a-kind views: overlooking the Dubai skyline and the Burj Khalifa on one side, and the Arabian Gulf on the other. During the week it’s relatively relaxed, but it’s a different story at the weekend. Head down on Wednesday and ladies can take advantage of two free drinks.

Best for: The stylish set

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, Sat to Thur 6pm to 2am, Wed to Fri 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 2707777. fourseasons.com

 

Seven Sisters

Alfresco bar Seven Sisters is an import from Lebanon, and has a sleek design with an industrial colour scheme, broken up by plants, trees and a leafy back wall that makes it feel like a hidden urban jungle. There’s lower level lounge seating in front of the DJ booth, while high tables for four or six line the wall overlooking the canal. Head down early doors and take advantage of their happy hour as the sun sets.

Best for: Canalside sundowners

JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay, Sat to Thur 6pm to 3am, Fri 3pm to 3am. Tel: (056) 775 4777. 7sistersdubai.com

The London Project

A relative newcomer to this list, The London Project is well worth a mention. Being at The London Project feels like you’re hanging out in a greenhouse that’s been converted into a living room. Think leafy foliage draping over racing green velvet booths, colour pops of copper, exposed brick and London-inspired murals adorning the walls. It’s got that casual-cool London feel, and while there’s outdoor seating both on the ground and upper floors, the terrace gets you an epic JBR backdrop as you sip your way through the menu.

Best for: Brilliant cocktails in a casual setting

The London Project, Bluewaters Island, off JBR, daily 9am to midnight. Tel: (04) 5808570. thelondonproject.com

ALSO READ: 30 things to do in Dubai before summer strikes

Penthouse

The Penthouse has firmly cemented itself as one of the go-to places in Dubai for its ladies’ nights, pool parties and club nights. A rooftop bar with incredible views of the glittering Dubai skyline, join them for ‘Skyline Thursdays’ where you can dance the night away to guest DJs from 9pm.

Best for: Stunning skyline views

The Penthouse, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Sat to Weds 12pm to 3am, Thurs and Fri 12pm to 5am. Tel: (04) 455 9989. fivehotelsandresorts.com

Soho Garden

Soho Garden has built up a reputation as the go-to bar for a big night out five nights a week. Whether it’s their bi-weekly ladies’ night on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, or you’re wanting to catch an international or local DJ on Thursdays or Fridays, Soho Garden has raised the game when it comes to bringing big events to bars in Dubai.

Best for: A big night out

Soho Garden, Meydan, Dubai, Weds to Sat, 7pm to 3am (food until 12am), Sun and Mon closed. Tel: (056) 82 22 559. sohogardendxb.com

Ambar

A post shared by Jenny (@jenny_rockis) on

Nothing says life in Dubai quite like chilling on the terrace at Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Ambar. The view of the sea, and Burj Al Arab at sunset, plus a Sticky Monkey cocktail of whiskey and lime and apple juice are sure to give you a smug glow.

Best for: Impressing guests

Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai, daily 5pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4323232. jumeirah.com

Siddharta Lounge

As pretty as this bar is inside, it’s even better out on the terrace, where you’ll find a glam crowd mingling around the pool or lounging on leather cushions. The vibe is chilled in the week, with a more lively vibe with dancing and DJs until the early hours on the weekends.

Best For: Evening drinks in stylish surroundings

Siddharta Lounge, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Sat to Wed 10am to 1am, Thur and Fri 10am to 2am. Tel: (04) 317 6000. siddhartalounge.com 

Flair No.5

Welcome to a botanical bar in the heart of DIFC. Here you’re not just surrounded by greenery, you’ll find it in your glass too. The green-fingered mixologists serve herb-infused drinks. What’s more, you can even build your own using an array of fruits, herbs and spices, as the resident DJ provides a laidback  soundtrack in this green oasis.

Best for: Date night

Flair No.5, Ritz Carlton, DIFC, Dubai, daily 5pm to 2am, Fridays 1pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 372232323. ritzcarlton.com

Treehouse

The trendy open-air night lounge comes to life with light deep house music, live music and a cocktail drinking party crowd most nights. As well as two weekly ladies’ nights, it’s also now home to one of our favourite new Friday brunches.

Best for: Burj Khalifa views

Treehouse, Taj Hotel, Business Bay, Dubai, Sat to Weds 7pm to 2am, Thus and Fri 7pm to 3am. Tel:(058) 827 2763. tajhotels.com

NOEPE

Found as part of The Promenade development, this stunning spot by the Dubai Creek is one of Dubai’s best hidden gem bars. It’s got that instant on-holiday vibe, thanks to its whitewashed colour scheme with nautical interiors, and it’s location perched on the edge of the marina. As the sun sets, the palm trees light up with twinkly lights, and cosy sofas round the firepit serve as the ultimate date-night location.

Best for: Holiday vibes

Noepe, The Promenade, Park Hyatt Dubai, 12.30pm to 2am weekdays, 8am to 11.30pm weekends. Tel: (04) 602 1234 Facebook.com/ThePromenadeDubai

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook