Where better to watch the sun go down than a rooftop bar? Now that Dubai’s alfresco areas are officially back in action, here are five of the city’s best vertiginous venues.

Cielo Sky Lounge

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If it weren’t for the occasional abra drifting into view, you could almost believe you were in Ibiza at this blue and white bar perched on top of the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

When to go: Cielo’s after-brunch parties kick off at 4pm on Fridays.

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai Creek, Sat to Wed 5pm to 2am, Thur and Fri 5pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 4161800. Taxi: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. cielodubai.com

Mercury Lounge

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This bar claims to be the only one in town that overlooks the Burj Khalifa and the Burj Al Arab. It’s at the top of the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, and the bar itself is as attractive as that view.

When to go: Mercury Lounge has just launched a new ladies’ night. Every Tuesday girls get 50 per cent off food and drinks, and each month they’ll be in with a chance of winning a pair of Manolo Blahnik heels.

Four Seasons Dubai Jumeirah Resort, Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 5pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 2707777. Taxi: Four Seasons Dubai Jumeirah Resort. mercurydubai.com

40 Kong

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A great spot to take out of towners, 40 Kong is 40 floors up (geddit?) at the H Hotel, and offers awesome views of the city skyline and the never-ending flow of headlights on Sheikh Zayed Road.

When to go: Early evening to catch the last of the light slipping out of the skies over SZR.

The H Hotel, 1 Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily 7pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3558896. Metro: World Trade Centre. 40kong.com 

Tamanya Terrace

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An old favourite among long-term Dubai dwellers, Tamanya Terrace is a great after-work spot if you’re based in Media City. It’s also the venue for the popular Night Vibes club nights.

When to go: Weekday evenings for a post-work wind down.

Radisson Blu Dubai, Media City, Dubai, Sat to Wed 5.30pm to 2am, Thur and Fri 6pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 3669111. Metro: Nakheel. radissonblu.com

Iris Dubai

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The terrace at Iris is one of the best-looking spots in Business Bay, and it’s home to some of the best tasting cocktails too. There’s live music every Tuesday and Sunday, and the Friday brunch is well worth checking out – it lasts for five hours, people.

When to go: From 6pm to 8pm on weekdays Iris offers special deals on food and beverages, plus complimentary platters of fresh fruit to nibble on.

The Oberoi, Business Bay, Dubai, daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: (056) 9511442. Metro: Business Bay. irisdubai.com