As a playground for the world’s high-net-worth community, Dubai is no longer a dry Emirate where enjoying a beer after a long day at work might previously have been frowned upon. Highly modern, the city enjoys one of the most vibrant nightlife scenes not just in the region, but in the entire world. Pubs, clubs and bars dominate the social landscape, and in a city which enjoys over 300 days of sunshine every year, the fabled rooftop bar is chief among Dubai’s watering hole protagonists. Read on to learn all about the best rooftop bars in Dubai.
SoBe
This idyllic spot on Palm Jumeirah’s western crescent offers views back across the Palm in one direction, and out over the vast expanses of the Arabian Gulf in the other.
Featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces to cater to the climate, this serene venue is located in W Dubai The Palm and serves as the perfect place for a cocktail or two while enjoying the sunset.
SoBe can get quite crowded on Saturdays, as it serves as one of the main spots for the after-brunch crowd; the nearby Saffron at the Atlantis, for example. However, this simply adds to the ambience as most are in a jovial mood, attracted by the smooth beats of the in-house DJ, or the drinks promotions on offer. With classic options such as Aperol Spritz, Mamasita and Sobonita, SoBe is well-stocked where drinks are concerned.
The establishment also boasts a range of delectable food options, while the abundance of greenery – both indoors and out – adds to the jungle-like mystique of this charming rooftop bar.
Barfly by Buddha Bar
Located on the 13th floor of the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah, this exceptional venue offers magnificent views across Dubai Harbour towards the world-famous marina district. Also doubling as a restaurant, Barfly by Buddha Bar is an immersive culinary and nightlife experience. The bar houses one of Palm Jumeirah’s liveliest brunches, complete with in-house dancers and a DJ, while the Asian-themed fare on offer is as exquisite as it gets.
Of course, the bar is also a fine option for those who are simply seeking an after-work drink to wind down while enjoying the sunset. With a happy hour running daily from 5 - 7 pm, it’s possible that the disappearing sun may appear a touch warmer.
Barfly by Buddha Bar – with stunning decor throughout – presents the ideal venue for a romantic night with your other half, a gathering with friends, or a work event.
Urla
If it’s sweeping views of the world’s tallest building you’re looking for, then Urla ticks that box and then some. Located at Address Downtown, this outstanding bar looks out across Burj Khalifa Lake, thus benefiting from the daily shows at the Dubai Fountain.
With its Aegean influence, Urla is as much restaurant as it is bar, offering some of the most sumptuous seafood cuisine in the city. The establishment also boasts an expansive beverage menu, such as the Urla Signatures, which presents classics such as the Siren Colada, a whimsical whiskey-infused delight. The bar also showcases options from the Aegean region, such as the “Bodrum”, a non-alcoholic lychee and red apple nectar with a dash of passionfruit, with a nutty vanilla core.
Ideal both for those who wish to unwind with a cocktail after work, as well as people who are simply looking for a relaxing view, Urla stands proud among Dubai’s offerings of best rooftop bars.
High Society
Amid Dubai’s fast-paced, often frenetic bar scene, High Society offers a sanctuary of calm. This bar, located in The Lana: The Dorchester Collection, grants a sizable dose of exclusivity, allowing guests to relax while drinking in not just the spectacular cocktails on offer, but one of the most sublime views in the city.
With a wide range of drinks on the menu, such as summer classics like the Moscow Mule or the Tequila Sunrise, the bar further offers a variety of champagnes, wines, vermouths and liqueurs. In addition to these outstanding whistle-whetting favourites, the bar also benefits from its position in The Lana, and as such, boasts access to the exemplary Michelin-starred Rivieira by Jean Imbert. As if that wasn’t a big enough draw, Imbert was named chef of the year by one of the world’s biggest magazines, GQ, in 2019.
Tapasake
Dubai is a city of superlatives. With an abundance of the best, the biggest and the highest, Tapasake is unique for the fact that it is based on the world’s longest cantilever, One&Only One Za’abeel’s breathtaking rooftop pool and bar.
120 metres long, the bar offers views across the city’s iconic skyline, with Burj Khalifa directly in focus. The venue also features an outstanding swimming pool with comfortable day beds and loungers dotted around its perimeter.
Once visitors are done basking in the afternoon sun, the venue comes to life through a delectable Japanese menu and a resident DJ. With some of the best cocktails in town, Tapasake is certainly one to be added to your list of must-visit rooftop bars in Dubai.
Cloud 22
Located in the iconic Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Cloud 22 boasts one of the most extravagant rooftop experiences in the city.
An infinity pool featuring floating beds is a particular highlight, while the bar also affords guests access to an abundance of sun loungers, double day beds and a lotus pool, complete with its own set of floating beds.
A visual feast, the bar affords guests some of the most elevated views in the city, in more ways than one. Through its position on the 22nd floor, the establishment showcases sweeping views across the world-famous Palm Jumeirah, arguably one of the world’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
The establishment also features a range of exquisite cocktails, as well as some of the finest Italian-inspired cuisine in the area. With all this and more, Cloud 22 is easily one of the best rooftop bars in Dubai.
With Dubai positioning itself as one of the world’s premier entertainment and hospitality destinations in recent years, the city’s bar scene has gone from strength to strength. Given its climate, rooftop bars are a big part of the nightlife scene, and the city now boasts somewhere in the region of 100 independent al fresco establishments. Of course, these are just some of the best rooftop bars in Dubai; the rest you will need to discover for yourself.
