Best Rooftop Bars in Dubai
Experience breathtaking skyline views and world-class cocktails at Dubai's most spectacular rooftop lounges and bars.
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Top Rooftop Bars in Dubai
Level 43 Sky Lounge
Location: Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road
Perched on the 43rd floor, this open-air terrace offers 360-degree views of Dubai's skyline in a sophisticated setting.
- Price Range: $$$
- Best For: Sunset cocktails and city views
- Signature Drink: Level 43 Sunset (vodka, passion fruit, vanilla)
- Hours: 12pm - 2am daily
- Dress Code: Smart casual
Mercury Lounge
Location: Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach
Elegant rooftop garden with panoramic views of Burj Khalifa and the Arabian Gulf in a sophisticated setting.
- Price Range: $$$$
- Best For: Upscale evening drinks and Mediterranean bites
- Signature Drink: Gold Digger (gin, elderflower, cucumber)
- Hours: 6pm - 2am (closed during summer months)
- Dress Code: Smart elegant
Iris Dubai
Location: Meydan Hotel, Nad Al Sheba
Trendy open-air lounge with live music, creative cocktails, and views of the downtown skyline and racecourse.
- Price Range: $$$
- Best For: Lively nightlife and music
- Signature Drink: Iris Mule (vodka, ginger, cucumber)
- Hours: 6pm - 3am (closed Sundays)
- Dress Code: Stylish
Folly Rooftop
Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Intimate rooftop terrace with stunning views of Burj Al Arab and the Madinat waterways in a relaxed setting.
- Price Range: $$$
- Best For: Pre-dinner drinks and Arabian sunset views
- Signature Drink: Folly Gin & Tonic (with house-infused botanicals)
- Hours: 4pm - 12am daily
- Dress Code: Smart casual
CE LA VI
Location: Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai
Glamorous rooftop with infinity pool, restaurant, and lounge offering spectacular views of Burj Khalifa.
- Price Range: $$$$
- Best For: Sophisticated dining and nightlife
- Signature Drink: Butterfly Pea G&T
- Hours: 12pm - 3am daily
- Dress Code: Elegant
Zeta Seventy Seven
Location: Address Beach Resort, JBR
Stunning infinity pool and Asian restaurant on the 77th floor, holding the Guinness World Record for highest outdoor infinity pool.
- Price Range: $$$$
- Best For: Luxury dining with panoramic views
- Signature Drink: Zeta Spritz (Aperol, yuzu, champagne)
- Hours: 12:30pm - 12am daily
- Dress Code: Smart elegant
Best Views from Dubai's Rooftop Bars
Burj Khalifa Views
For the best views of the world's tallest building, these rooftop bars offer spectacular vantage points:
- CE LA VI - Unparalleled close-up views from Address Sky View
- Mercury Lounge - Elegant views framed by the Four Seasons' gardens
- Level 43 - 360° perspective with both Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame
Palm & Ocean Views
For breathtaking views of The Palm Jumeirah and the Arabian Gulf, visit these elevated spots:
- Zeta Seventy Seven - Highest infinity pool with Palm panorama
- The Penthouse - FIVE Palm Jumeirah's adults-only rooftop
- Folly Rooftop - Intimate views of Burj Al Arab and Arabian Gulf
Sunset Spots
Dubai's sunsets are legendary, and these rooftop bars offer the perfect setting to watch the sky transform:
- Mercury Lounge - Golden hour with dual views of city and sea
- Iris Dubai - Sunset over the Meydan racecourse and distant skyline
- Level 43 - Unobstructed 360° sunset views from Sheikh Zayed Road
- Folly Rooftop - Sunset behind the iconic Burj Al Arab silhouette
Essential Tips for Visiting Dubai's Rooftop Bars
Dress Codes & Etiquette
- Smart casual minimum - Most rooftop bars enforce dress codes, especially in the evening
- No sportswear or beachwear - Even in hot weather, athletic wear is typically not permitted
- Closed shoes for men - Many upscale venues require proper footwear (no flip-flops or sandals)
- Smart jeans acceptable - Dark, non-distressed denim is usually permitted
- Respect local customs - While dress codes are more relaxed in tourist areas, overly revealing clothing may be frowned upon
Reservations & Timing
- Book in advance - Especially for premium spots like CE LA VI and Zeta Seventy Seven
- Specify view preferences - Request Burj Khalifa or Palm views when booking
- Arrive before sunset - The golden hour (5:30-7:00 PM depending on season) is prime time
- Check seasonal hours - Some rooftop venues close or have limited operations during summer months
- Ladies' nights - Many venues offer special deals for women on specific weeknights
- Minimum spends - Some venues require minimum consumption, especially for prime tables
Weather Considerations
Peak Season (November-April)
- Perfect weather for outdoor rooftops
- Temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F)
- Bring a light jacket for evening breezes
- Busiest period - advance reservations essential
Summer Season (May-October)
- Many rooftops close or install air conditioning
- Temperatures can exceed 40°C (104°F)
- Look for venues with cooling systems or indoor sections
- Summer promotions and deals often available
Frequently Asked Questions about Dubai's Rooftop Bars
What is the highest rooftop bar in Dubai?
Zeta Seventy Seven at Address Beach Resort currently holds the title of Dubai's highest rooftop bar, located on the 77th floor at 293 meters above ground. It's home to the world's highest infinity pool and offers breathtaking views of Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters Island, and the Arabian Gulf.
Do Dubai's rooftop bars serve alcohol?
Yes, most rooftop bars in Dubai serve alcohol as they are located within hotels and resorts where alcohol licenses are permitted. Non-alcoholic options are also widely available, including creative mocktails. Note that drinking in public spaces outside of licensed venues is prohibited in Dubai.
What is the dress code for rooftop bars in Dubai?
Most upscale rooftop bars enforce a smart casual to elegant dress code, especially in the evening. For men, this typically means collared shirts, long trousers, and closed shoes. For women, elegant attire is expected. Sportswear, beachwear, and flip-flops are generally not permitted. More exclusive venues like CE LA VI and Mercury Lounge have stricter dress codes.
Are Dubai's rooftop bars open year-round?
Not all rooftop bars operate year-round due to Dubai's extreme summer heat. Many venues close or limit their operations during the hottest months (June-September). Others install air conditioning, misting systems, or retractable roofs to remain open. Always check the venue's current operating schedule before planning your visit, especially during summer.
Which rooftop bars offer the best view of Burj Khalifa?
For prime Burj Khalifa views, CE LA VI at Address Sky View offers the most spectacular close-up perspective. Level 43 at Four Points by Sheraton provides excellent 360° views including both Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame. Mercury Lounge at Four Seasons and Iris Dubai also offer beautiful distant views of the world's tallest building.
Do I need to make reservations for rooftop bars?
Reservations are highly recommended for most rooftop bars in Dubai, especially during peak tourist season (November-April) and for prime sunset hours. Exclusive venues like CE LA VI, Zeta Seventy Seven, and Mercury Lounge often require bookings weeks in advance for the best tables. Some venues also have minimum spend requirements for table reservations.
What are the average prices at Dubai's rooftop bars?
Dubai's rooftop bars typically charge premium prices, especially those with exceptional views. Expect to pay:
- Cocktails: AED 70-120 ($19-33)
- Glass of wine: AED 60-100 ($16-27)
- Beer: AED 50-80 ($14-22)
- Mocktails: AED 45-70 ($12-19)
- Light bites/appetizers: AED 60-150 ($16-41)
Many venues also have minimum spend requirements for tables with prime views, typically ranging from AED 300-1,000 ($82-272) per person.
Are there any ladies' night specials at rooftop bars?
Yes, many rooftop bars in Dubai offer ladies' night promotions with complimentary drinks or special discounts for women. Popular options include:
- CE LA VI: Tuesdays with complimentary drinks for ladies
- Iris Dubai: Tuesdays with free-flowing drinks for women
- Level 43: Various weeknight promotions
- The Penthouse at FIVE Palm: Tuesday ladies' day with pool access and drinks
Promotions change seasonally, so check venue websites or call ahead for current offers.
Which rooftop bars are best for sunset views?
For spectacular sunset views in Dubai, these rooftop bars are particularly recommended:
- Folly Rooftop: Sunset behind the iconic Burj Al Arab silhouette
- Mercury Lounge: Panoramic sunset views with the Burj Khalifa in the distance
- Level 43: Unobstructed 360° views as the sun sets over the city
- Iris Dubai: Sunset over the Meydan racecourse with the skyline beyond
Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to secure good seating and watch the full color transformation of the sky.
Are Dubai's rooftop bars family-friendly?
Most premium rooftop bars in Dubai are adult-oriented venues, particularly in the evening hours. Some key points to note:
- Many rooftop venues have age restrictions (21+ or 25+) after certain hours, typically 8pm or 9pm
- Some venues like Zeta Seventy Seven and Folly Rooftop welcome families during daytime and early evening hours
- Venues with pools often have specific family hours or adult-only policies
- For family-friendly alternatives with views, consider At.mosphere Lounge (Burj Khalifa) during daytime hours or The Rooftop at One&Only Royal Mirage
Always check the venue's age policy before planning a family visit.
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