Sundowners in Dubai: Best spots for sunset views

Time Out Dubai

27-05-2025

The temperature is only getting higher in Dubai.
That only means one thing: It's the perfect time for a sundowner (or five) at one of Dubai's best bars, restaurants or beach clubs before it gets too hot.
All boasting incredible sunset views of Dubai, you can peep some of the city's most iconic landmarks from these fun and fab watering holes.
Whether they are perched atop luxury hotels or directly on the beach. What better way to spend a lazy afternoon with friends or watch the sun go down on a romantic date?
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Best bars for sundowners in Dubai
Located in one of Dubai's most exclusive hotels, 101 One&Only The Palm is considered one of the best places in the world to chill out and watch the sunset. Jutting out from the southernmost arc of the Palm, it is accessible by buggy, but if you're looking to impress, then we suggest hopping on a boat from the mainland Royal Mirage Hotel.
Internationally-influenced tapas is the order of the day (think not only Spanish but Middle Eastern, Japanese, South American and Korean, too), all to be enjoyed against the view of the neon-lined skyscrapers of Dubai Marina.
Open daily, noon-1am. One&Only The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (050 332 6832)
Check out our 101 Lounge Bar review here
Attiko
A restaurant bar located on the rooftop of W Dubai – Mina Seyahi. Influenced in design by an Asian garden, the breathtaking 600 sqm space has floor-to-ceiling windows throughout its interiors. Lounge seating surrounds a striking bar with a sleek design. The space is completed by a large outdoor terrace with panoramic views of Dubai Harbour, Palm Jumeirah, and Bluewater Island. It offers stunning views of the city as it welcomes guests to the top floor of the 31-storey hotel, alongside a pan-Asian menu and an array of beverages.
Sun-Fri 5pm-2am, Sat, 2pm-5pm, 7pm-2am, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina (04 350 9983)
Barasti
Barasti is certainly Dubai's most famous beach bar – open since 1995, it's managed to remain one of the city's busiest bars for sundowners thanks to its sprawling beachside location and the promise of a fun night to remember (or most likely forget).
The definition of an oldie but goodie, while it's not everybody's cup of tea, it's a solid spot to grab a table with friends and enjoy reasonably-priced drinks as the sun goes down. Trust us, you could do much worse.
Open daily, 9am-3am. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina (04 318 1313).
Check out our full Barasti review here
Jetty Lounge
Got the in-laws in town? You'll want to take them to Jetty Lounge. Perhaps the prettiest spot in the whole of Dubai for sundowners, the classy lounge on the beachfront of the One&Only Royal Mirage serves up Mediterranean bites, classic cocktails and a Balearic soundtrack in a super chilled-out setting.
Gazing out over the JBR waters, cosy up on a plush white sofa in one of the dimly lit booths, dip your toes in the sand and simply wait for the sun to set.
Open daily 5pm-1am. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina (04 315 2412).
Check out our full Jetty Lounge review here
Luna Sky Bar
In DIFC? This gorgeous bar at Four Seasons DIFC is a prime spot for a sky-high drink. If you're in the surrounding neighbourhood for dinner (or just finished work) then drop by for an apéritif (you'll get some free snacks with every drink, too) and admire the views.
Open daily 5pm-3am. Four Seasons Hotel DIFC (04 506 0300).
Check out our full Luna Sky Bar review here
Monkey Bar
If you are looking to try a spot for sundowners with great music, look no further. Hailing from Berlin, Monkey Bar at 25 Hours Hotel is an ultra-cool al fresco hangout. Perched on the sixth floor, expect some impressive skyline views to pair with your tipples, not to mention a fantastic vantage point to see the Museum of the Future on high.
The good times never stop with the nightly roster of live DJ performances that set the vibes for good times. What's more, there are some Latin American bites to get stuck into if you get peckish.
Open daily, Sun-Thurs, 5pm-2am, Fri-Sat, 5pm-3am. 25Hours Hotel Dubai One Central, Trade Centre 2, Dubai (04 210 2525).
Check out our full Monkey Bar review here
Noépe
While most of the best bars for sundowners in Dubai tend to base themselves by the beach, Noépe at the Park Hyatt bucks the trend with a sophisticated setting by the Creek.
With its New England-inspired interiors and delicious menu serving up American east coast classics with a contemporary twist, you could easily be in Cape Cod as you sip on a refreshing beverage overlooking the yachts bobbing lazily in the marina. Simply divine.
Open daily, noon-1am. Park Hyatt Dubai, Dubai Creek (04 602 1814).
Check out our full Noépe review here
Paros
Taking inspiration from the Greek island of the same name, you'll find Paros on top of the 46th floor of the Taj in JLT. You'll be treated to glorious vistas of the Marina and close-by Emirates Golf Club from its huge terrace, which tends to be packed most nights of the week.
If you want to be in a prime position to watch the sky turn from blue to yellow to golden orange we recommend heading there early and enjoying some of Paros' cracking bar food while you wait.
Open Wed-Sat noon-3am, Sun-Tues, noon-1am, Taj JLT (04 574 1111).
Check out our full Paros review here
Privilege
As one of the world's highest bars, you can guarantee some pretty epic views of Dubai's skyline from Privilege at SLS Dubai from 325 metres up. This slick and stylish indoor-outdoor hangout has a lineup of live music DJ sets to set the tempo for your night out and a wide variety of mixed drinks on offer.
Open daily, 5pm-11pm, Business Bay, Dubai (054 991 8120).
With its huge roof space and super glamourous crowd, this Time Out Dubai award winner is one of our favourite bars for sundowners in Dubai. Located in the swanky W Dubai hotel, the atmosphere is always electric, and you can't beat its unobstructed views of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf.
Come for the sunset and stay for the party, which really kicks off on the weekend. You can find us at the bar.
Mon-Thurs, 5pm-1am, Fri 5pm-2am, Sat 4pm,-2am, Sun, 4pm-1am. W Dubai – The Palm, West Crescent Palm Jumeirah. sobedubai.com (04 245 5577).
Check out our full SoBe review here
The Penthouse
A staple of Dubai's sundowner (and party) scene, The Penthouse is the place to head if you're in the mood for a big night out. Sitting on the 16th floor of FIVE Palm Jumeirah, while you'll have already seen its picture-perfect views of Dubai Marina all over your Instagram feed, be sure to reserve a low-level table lining the glass wall that faces directly onto the Arabian Gulf to enjoy them to their fullest IRL. Don't get too comfy – its resident DJs will have you on your feet before you know it.
Open daily 5pm-4am. FIVE Palm Jumeirah. thepenthouse.com (052 900 4868).
Check out our full The Penthouse review here
Tiki's Bar by Canary Club
Found atop Canary Club in JLT, which was created by the team behind The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill, Tiki's Bar by Canary Club is an extension of the popular restaurant. Oozing summer vibes, Tiki's is primed and waiting for those to bask in golden hour rays while enjoying a mixed drink.
Mon-Wed, noon-1am, Thurs, noon-2am, Sat, 2pm-7pm, 8pm-2am, Sun 2pm-1am. Canary Club, Banyan Tree Residences, JLT (04 584 5999).
Check out our full Canary Club review here
Best restaurants for sundowners
Basko
Boasting a stunning view of the towering Burj Khalifa, a pumping vibe and Instagrammable interiors, Basko is a guaranteed lively night out. The venue, which opened at the start of 2022 in a prime spot in The Opus in Business Bay offers an eclectic selection of food and cool cocktails served at the outdoor bar.
Mon-Sun noon-11pm (closed Tuesdays) The Opus by Omniat, Business Bay (04 582 4242).
Beach Bar & Grill
One of Dubai's longest-standing beach restaurants, the Beach Bar & Grill was given a sparkling new makeover at the end of 2021, with fantastic new views to boot. There's Bluewaters to your left, the new Dubai Harbour right in front and Palm Jumeirah to your right, with lots of swanky yachts to admire.
While there are four stunning teakwood terraces outside on which to dine, we recommend booking a table on the one on the sand from which you can indulge in quality Latin American fare courtesy of Chef Mauro Colagreco as the sun dips behind the horizon in the distance.
Open daily noon-11pm. The Palace at One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina (04 399 9999).
Check out our full Beach Bar & Grill review here
Fish Beach Taverna
Picture the scene. You're on a beach in Dubai, eating endless fresh seafood, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves while watching the sunset in the distance, sundowner in hand. Does life get much better than that? That's a rhetorical question, by the way. From its paved flooring to the blue and white hues of the open-air restaurant, everything about this picture-perfect restaurant screams Santorini, including its Aegean menu of Greek cuisine. There's nothing left to do but grab a white table on the beach and stare out at the sea as fairy lights twinkle above you.
Open daily noon-4pm, 6pm-11pm. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. www.fish-dubai.com (04 511 7373).
Ginger Moon
One of the newer restaurants for sundowners in Dubai – Ginger Moon opened this April at the trendy (and also new) W Dubai – Mina Seyahi. This Mexican-inspired eatery looks out onto the hotel's azure infinity pool, and it's here you'll want to place yourself for those killer sunset views that look out over the Palm Jumeirah skyline. The food is equally as delicious as the vistas, with everything from burrata to lobster gracing the menu. Definitely, one to add to the list.
Open daily 7am-2am. W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina. www.marriot.com (04 350 9998).
Check out our full Ginger Moon review here
Isola Ristorante
Isola Ristorante is a wonderful spot to enjoy an outdoor breakfast, lunch or dinner. With gorgeous views of the Jumeirah Islands lake, this one is definitely high on our list of outdoor spots to have a sundowner. Perch yourself outside on the bar and enjoy a beverage with a unique view of one of Dubai's most affluent neighbourhoods.
Mon-Thu noon-11pm, Fri-Sun 8am-11pm Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse, Jumeirah Islands (04 583 3124).
La Cantine du Faubourg
A long-time favourite on the DIFC dining scene, we think La Cantine du Faubourg has one of the sleekest terraces in the city with a very dramatic backdrop of the Dubai Skyline. Serving up incredible cocktails, take a seat at the dedicated outdoor bar.
Mon-Thu noon-2am, Fri noon-3am, Sat noon-5pm, 7pm-3am, Sun 1pm-2am, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, (04 352 7105).
Check out our full La Cantine du Faubourg review here
If you hadn't already guessed, fresh seafood is the name of the game at this popular Palm Jumeirah spot – but that's not the only thing it serves up in spades. With Dubai Marina skyline views that are second to none and a Mediterranean-inspired menu sprinkled with Italian, French and Spanish flair, a flattering glow is painted over patrons as they eat while the sun sets, transporting you directly to a chic European beachside resort. And if all else fails, its expertly-crafted sundowners will definitely put you in the holiday mood.
Open daily 10am-3am. West Palm, Palm Jumeirah. www.luckyfishdubai.com (04 569 3447).
Check out our full Lucky Fish review here
Piatti by the Beach
There's something truly magical about watching the sunset over the water, and there's no place to do it quite like Piatti by the Beach. Drawing inspiration from Italy's Amalfi Coast, this relaxed yet sophisticated restaurant comes complete with a sprawling terrace that provides panoramic sea views and hanging planters loom overhead with cascading magenta blooms. If you didn't make it to Italy this year, this place is definitely the next best thing.
Open daily 12.30pm-11.30pm. Raffles The Palm Dubai, West Crescent Palm Jumeirah (04 248 8889).
Check out our full Piatti by the Beach review here
Shimmers
If shisha and sundowners by the beach are high on your list of priorities after a long week of work, hot foot it down to Shimmers. Located within the exquisite Mina A' Salam hotel and nestled directly under the sail of the Burj Al Arab, you'll have sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf from every direction. While more formal dining areas are available, for sunset we recommend basing yourself in one of the low-lying sofas and watching the magical sorbet hues fill the sky with a drink in hand.
Open daily 12.30pm-1am. Mina A' Salam, Madinat Jumeirah (800 323 232).
Check out our full Shimmers review here
Tamoka
Pristine white sands? Tick. Fiery Latin American dishes? Tick. Unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf and Ain Dubai? Tick, tick, tick. Taking pride of place on JBR beach, Tamoka holds one of Dubai's prime waterfront spots for sundowners, with fancy mixed drinks crafted by expert mixologists. This place garners a well-heeled crowd, so you might want to throw on a frock if you're staying for dinner.
Open daily noon-1am. The Walk, JBR. www.tamokadubai.com (04 318 6099).
Check out our full Tamoka review here
Best beach clubs for sundowners
Azure Beach
Whether you choose to grab a plush lounger by the pool, bury your toes in the cool white sand or kick back on its manicured lawns, Azure makes for a dreamy beach club for sundowners. Sitting pretty in the Rixos Premium Dubai, as the evening sets in, be sure to lounge in the sunlit bar on comfortable sofas, sipping iced drinks against those unbelievable sunset views. Get your cameras at the ready for this one.
Open daily 10am-8pm (pool and beach access until 7pm). Rixos Dubai Premium, The Walk JBR. www.azure-beach.com (052 777 9472).
Check out our full Azure Beach review here
DRIFT Beach
Arguably one of the most Instagrammable spots in Dubai, Drift Beach is the place to see and be seen. Boasting sublime sunset views of Dubai Marina, the pool and beach are well desired for their achingly-chic vibe, while the food just so happens to be top-notch, too. Rosé is a must here – clink glasses under blue umbrellas while taking in the ocean air or, if you're feeling really flush, grab your friends and rent out its private cabana to enjoy the sunset in ultimate privacy.
Open Mon-Thu 12.30pm-8pm, Fri-Sun 9am-9pm; the pool and beach are open daily from 10am-7pm. One&Only Royal Mirage Dubai Marina. www.driftbeachdubai.com (04 315 2200).
Check out our full DRIFT Beach review here
February 30
It's no easy feat to distinguish yourself from the plethora of beach clubs that line West Beach on the Palm Jumeirah, but then again February 30 isn't your average beach club. During the day, grab a sun lounger and top up your tan to the soundtrack of tropical house beats, but come 5pm and we recommend perching yourself at the huge circular bar to drink in both the pristine sunset views and moreish mixed drinks.
Mon-Thurs noon-2am, Fri-10am-2am. West Beach, Palm Jumeirah. february30dubai.com (04 244 7200).
Check out our full February 30 review here
Fluid Beach Club
If you like your sundowners with a side of city skyline vistas, then look no further than Fluid Beach – a hip spot directly on the beach at the trendy The8 Palm. A sleek, streamlined infinity pool area complete with chic white sunbeds and pops of colours courtesy of bright red parasols, it offers up views of the Ain Dubai, Marina skyline and the Palm itself, making it a lovely spot for sunset views. Stay on afterwards as the music gets louder and the atmosphere more hedonistic, as early evening transitions into night.
Open daily 7am-11pm. The8 Palm, Palm Jumeirah. www.th8palmdubai.com/fluid-beach-club (04 525 8888).
Nobu by the Beach
Taking Nobu's winning luxury formula and turning it alfresco, Nobu by the Beach is a pool and beach club blend. There is both an outdoor restaurant and a beach club. If Dubai's original Nobu restaurant is anything to go by, the food is some of the best Japanese cuisines around. After thirteen years of Nobu Dubai, 2023 brings the next phase for the world-famous Japanese Peruvian restaurant by Nobu Matsuhisa. Nobu by the Beach at Atlantis The Royal delivers the unique chemistry and perfect balance of luxury and lifestyle. The setting merges the modern architecture of Dubai's newest icon with an intuitive interpretation of Chef Nobu's signature style.
Open daily, 9am-11pm. Atlantis The Royal, promenade level (04 426 2626).
WHITE Beach
If you're looking to toast to the sunset in style then you've come to the right place – the al fresco terrace dotted with soft nautical furnishings, whitewashed furniture and plenty of flora of WHITE Beach give Ibiza's more hedonistic hotspots a run for their money. The best bit? You don't even have to leave the infinity pool as you wait for the sun to set. One of the most luxurious beach clubs for sundowners, no question.
Open Thurs-Sun, 10am-midnight, Mon-Wed 10am-8pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 426 0000).
Check out our full WHITE Beach review here
Zero Gravity
Whilst Zero Gravity might not be the first place you'd think of for romantic sundowners by the beach – you'll find us there every Saturday enjoying its raucous brunch – it's still one of the most popular. Make a day of it by heading down early to soak up the sun alongside its Dubai Marina skyline, and stay until the sun sets to toast the evening before it gets messy.
Sun-Mon, 10am-9pm, Tues 9am-9pm, Wed closed. Thurs 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat, 10am-2am. Dubai Marina, Skydive Dubai. 0-gravity.ae (04 399 0009).
Check out our full Zero Gravity review here
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