20 of the best outdoor bars in Dubai to watch the sunset
Cameras at the ready…
Living in Dubai means we can enjoy beautiful beaches, (almost) year-round sun, breathtaking architecture and some amazing outdoor bars and restaurants that offer some incredible sunset vistas.
We’re not just talking any old sunset views in this list though. We’re talking some of the best outdoor bars in Dubai to guarantee the most breathtaking, panoramic and Insta-worthy moments of the sun setting on the city.
Here’s our pick of the best outdoor bars in Dubai to watch the sunset…
Aprons & Hammers Beach House
West Beach on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah is already home to Koko Bay, Señor Pico and FIVE Palm Jumeirah, but now there’s a brand new sundowner spot there that really deserves its credit. Aprons & Hammers Beach House is now open, serving crisp cocktails, fresh seafood and more. Bag a seat out on the terrace or on the beach and toast to the weekend with picture-perfect views of the sunset and the iconic Dubai Marina Skyline.
Aprons & Hammers Beach House, West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, open daily 12pm to 12am. apronsandhammers.com
Asil
To watch the sun set behind the magnificent structure of the Al Ain wheel (or the ‘Dubai Eye’ as it’s known to some) at Bluewaters Island, the terrace at Arabic-inspired restaurant Asil is a pretty cool spot. From its location at Rixos Premium JBR, you’ll be able to take in the stunning view with a trendy cocktail in hand.
Asil, Rixos Premium JBR, The Walk, Dubai, 1pm to 2am daily. Tel: (04) 394 1832. districtdxb.com
Bussola
Bussola at The Westin is a fantastic place to dine whilst taking in incredible sunset views over the Palm Jumeirah in the distance. Set over two levels, choose from an a la carte dining experience on the restaurant on the lower deck, or head up to the second floor to their dedicated pizzeria (trust us, if you haven’t tried it yet, you need to).
Bussola, The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 12pm to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm, Fri 12pm to 12am, Sat 12pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 511 7373. bussoladubai.com
CÉ LA VI
Singapore’s iconic skybar CÉ LA VI just opened on the 54th floor of the brand new Address Sky View hotel, Downtown. Get ready for some unbelievable views of Downtown Dubai and a close-up of the Burj Khalifa as the sun sets.
CÉ LA VI, Level 54, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, daily 12pm to 3pm, 7pm to 12am. Tel: (04) 582 6111. facebook.com/celavidubai
Cielo Sky Lounge
For an ultra-chic setting and panoramic sunset views of Dubai, Cielo Sky Lounge needs to be on your list. It’s a great place to meet for after-work sundowners or weekend cocktails with a resident DJ setting the ambience to take you from day to night.
Cielo Sky Lounge, The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 5pm to 3am, Fri 4pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 416 1801. cielodubai.com
SoBe
Since it opened in early 2019, SoBe has fast-tracked itself to be one of the most popular bars in Dubai for guaranteed sunset views. From its position on the fifth floor of the W Dubai – The Palm hotel, you’ll be able to stare as far as the eye can see from the outdoor terrace, with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf surrounding the Palm.
SoBe, W Dubai – The Palm, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat to Tues 4pm to 1am, Wed to Fri 4pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 245 5800. sobedubai.com
DRIFT
It’s known for being one of Dubai’s most exclusive and Instagramable pool-day destinations, and if that wasn’t enough, there’s some pretty incredible sunset views from DRIFT Beach.
DRIFT Beach Dubai, One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina, daily 10.30am to 7.30pm. Tel: (04) 315 2200. driftbeachdubai.com
Fish Beach Taverna
Step into the Mediterranean when you visit Fish Beach Taverna, from the paved flooring to the blue and white hues of the open-air restaurant. It serves ‘an Aegean menu of Turkish and Greek cuisine’ with lots of fresh dishes on the menu. Dine or enjoy drinks at cute white tables on the beach, with fairy lights twinkling above you.
Fish Beach Taverna, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, 12pm to 4pm, 6pm to 11pm daily. Tel: (04) 511 7373. fish-dubai.com
FIVE Palm Jumeirah
FIVE Palm Jumeirah has fast earned itself a reputation for being one of the ultimate party places in Dubai, and since FIVE Beach opened, it’s proved just as popular. You’ll catch an epic sunset from FIVE Beach’s positioning on Palm West Beach. Watch the scene from a cabana on the beach or check out its very own beach bar, Beach Deck, which serves up two-for-one drinks between 5pm to 8pm, from Sunday to Wednesday.
Beach Deck, FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 12pm to 12am daily. Tel: (04) 455 9989. fivehotelsandresorts.com
folly by Nick & Scott
If you have guests visiting, a sure way to impress them is by taking them to the stunning setting of the Madinat Jumeirah. For gorgeous sunset views, try folly by Nick & Scott which has three levels for dining and drinks. Of course, you’re guaranteed the best view from the top floor of the outdoor bar.
folly by Nick and Scott, Madinat Jumeirah, daily 12pm to 12am. Tel: (04) 430 8535. folly.ae
Iris Dubai
Iris recently relocated from its original home at the Oberoi Hotel, Business Bay, to a new outdoor location at Meydan. Naturally from here, you’ll have a prime view of the full Dubai skyline in all of its glory.
Iris Dubai, Meydan Grandstand, Dubai, Sat to Wed 5pm to 2am, Thurs 5pm to 3am, Fri 1pm to 3am. Tel: (056) 951 1442. facebook.com/irisdubai
Jetty Lounge
Get comfy on beach chairs and bean bags situated around softly-lit tables on the sand at the Jetty Lounge. It’s one of the most luxuriously chic places to watch the sunset in Dubai and a sure way to impress a visiting guest or that special date.
Jetty Lounge, One&Only Royal Mirage, Jumeirah Beach Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, 2pm to 2am daily. Tel: (04) 399 9999. oneandonlyresorts.com
Koko Bay
Since it opened on West Beach at the start of September, Koko Bay has undoubtedly become one of the city’s hottest sunset spots. The Bali-themed restaurant has an indoor space, but for the best views of the stunning sunset and Dubai Marina skyline views, bag a seat on the terrace or on the sand. Sip on cocktails or tuck into European-Asian style dishes. The appetizers are perfect for grazing on with a sundowner or two.
Koko Bay, Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat to Wed 12pm to 12am, Fri and Sat 12pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 572 3444. @kokobayuae
Mood Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Mood Rooftop Lounge offers an exclusive jungle-inspired venue from which to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, tasty bar bites including hand-rolled sushi and epic party tunes every night. Check out the sunset brunch from 4pm to 8pm each Friday with unlimited drinks and grilled dishes.
Mood Rooftop Bar & Lounge, Meydan, Dubai, open 6pm to 3am daily. Tel: (0)5 444 00227. @moodrooftopdubai
Paru
You’re guaranteed some amazing views from pretty much any of the bars at Caesars Palace at Bluewaters. We love the recently-opened restaurant, Paru (by celebrity chef Akira Back) as the terrace offers some epic views of the sunset over JBR and the Dubai Marina. Whilst Paru isn’t actually reopen yet, it’s worth keeping on your must-watch list.
Paru, Caesars Resort, Bluewaters Island. Tel: (04) 556 666. caesars.com
The Penthouse
The Penthouse at Five Palm Jumeirah is a hugely popular spot for Dubai residents and tourists alike. Lounge at one of the seating areas by the glass-panelled terrace wall at sunset to get that Penthouse pic in front of the sun setting behind the impressive silhouette of the Dubai Marina towers.
The Penthouse, FIVE Palm Jumeirah. 12pm to 3am Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 5am Thursday to Friday. Tel: (04) 455 9989. fivehotelsandresorts.com
Pure Sky Lounge
As the name of Pure Sky Lounge suggests, you’ll literally feel like you’re up in the clouds as you watch the sun set from the glass-walled terrace on the 35th floor of the Hilton JBR. There’s pretty white and blue seating by the curved bar grouped around tables, making the perfect for sunset-backed nibbles and a cocktail or two.
Hilton Jumeirah Beach Resort, JBR, Dubai, Sun to Fri 5pm to 2am, Sat 2pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 399 1111. hilton.com/dubai
Shimmers
For stunning views of the sun setting behind the iconic, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, Shimmers is a beautiful spot. Choose a seat on the white-decked terrace or head straight for a comfy bean bag right on the beach. Bliss.
Shimmers, Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A Salam, Dubai, 12pm to 11pm daily. Tel: (04) 432 3232. jumeirah.com
Treehouse
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To watch the sunset over the stunning skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai, Treehouse has long been a popular bar. The terrace has a cool botanical garden vibe with soft lighting and casual high and low tables.
Treehouse, Taj Dubai, Burj Khalifa Street, Dubai, Sat to Wed 6pm to 2am, Thurs 6pm to 3am, Fri 1pm to 3am. Tel: (058) 827 2763. tajhotels.com
Tomo
The perfect Instagram shot awaits you when you position yourself on the chic terrace of cool Japanese restaurant, Tomo. Set your camera lense to panoramic and capture the breathtaking view of the sun setting over the dramatic Dubai skyline from afar.
TOMO, Raffles Hotel, WAFI, Dubai, daily 12.30pm to 2.45pm, 6.30pm to 11pm. (04) 357 7888. tomo.ae
Images: Provided/Social
