Whether you are taking it in from one of the city’s dazzling rooftop bars, Dubai’s incredible waterfront venues or towering over the unique modern cityscape, there are plenty of perfect spots in Dubai for watching the golden hues of sunset in Dubai with a drink in hand.
Sundowners are the perfect way to end a day of exploring around the city of Dubai – and what makes them even better? Happy Hour!! We’ve been scouring the city for the best sunset views in Dubai, the best offers, and the most unique locations.
The sun sets in Dubai between about 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm depending on the season, so bear this in mind when choosing a suitable sundowner venue as some bars and restaurants do not open until 6:00 pm or even later.
You may also be interested in these Dubai entertainment guides:
- Dubai’s most amazing rooftop bars
- The very best things to do in Dubai at night
- Where to enjoy an evening brunch in Dubai
Strap yourself in and definitely bookmark this one in your browser ready for your next big night out in Dubai because this guide is absolutely bumper!! Ready?!
Best beachfront sundowners in Dubai
There’s something truly magical about seeing the sun set over water and Dubai makes ample use of its waterfront with not only Jumeirah Beach but the extended waterfront provided by Palm Jumeirah and many man-made islands. Here are all our favourite coastal spots to enjoy sundowners in Dubai:
One&Only Royal Mirage
Not one but two amazing venues we couldn’t pick between as our favourite sundowner spots along Jumeirah Beach, both within the One&Only Royal Mirage Resort, which sits immediately to the west of the entrance to Palm Jumeirah.
The Jetty Lounge
The Jetty Lounge is home to classic cocktails and stunning sunsets with the sand beneath your toes. This exclusive beachfront bar offers dimly-lit booths of soft white sofas or grab yourself a beach bean bag to watch the sun disappear at this premier Dubai sundowner location.
Where to find it: One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina. 5:00 pm to 1:00 am daily.
Learn more at www.royalmirage.oneandonlyresorts.com
Drift Beach
Drift Beach is arguably amongst Dubai’s most instagrammable spots with its chic little beach bar set against a Dubai Marina backdrop. The lush grounds of One&Only Royal Mirage Resort feel a world away in this swanky poolside position for enjoying your nightly sundowners.
Where to find it: One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina. Open 9:00 am – 8:00 pm Sunday – Thursday and 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Friday – Saturday.
Learn more at www.driftbeachdubai.com
Make a night of it: Stay at One&Only Royal Mirage – check pricing here
Le Royal Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
Day and night, there’s always something happening at one of Dubai’s favourite beachfront resorts. The huge sprawling complex attached to Club Mina has something to offer for everyone from families to the party crowd. Let’s take a look at our two favourites for sundowners:
Barasti
Barasti is a name in Dubai that has become synonymous with poolside vibes and sunset views. If you enjoy a bit of a day drink and chilled-out tunes whilst sitting poolside (and yes, they have an iconic beach swing!), then this is the place you’ll want to head for your sundowners and evening entertainment too.
Sure, you’ll get the jet skiers trying to show off to an audience but it’s all part of the lively atmosphere offered by Barasti.
Where to find it: Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh, Dubai. Sun to Wed 9:00 am to 2:00 am; Thu and Fri 9:00 am to 3:00 am.
Learn more at barastibeach.com
Fish Beach Taverna
This one is a bit of a hidden gem tucked away within Le Meridien Mina Seyahi resort complex – you honestly won’t believe you are still in Dubai! Transport yourself to the Aegean Sea in this stunningly set up and secluded beachside restaurant and bar. In an idyllic setting in shades of blue and white, fairy lights twinkle over the shabby-chic décor and cobbled paths. Sundowners run from 4: 00 pm to 6:00 pm nightly before dinner opens up with all your favourite flavours of Turkey & Greece.
Where to find it: Fish Beach Taverna Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh, Dubai. 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Learn more at fish-dubai.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina – check pricing here
FIVE Palm Jumeirah
It’s all happening at Five Palm Jumeirah – at pretty much any time of day! Though sunsets are particularly special at this premier party resort situated west-facing on the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah – we give you three awesome sundowner options:
The Penthouse
Whether it’s a quiet sundowner, ladies’ night or the most happening beach party in town, you’ll find it all at Dubai’s biggest party address, The Penthouse on the 16th Floor of FIVE Palm Jumeirah. Enjoy the glitz and glimmer of Dubai’s JBR skyline, accompanying laid-back tunes, and a sleek white and gold decor ready to get your evening started. As well as sundowners, things keep going as one of the city’s latest nighttime part venues.
Where to find it: The Penthouse, FIVE Palm Jumeirah. Sat to Wed 4:00 pm to 3:00 am; Thu to Fri 4:00 pm to 4:00 am
Learn more: www.thepenthouse.co
Above 21
Also within the FIVE Palm Jumeirah complex, you’ll find Above 21 Cigar & Whiskey Lounge. Sitting on the 14th floor, Above 21 is a quieter and more luxurious affair for connoisseurs of rare cigars and fine whiskeys from around the world.
The action starts from 4:00 pm for those who’d like an exceptionally civilised sundowner sip overlooking Jumeirah Beach & the skyscrapers of JBR and the Marina. Seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available.
Where to find it: Above 21, FIVE Palm Jumeirah. 4:00 pm to 2:00 am daily.
Learn more: www.fivehotelandresorts.com
Sundowner Sips at Beach by Five
Get the sand beneath your toes by enjoying FIVE-tastic cocktails from the beachfront bar of FIVE Palm Jumeirah Beach. Far from your average hotel beach, Beach by FIVE is home to double-width sun loungers, cabanas, jacuzzis, and a breathtaking glass-lined pool topped with a stunning chandelier; arguably the most Instagrammable beach in Dubai.
Where to find it: FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Palm Jumeirah. Sat to Wed 9:00 am to 2:00 am; Thu to Fri 9:00am to 3:00 am.
Learn more at fivehotelsandresorts.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Five Palm Jumeirah – check prices here
Folly
Split over three split levels in the stunningly picturesque Madinat Jumeirah complex, Happy Hour at Folly runs daily from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
While the restaurant and garden terrace, along with a rooftop bar do not look directly over the Gulf, instead, you will be offered absolutely unmissable views of the iconic Burj Al Arab, silhouetted against the nighttime sky as the sun sets.
Where to find it: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim. The Rooftop from 5:00 pm daily (Happy Hour until 7:00 pm); The Garden Terrace and Lounge from 7:00 pm daily, The Dining Room from 7:00 pm daily; Friday and Saturday Brunch 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Learn more at folly.ae
Make a night of it: Stay at Jumeirah al Nassem – check pricing here
SoBe
Holding one of Dubai’s absolute prime waterfront positions on the west crescent of The Palm, SoBe in W Dubai – The Palm offers a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the Gulf with 360º views.
Open from 5:00 pm daily, SoBe offers 2-4-1 Happy Hour for our sundowner fans until 6:00 pm (Sat to Thu). With a distinct feel of South Beach Miami, this art deco-inspired bar offers some of the most stunning 360-degree views of the Palm.
Where to find it: Sobe, W Dubai – The Palm, West Crescent Sat to Wed 5:00 pm to 2:00 am; Tue to Fri 5:00 pm to 3:00 am.
Learn more at sobedubai.com
Make a night of it: Stay at W Dubai – The Palm – check pricing here
Azure Beach Club
Whether you want the feel of heavenly white sand between your toes as you gaze out upon the Arabian Gulf, or if kicking back on the manicured lawn is more your scene, watch the sun set in paradise at the Azure Beach Club while sipping on exotic cocktails.
Where to find it: Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR. 10:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
Learn more at www.azure-beach.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Rixos Premium – check pricing here
Mercury Lounge
Mercury Lounge is your answer if it’s a combination of spectacular city views you want AND watching those shimmering Arabian Gulf sunsets. Found atop Four Seasons Jumeirah, you will find a pretty reasonably priced drinks menu and a wide-ranging menu of Mediterranean dishes. Those in National Dress and children are permitted until 11:00 pm – closes over summer.
Where to find it: Four Seasons Jumeirah, Jumeirah 2. 6:00 pm to 2:00 am Sat to Tue; 6:00 pm to 3:00 am Wed to Fri.
Learn more at mercurydubai.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Four Seasons Jumeirah – check pricing here
Shimmers on the Beach
This is the perfect setting if you love the feeling of sand beneath your feet. Casual romantic is the best way to describe the stunningly relaxed but luxury beachfront restaurant at Madinat Jumeirah.
Think bean bags, whitewashed wood, and wicker chairs. Enjoy sunset views of the beautifully silhouetted Burj Al Arab while enjoying fresh calamari and a Greek-influenced restaurant.
Where to find it: Shimmers on the Beach, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. 1:00 pm to midnight daily
Learn more at jumeirah.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam – check prices here
Bliss Lounge
Bliss Lounge can fit the bill perfectly if you aren’t particularly after 5-star and fancy. Situated on the grounds of Sheraton, JBR you can enjoy uninterrupted sea views in this chilled-out beachside lounge on The Beach. A DJ sets the scene during the week for chilled-out vibes, and you’ll find a more lively crowd over weekends.
The perfect place to share a drink with friends over cocktails and tapas whilst enjoying happy hour pricing from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm daily. Children are permitted until 10:00 pm so a great one for parents who want a little end of the day unwind too.
Where to find it: Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, JBR, Dubai. 6:00 pm to 2:00 am daily.
Learn more at blissloungedubai.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort – check pricing here
Best Dubai Creek Sundowners
Often mistakenly thought of as the “old” part of Dubai, there are several chic and modern bar and dining sports you’ll want to watch along Dubai Creek and Bur Dubai.
Cielo Sky Lounge
This has long been one of our favourite sundowner spots in Dubai. Sitting along Dubai Creek, Cielo Sky Lounge perches on the rooftop of the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. A chilled out inner-city escape, Cielo Sky Lounge offers cocktails to shisha along with a Mediterranean menu to enjoy with your DJ beats over the Creek.
Where to find it: Cielo Sky Lounge, The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai Creek, Sat, Tue, Wed, Thu 5:00 pm to 2:00 am; Fri 5:00 pm to 3:00 am.
Learn more at www.dubaigolf.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Park Hyatt Dubai – check pricing here
Boardwalk
Also part of the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, the Boardwalk has long held the title of one of Dubai’s best al fresco dining spots. Enjoy a far less traditional view of Dubai’s city skyline at sunset whilst enjoying the Meditteranean fest from pizza to seafood options and shisha to top off your evening by the creek.
Where to find it: Boardwalk, The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Dubai Creek, 12:00pm to midnight, daily.
Learn more at www.dubaigolf.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Park Hyatt Dubai – check pricing here
Vida Creek Harbour
Offering two stunning creekside drinking and dining choices, The Courtyard and Stage 2 at Vida Creek Harbour are both superb choices for sundowners, overlooking the picturesque marina and providing a distant Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa silhouette to your sunset.
Where to find it: Stage 2 & The Courtyard, Vida Creek Harbour, Dubai. Open 8:00 am to midnight, daily.
Learn more at www.vidahotels.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Vida Creek Harbour – check pricing here
Joe’s Backyard
Far from your traditional Dubai skyline views, Joe’s Backyard is the new kids on the block showing you what relaxed rooftop vibes are all about on the 19th floor of Holiday Inn, Dubai Festival City.
With that homey feel of a BBQ hang out with your mates, Joe’s Backyard brings you flame-grilled flavours from around the world, all whilst enjoying the sun setting over the distant high rises of Downtown Dubai.
With a daily Happy Hour from 5:00 pm to 8: 00pm, this is an unpretentious and friendly place to enjoy your sundowners with a braai.
Where to find it: Joe’s Backyard, 19th floor Holiday Inn, Dubai Festival City, Dubai. Sun to Thurs 5:00 pm till late, Fri & Sat 1:00 pm till late.
Learn more at joebackyard.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City – check pricing here
NOÉPE
Your no. 1 venue creekside for classic Dubai al fresco dining and sundowners, NOÉPE ticks all the right boxes. The New England-inspired theme decor will see you dining on Mediterranean-style dishes; fresh fish, healthy salads or grazing plates while watching the sun set over the Dubai Creek Marina.
Chilled out vibes can be enjoyed all afternoon and evening but it absolutely shines at it’s best during the golden hour before sunset. Not only that but with Happy Hour every Sun through Wed from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm there is something for everyone.
Where to find it: NOÉPE, Creek Club Street, The Promenade, Park Hyatt, Dubai. 12:00 pm to midnight daily.
Learn more at hyattrestaurants.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Park Hyatt Dubai – check prices here
Highrise sundowner spots in Dubai
We already cover quite an extensive list of high-rise favourites in our Best Dubai Rooftop Bars Guide here, so highlighting in this article our favourites to visit right at sunset, and many that are so high up their actually enclosed indoors rather than rooftop.
At.mosphere
They don’t get much higher in Dubai, or anywhere in the world really than At.Mosphere. Sundowners from the world’s tallest building have got to be on your bucket list – though do expect sky-high prices to match your venue on the 122nd floor o the Burj Khalifa – and extra for the privilege of a front-row window seat!
Offering a range of meal services from breakfast to morning and afternoon teas, private dining, as well as sundowners.
Where to find it: Level 122, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai. Open daily from 7:00 am; Evening lounge hours 5:30 pm to 1:30 am. Minimum spends apply.
Learn more at atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Armani Hotel Dubai Burj Khalifa – check pricing here
Treehouse
Come hang with the cool kids at this epic inner-city sundowner spot. Enjoying fabulous Burj Khalifa views, this alfresco terrace on the rooftop of Taj Dubai offers some of modern Dubai’s best vantage points in amongst – you could probably guess – a lush urban oasis to feel like a treehouse.
A favourite with the Business Bay working crowd, Happy Hour, known as Kormorebi, is on Sunday to Thursday 6:00 pm to 9:00pm. Though opening at 6:00 pm cuts it a little fine for the best of Dubai sundowner time in winter it’s definitely worth a visit.
Saturday’s are a real hit though where you can have the Hidden Brunch after-party (4:00 pm to 9:00 pm). This is one for your cocktail & party crowd who love the urban vibe.
Where to find it: Taj Dubai, Burj Khalifa Street. Sat to Wed 6:00 pm to 2:00 am; Thu to Fri 6:00 pm to 3:00 am; Hidden Brunch After Party (Fri) 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Learn more a treehousedubai.ae
Make a night of it: Stay at Taj Dubai – check pricing here
Twenty Three
A bit of a hidden gem still, Twenty Three is the rooftop bar offering from the fairly new Grand Plaza Movenpick Hotel in Media City. From the glass-fronted terrace, you can catch the sunset over the Palm and Dubai Marina.
Where to find it: Twenty Three, Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City, Sheikh Zayed Road. Open daily 4:23 pm to 2:23 am.
Learn more at movenpick.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Grand Plaza Movenpick Hotel- check pricing here
Mami Umami
A touch of Japanese in the heart of Dubai? This new Japanese fusion restaurant (previously home to Morimoto sushi restaurant) is one of the city’s most loved rooftops atop the 23rd floor of the Renaissance Downtown, offering some staggering Burj Khalifa and Downtown views.
Whether it’s after-work drinks or tourists seeking a well-sought-after spot to see the city sunset, Mami Umami will have you covered with expert mixologists and casual dining. Gone seems to be the 89 AED sundowner deal but do look out for Wednesday ladies’ night.
Where to find it: Mami Umami, Renaissance Downtown, Marasi Drive, Dubai. Tue to Fri 6:00 pm to 1:00 am.
Learn more at renaissancedubailife.com
Make a night of it: Stay at Renaissance Downtown – check pricing here
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel
Only recently pipped as Dubai’s tallest hotel, but still, a couple of stand-out sundowner venues you won’t want to miss in this Business Bay beauty:
Weslodge Saloon
Sitting 68 floors above street level, the views are bound to be impressive from this Canadian Bar. Admire the seemingly endless sunsets whilst enjoying the fun and extensive drinks list of this favourite city hang out – open from 5:30 pm so you’ll catch the last shimmers of light before the party continues well into the evening.
Where to find it: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay. Daily 5.30 pm to – 2:00 am
Learn more at weslodge.ae
Vault
Stealing the show though on floors 71st and 72nd floor of JW Mariott Marquis, enjoy Dubai’s highest Happy Hour at The Vault from 5:00 pm to 7: 00 pm daily. Through the floor to ceiling windows, this is one of Dubai’s premier sundowner views at a price that won’t totally make your eyes water for the privilege.
Where to find it: Level 72 Tower A, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay. Sat to Wed 5:00 pm to 1:00 am; Thu 5:00 pm to 2:00 am & Fri 4:00 pm to 2:00 am.
Learn more at jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
Make a night of it: Stay at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel – check pricing here
Other ways to see the sunset in Dubai
This list has only touched on licensed bars where you can enjoy an alcoholic drink at sundown. There are, of course, plentiful parks and the vast expanses of the Dubai Desert where you can watch the sun go down for free.
Some desert camps will be licensed to provide you with the perfect sundowner opportunity in the desert. But please do not, alcohol should NOT be drunk in public parks and beaches (if you do, proceed very discreetly or risk hefty fines).
Whatever way you enjoy your sunset vibes, you will find somewhere truly unique in Dubai.
Information originally published January 2020, updates have been made as of April 2022. Always check with the venue prior to visiting in case there are special opening hours, restricted hours or changes in special offers.
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1 comment
Wow!! These places are so beautiful. I would be glad to visit them soon. Thanks for sharing!