It’s winter in Dubai right now, which means cool days and sparkling clear night skies. Sunsets over the Gulf are like nowhere else and welcoming the evening at a rooftop venue and do it with a spectacular view accompanied by dining, dancing or just chilling.
Check out some of these fabulously elevated, and rather unique rooftop spots:
Mercury Lounge
One of Dubai’s coolest rooftop venues is the Mercury Lounge at the Four Seasons Resort. With the Burj Khalifa and downtown on one side, and the Arabian Gulf on the other, this chilled out, chic location is a favourite.
There’s a distinctive Mediterranean vibe to the Mercury Lounge, with refreshing sharing plates and light entrees, a creative drinks menu and a resident DJ and saxophonist just to add to the cool factor.
Time Oak Urban Garden
The Urban Garden at the top of the Time Oak Hotel has a rather interesting backstory. Organic food guru Laura Allais-Mare, opened the rooftop garden as part of the Slow Food Dubai initiative. Located on the pool terrace of the four star property, it’s the only volunteer-run organic garden of its kind in the city, producing fruit, vegetables and herbs.
The garden attracts an army of volunteers who lovingly nurture and care for the fresh produce, in what’s become an edible oasis.
Uptown Bar
On the 24th floor of the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, upstairs from the globally renowned Jamie’s Italian, perch yourself at a high table or recline in a comfy lounge and gaze at some extraordinary views of the sea and skyline. The Uptown Bar oozes sophistication but retains a relaxed and casual atmosphere. I mean, you can literally walk straight off a stroll on the beach and head up for a dinner at Jamie’s or Latitude, then head uptown to Uptown for some cool sunset drinks, but you may want to rinse the sand off your feet and change into appropriate attire first.
Luna Sky Bar at the Four Seasons, DIFC
For a range of captivating views over Dubai, head up to the stars at Luna Sky Bar at the Four Seasons. This modern venue was designed with the stunning vista around it in mind. Taking in the financial district, the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, you can enjoy from inside, or on the terrace outside.
The menu has a Japanese and South American feel – loads of fresh and tasty options. Perfect for a pre or post dinner cocktail, the DJ is expert at delivering conservational level tunes to allow for great chats in a great atmosphere.
Pure Sky Lounge
JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) which is almost a small city in itself, is situated on the beach, and along with the Dubai Marina and JLT (Jumeirah Lake Towers), is part of Dubai’s ‘party triangle’.
The Pure Sky Lounge pivots in between all the action, offering a chilled out oasis of calm on cool white cane couches, with almost 360 degree views including miles and miles of beaches.
Vii Lounge
The Vii Lounge is more of an experience than your usual rooftop spots. This eclectic venue on the seventh floor of the Conrad Hotel begins with the entrance, which is circled by zebra-themed couches, polished timber and sleek lighting.
After passing through a futuristic tunnel you emerge into a lush green garden which literally hangs from the side of the building. A large archway hedge circles the contemporary decor featuring a giant golden chandelier at its centre and some very quirky furnishings. Open until 3am daily, Vii can boast amazing views, but you’ll be hard pressed to take your eyes off its stunning and very unique decor.
Atelier M
There’s something very special about evenings at the Dubai Marina. It comes alive during the evenings as dhows, luxury cruisers and party boats meander up the wide canal. The life of the Marina is best viewed from the roof of Pier 7 – an entire block of restaurants and clubs, each floor represented by a different theme.
Pier 7’s rooftop belongs to Atelier M – a very popular rooftop lounge and restaurant in the city, and for good reason. The first floor features an opulent lounge area, and upstairs opens up to gorgeous vistas. If the cool tunes make you move your feet, feel free to jump onto the dance floor, and then recline on the ample sofa seating. Nibble on fresh Mediterranean food and enjoy a night to remember.
The Treehouse
On the top floor of the Taj Dubai hotel in Business Bay, you’ll be awestruck by the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, as it towers overhead.
This leafy, garden-like retreat decorated in Renaissance style is a great place to enjoy some tasty treats or refreshing cocktails in the middle of some of Dubai’s busiest streets.
Images courtesy of VisitDubai.com
