Nine Dubai venues with the best sunset views

From beach hangouts to rooftop terraces, these spots offer front-row seats to nature's most impressive show

Koko Bay was one of the first spots to open at Palm West Beach on The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Photo: Koko Bay

Beachfront restaurant Cana by Tamoka in JBR offers impressive sunset views. Photo: Tamoka

SoBe at W Dubai — The Palm offers sea views on all sides. Photo: W Duabi

Twiggy by La Cantine offers sunset views across Dubai Creek Harbour. Photo: Twiggy by La Cantine

Enjoy the sunset at laid-back restaurant and bar Fish Beach Taverna. Photo: Fish Beach Taverna

Folly's rooftop, located at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, is a top vantage point come golden hour. Photo: Folly

Aura Skypool, the world’s tallest 360-degree infinity pool, offers some of the city's most incredible views. Victor Besa / The National

The terrace at Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar has great sunset views. Photo: Siddharta Lounge / Instagram

The circular bar at February 30 on Palm West Beach. Photo: February 30

The UAE is blessed with year-round sunshine. Naturally, it also enjoys plenty of spectacular sunsets.

With the weather finally cool enough to make the most of the outdoors, it's the perfect time to soak in golden hour in all its glory.

Here are some of the best al fresco spots in Dubai to watch the sun go down.

Koko Bay

Inspired by the beaches of Seminyak and Canggu, Koko Bay offers a slice of Bali in Dubai, complete with the perfect Instagram backdrop.

Expect hammocks, swings, umbrellas and beach beanbags, where you can lounge as the dipping sun casts its golden glow over the Marina skyline.

Monday to Thursday 10am-midnight, Friday 10am-1am, Saturday 8am-1am, Sunday 8am-midnight; West Beach, Palm Jumeirah; 04 572 3444; kokobay.co

Cana by Tamoka

On a quiet end of JBR beach, offering prime views across to Bluewaters and Ain Dubai, you’ll find Cana by Tamoka, a chic spot offering one of the best sunset views in the city.

A round podium houses a bar and DJ booth, offering a laid-back Ibiza-esque atmosphere that increases in tempo as the sky turns golden. Take in the sunsets from comfortable beachside bean bags and sofas, and enjoy the occasional dancer and fire show.

Daily, noon-10pm; The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai JBR; 04 318 6099; tamokadubai.com

SoBe

Not many bars in Dubai can offer sea views on all sides, but at SoBe, located on the rooftop of W Dubai — The Palm, you are guaranteed a spectacular vista no matter where you sit.

With Dubai Marina on one side and the open waters of the Arabian Gulf on the other, it’s a great spot to impress guests for sundowners. It also gets pretty lively at weekends, if you are looking for something a little more upbeat.

Monday 5pm-1am, Tuesday to Friday 5pm-2am, Saturday 4pm-3am, Sunday 3pm-1am; W Dubai — The Palm; 04 245 5800; sobedubai.com

Twiggy by La Cantine

This open-air restaurant located on Park Hyatt Dubai’s stunning lagoon offers a chic and easy-going Mediterranean feel.

Anyone heading there for sundowners will be treated to an impressive view of the Dubai Creek and Downtown skyline, which make it clear just why it’s one of the city’s top al fresco spots.

Daily, 9am-2am; Park Hyatt Dubai; 04 602 1105; twiggy.ae

Fish Beach Taverna

For a relaxed beach setting that will give you serious holiday vibes, head to Fish Beach Taverna at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort.

With white-washed walls and turquoise accents, set against the shores of the Arabian Gulf, this spot is tucked away and has long been a favourite for sundowners.

Daily, noon-4pm, 6pm-11pm; Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort; 04 511 7373; fish-dubai.com

Folly

To take in Madinat Jumeirah from a different angle, head up to the Folly terrace, located on the roof of the modern dining restaurant, which offers spectacular views of the area’s waterways, as well as Burj Al Arab — which feels especially magical during golden hour.

Monday to Friday 5pm-midnight, Saturday and Sunday 1pm-midnight; Souk Madinat Jumeirah; 04 430 8535; folly.ae

Aura Skypool

Few places in Dubai offer such a spectacular vantage point as Aura Skypool. Located on the 50th floor of the Palm Tower, Aura has the world’s tallest 360-degree infinity pool and plenty of comfy spots on its surrounding pool decks.

Naturally, watching the sunset from here is impressive, as the city glistens from every angle.

Tuesday to Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday and Monday 10am-11pm; The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah; 04 566 2121; auraskypool.com

Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar

For casual drinks on an elegant Dubai Marina rooftop, Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar is a top choice.

It is located inside the Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai and enjoys plenty of outdoor seating, including an amphitheatre-style set-up. As the sun sets, guests can watch the fishing boats returning to the marina — or those preparing for a night-time adventure heading to sea.

Sunday to Thursday 7pm-1am; Friday and Saturday 7pm-2am; Grosvenor House Dubai; 04 317 6000; siddhartalounge.com

February 30

This buzzy spot at West Palm Beach has become a go-to for sunset seekers in Dubai. With it's candy-striped decor and lively atmosphere, it's a great toes-in-the-sand spot to while away an afternoon. And, with regular DJs, ladies' nights and happy hours, it attracts crowds throughout the week.

Daily noon-2am; West Beach, Palm Jumeirah; 04 244 7200; february30dubai.com

Seven outdoor UAE attractions reopening for the cooler months — in pictures

Global Village will reopen on October 27. Photo: Global Village

Dubai Safari Park, which spans 119 hectares and provides climate-suitable habitats for thousands of creatures, has reopened. Photo: Dubai Safari Park

The Dubai Miracle Garden will reopen in October, although an exact date is yet to be confirmed. Antonie Robertson / The National

Dubai Garden Glow has already reopened for the autumn and winter seasons. AFP

Hatta Wadi Hub has reopened for its fifth season with mountain activities and new experiences. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Bear Grylls Explorers Camp in Ras Al Khaimah is welcoming guests back after a summer break. Photo: Bear Grylls Explorers Camp

Sharjah Safari Park, one of the largest in the world outside of Africa, is now open. Antonie Robertson / The National