Rooftops and Dubai go together like pickles and shawarma… 

There’s something special about watching the sunset over Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline from a rooftop, especially during winter. Golden hour enthusiasts will love taking in the views from Palm Jumeirah surrounded by the sea while city dwellers can admire the lights of Downtown’s urban night scene. In other words, Dubai is the perfect setup for whiling away on a rooftop.

Without further ado, here is our list of the best places to drink and dine on a rooftop in Dubai.

Amazonico

This tropical rooftop in Dubai’s cosmopolitan district DIFC boasts stunning views, an outdoor cocktail bar, and a Copacabana-themed design. Party til late with live resident DJs and an exclusive rooftop menu with crafted cocktails and sharing bites such as oysters, crispy plantain, and tuna tartare.

Amazonico, Gate Village, DIFC, daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 571 3999. amazonico.ae

Cé La Vi

Soaring 220-metres above sea level, Ce La Vi is a Michelin-guide Asian restaurant and one of Dubai’s highest rooftops. The iconic venue features a sky bar, pool deck, lounge, restaurant, and unbeatable views of the Burj Khalifa from the 54th floor of Address Sky View hotel, Downtown,

CÉ LA VI, Level 54, Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, daily 12pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 582 6111. celavi.com

CouCou Dubai

CouCou’s is perched 52 stories high on the top floor of the Palm Tower, where you’ll also find The View at The Palm, with mesmerising views across the twinkling Palm Jumeirah, city skyline, and shimmering Arabian Gulf. Whether you’re perched up at the grand marble bar sipping cocktails, catching up with friends over dinner in a dimly lit booth or kicking back on the plush leather chairs in one of the comfy lounge areas, you’ll be able to drink in the scenic views from every spot.

CouCou, level 52, The View, Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. 9pm to 2am. Tel:(0)52 451 2188. @coucourooftop 

Iris Dubai

Iris brings a free-spirited energy to Dubai’s nightlife scene with unrivalled vibes, handcrafted cocktails, and chilled-out rhythms. Located in Meydan, the elegant rooftop lounge is set against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline making it the ideal sundowners spot. The menu takes inspiration from Japan, South America, and the Mediterranean with dishes such as crispy feta, soft shell crab bao buns, sea bass ceviche, and steak frites.

Iris Dubai, Meydan Grandstand, Dubai, Sun to Wed 6pm to 3am, Thurs and Fri 6pm to 4am, Sat 1pm to 4am. Tel: (056) 951 1442. @irisdubai

Monkey Bar

Looking for the perfect date night spot? Berlin import Monkey Bar, located just opposite DIFC, is perched on the rooftop of 25Hours hotel. Whether you’re looking for delicious Latin American food, killer views of Museum of the Future, or playful evening vibes, Monkey Bar does not disappoint. Sit back, relax, and enjoy its nightly lineup of live DJs.

25hours Hotel Dubai One Central, Trade Centre, Dubai. Daily 5pm. @monkeybardubai

Ongaku

CLAP’s hidden room, Ongaku, is located behind a mysterious discreet red door. Translating to music’ in Japanese, Ongaku is a high-energy late-night hangout drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s electric nightlife scene.

Ongaku, inside CLAP, DIFC, Gate Village Building 11, level 9. Tel: (0)4 569 3820. claprestaurant.com

Salotto by Chic Nonna

Perched atop the cosy but chic Italian and having recently opened its doors. This stunning rooftop bar brings a new air to the already cosmopolitan vibes of DIFC. Salotto by Chic Nonna, takes the 70’s style and transports it to modern day. This after-hours watering hole turns into a relaxed clubbing experience after midnight. Take advantage of the outdoor terrace or enjoy a seat indoors on one of their signature and stunning green bar stools while you delight in one of their many signature cocktails.

Salotto by Chic Nonna, Gate Avenue, DIFC, open daily from 7pm to 3am. Tel: (0)4 605 2000 @chicnonnadubai

Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar

If Dubai Marina is your choice of setting, Grosvenor House is the go-to pick for high-end restaurants and a buzzing atmosphere. Up on the roof, Siddharta Lounge provides breathtaking 360º views, a sharing-style menu, and the ultimate glam vibe as groups gather around the pool.

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, open 5pm to midnight, Fri and Sat 5pm to 1am daily. Tel: (04) 317 6000. siddhartalounge.com 

SoBe

Guaranteed sunset views? Check! 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 SoBe’s outdoor terrace, with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf surrounding the Palm. Must try: Latin American-inspired tapas platter.

SoBe, W Dubai – The Palm, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, open Sun 2pm to 1am, Mon to Wed 5pm to 1am, Thu to Fri 5pm to 2am, Sat 4pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 245 5800. sobedubai.com

Tonino Lamborghini Mare Nostrum

Sat atop the Radisson Resort Hotel on West Palm Beach, Tonino Lamborghini Mare Nostrum offers guests a chic and authentic setting with the perfect combination of restaurant, pool club and bar. Unmatched views of the Dubai Marina and Ain Dubai make TL Mare Nostrum the perfect venue for sundown aperitivo with live entertainment and a wide selection of Mediterranean bites.

Tonino Lamborghini Mare Nostrum, Radisson Resort Hotel, West Pal Beach, Palm Jumeirah, open daily 11am to 1am, sunset aperitivo Mon to Fri, 4pm to 8pm Tel: (0)58 559 4222 @tlmarenostrumdubai

Tiki’s at Canary Club

From live DJs to sunrise yoga, this newly-opened rooftop bar is the place to be this coming season. Tiki’s is located on the second floor of Canary Club in JLT with panoramic skyline views, twists on Californian cuisine, traditional cocktails, and an impressive lineup of pop-ups and events.

Canary Club, Banyan Tree Residences Hillside, JLT, Dubai. Monday to Thursday 12pm to 1am, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 2am, Sundays 12pm to 1am. @canaryclubdxb

Zeta Seventy Seven

If you are looking to impress, this is your spot. Address Beach Resort’s ZETA Seventy Seven overlooks the incredible Ain Dubai and is adjacent to one of the world’s tallest outdoor infinity pools. Whether you are after a couple of cocktails or digging into a delicious meal, ZETA Seventy Seven will be a night you won’t ever forget.

ZETA Seventy Seven, Address Beach Resort, JBR, restaurant opens daily from 12pm to 4pm (last orders at 3.45pm). Over 21s only. Tel: (0)4 8798866. @addressbeachresort

Images: Provided/Social