They say that the best things in life are for free, and it’s certainly true when trying to catch the sun’s golden rays rising against the city’s horizon.
Dubai’s morning sunrises are mesmerising to watch before the city awakens and bursts into life, thanks to the clear skies for most parts of the year. With so many spectacular spots around town to watch the sunrise seamlessly blend into the city’s skyline, which one will you head to first.
Experience Sunrise in Dubai
Nestled by the banks of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai’s sunrise is one of the morning sights not to be missed. Irrespective of how good you are with your camera, witnessing the sun appear and shine its yellow-orange glow over the city will surely turn you into a photographer.
With a variety of landscapes on offer, Dubai’s magical sunrises can be viewed from its sandy beaches, rolling desert sand dunes, floating from hot air balloons, or even standing at the world’s tallest observation deck.
How does Sunrise in Dubai change over the year?
Positioned in the northern hemisphere on the 25th parallel, Dubai’s daylight hours tend to vary only marginally throughout the year.
You get to experience longer days during the summer months, with June having the longest daylight hours of almost 13:40 hours. On the other hand, the winter months here have the shortest daylight hours of approximately 10 hours.
The sunrise during summer can take place around 5:30 am, and in December it can be as late as 7:00 am.
The subtle difference you will find is that the winter months’ sunrise can also be accompanied by thick fog, so you may end up with a blanket of white until the sun starts to shine through by mid-morning.
Guide to Sunrise times in Dubai
| Month | Twilight | Sunrise |
| January | 6:39 to 6:41 AM | 7:04 to 7:06 AM |
| February | 6:37 to 6:19 AM | 7:01 to 6:42 AM |
| March | 6:18 to 5:47 AM | 6:41 to 6:10 AM |
| April | 5:47 to 5:19 AM | 6:10 to 5:43 AM |
| May | 5:18 to 5:03 AM | 5:42 to 5:29 AM |
| June | 5:02 to 5:06 AM | 5:28 to 5:31 AM |
| July | 5:07 to 5:21 AM | 5:33 to 5:46 AM |
| August | 5:21 to 5:36 AM | 5:46 to 5:59 AM |
| September | 5:36 to 5:47 AM | 5:59 to 6:10 AM |
| October | 5:48 to 6:02 AM | 6:11 to 6:26 AM |
| November | 6:03 to 6:22 AM | 6:26 to 6:47 AM |
| December | 6:23 to 6:39 AM | 6:47 to 7:04 AM |
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Best Places to See the Sunrise in Dubai
If you’re looking for the best places to catch the sunrise in Dubai, then perhaps continue on to breakfast in some of Dubai’s most picturesque locations, why not try:
See Sunrise in Dubai at Burj Khalifa
It doesn’t get more iconic than watching the sunrise from the world’s tallest observation deck. Feel awakened in the high-speed elevator, as it takes you up to the 124th floor in just one minute, from where you get to witness 360° panoramic views of the city. Follow this up with a complimentary pastry and a hot drink at The Cafe, on the way back down.
Pricing for sunrise at Burj Khalifa
- Adult: AED 122.62
- Child: AED 89.29
Timings: 05:00 AM – 07:00 AM (Fri – Sun only)
See Sunrise in Dubai at The View at The Palm
At 240 meters above ground, the glass-framed observation deck at The View offers breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah, a set of man-made islands designed to look like a palm tree, Dubai’s distant skyline, and of course, the panoramic sunrise. Located on Level 52 of The Palm Tower, you can enjoy creative exhibitions and interactive aquarium tunnels.
Sunrise experiences are currently taking place during the winter months from 6:00 am to 6:30 am.
Prices for the View at The Palm:
- Adult: AED 70 for General Admission or AED 125 with Breakfast
- Child: AED 40 for General Admission or AED 105 with Breakfast
Timings: 06:00 AM – 06:30 AM
Hot Air Balloon Rides at Sunrise in Dubai
If you are seeking an adventurous way to witness the sunrise, floating 4000 feet above the ground, behind the Hajar Mountains and sandy desert dunes, then you need to sign up for a hot air balloon ride. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will have you watching the sunrise and paint the sky with different hues of gold as you gently drift past the desert.
Prices and Timings for Sunrise Balloon Rides in Dubai:
- Prices can vary depending on the hot air balloon company and the package you opt for. Here are some suggested tours for the most popular hot air balloon companies that will see you soaring over the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Sunrise over Dubai Creek
Step away from all things modern that Dubai is most well known for, and immerse yourself in some old-world charm of the city as you witness the sunrise at Dubai Creek. Take a walk around the creek, hop on to one of the traditional ‘abras’ and observe the early morning commotion, before trying out some local cuisine and the famous ‘Karak’ chai tea.
Prices for Enjoying sunrise on Dubai Creek:
- Completely free, or just AED 1 for Abra rides
Timings: From 6:00 AM onwards
Sunrise over Kite Beach
Dubai is blessed with many wonderful public beaches and beachfront hotels, but a consistent favourite is Kite Beach. For the most wonderful views of the skyline with orange and yellow hues, this beach also has the most beautiful backdrop of the iconic Burj Al Arab.
Head over just before the golden hour and make it a fun family day out at the beach, followed by water activities and tucking into a well-deserved breakfast at one of the beachfront eateries.
Free access
Timings: Open 24 hours
Sunrise over Al Qudra Lake
Al Qudra Lake is a man-made desert oasis that brings together the desert and beach experience. It is home to more than 130 avian species and many desert animals. Experience the morning sunrise with the chirping sounds of the birds, and watch them take flight across the colour-changing sky.
Head over to the bird watchtowers with your binoculars, to spot some local birds and also view the wonderful illusion created by the sunlight bouncing off the water.
Prices: Free access
Timings: Open 24 hours
Learn more about the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and Love Lakes Dubai here.
A Sunrise Desert Safari in Dubai
It’s easy to see why a desert safari in Dubai is one of the most popular activities for tourists visiting the city. The natural beauty of the desert, the wildlife, and breathtaking views of the sun rising from behind the vastness of the desert, is nothing less than spectacular. Complete the experience with photoshoots, camel rides, henna, and even breakfast when you take a sunrise desert safari.
Prices and Timings:
Prices can vary depending on the safari company and the package you opt for. Here’s a quick link to the most popular safari packages, with all the information:
Al Jaddaf Waterfront
A secluded part of the city that doesn’t get a lot of crowds, Al Jaddaf Waterfront is the perfect place to appreciate a peaceful sunrise.
Al Jaddaf is a 7 km long hotel hub with a variety of dining joints, and a perfect spot for a morning photo walk, capturing the first rays of light over the water and for something unique, seek out the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park.
Prices: Free access
Timings: Open 24 hours
Bluewaters Island
Home to Dubai’s newest landmark Ain Dubai, the Bluewaters Island is a luxury residential venue known for its vibrant entertainment and commercial complexes. It offers panoramic views of the sunrise set against the backdrop of the city’s skyscrapers.
Enjoy your morning stroll as you walk across the pedestrian bridge between the main island and JBR, and finish it up with a healthy breakfast at a choice of your restaurant.
Prices: Free access
Timings: Open 24 hours
We await news if Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island will start offering sunrise tickets, currently opening time is 10:00 AM.
Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai
- Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai, a handy guide on what to pack, and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
- Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai.
- Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!!!
- Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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