Dubai, known for its iconic skyline and golden deserts, offers some of the most stunning sunset views in the region. As the sun begins to set, the city transforms into a landscape of warm hues and striking silhouettes, creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening.
Whether you’re by the coast, high above the city in a skyscraper, or out in the tranquillity of the desert, there are countless spots across Dubai to witness this daily spectacle. In this blog, we explore the best places for sunset in Dubai, from popular landmarks to hidden gems that showcase the city in a different light.
- Dubai Beaches
- At The Top – Burj Khalifa
- Aura Skypool Lounge – Palm Tower
- Dubai Creek Harbour
- Pure Sky Lounge – JBR
- Souk Al Bahar
- Al Qudra Desert Dunes
- Koko Bay – Palm West Beach
- SoBe – W Dubai, The Palm
- Dinner in the Sky
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Top Places to View the Sunset in Dubai
1. By the Beaches in Dubai
For those seeking the best places to see the sunset in Dubai, the city’s coastline offers some of the most picturesque spots. Sunset Beach View is a local favourite, offering unobstructed views of the sunset behind the iconic Burj Al Arab.
Kite Beach, on the other hand, combines a laid-back atmosphere with scenic beauty, making it perfect for a relaxed stroll or picnic as the sky turns amber and violet.
Meanwhile, JBR Beach blends urban energy with natural charm, where the sun sinks into the horizon behind high-rises and reflects on the Arabian Gulf. These beaches capture the essence of Dubai’s coastal sunsets: tranquil, warm, and unforgettable.
2. At The Top – Burj Khalifa
Watching the sunset from Burj Khalifa is an experience like no other. As the tallest structure in the world, it has observation decks on Levels 124 and 148 that offer panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, desert and coastline.
As the sun begins to set, the city transforms beneath you, with the golden light reflecting off skyscrapers and casting a soft glow over the Arabian Gulf and Downtown Dubai.
The best time to visit is just before sunset to witness the full transition from day to night. It’s a popular attraction, so booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Location
Burj khalifa, Boulevard Dubai, Unit LG, 089, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 05:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Ticket Prices
- Level 124 & 125 (non-prime hours): AED 169
- Level 124 & 125 (sunset hours): AED 244
- Level 148 + 124 & 125 (prime hours): AED 553
Contact Information
+971-4-888-8124
3. Aura Skypool Lounge – Palm Tower
Perched on the 50th floor of The Palm Tower, Aura Skypool Lounge is the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool and one of Dubai’s most breathtaking sunset spots. With uninterrupted views of the Dubai Marina skyline, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and the Arabian Gulf, the setting is nothing short of spectacular.
As the sun sinks into the horizon, the city lights begin to shimmer, blending natural beauty and urban luxury. You can enjoy the view from plush loungers or while sipping cocktails poolside, making it an ideal place to unwind at golden hour.
Location
Palm Jumeirah, The Palm Tower, 50th Floor, The Palm Jumeirah
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 06:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Contact
+971-4-566-2121
Ticket Prices
- Morning experience (10:00 AM – 02:00 PM): from AED 250
- Afternoon experience (03:00 PM – 07:00 PM): from AED 275
- Full day access: from AED 600
4. Dubai Creek Harbour
Dubai Creek Harbour offers one of the best free open area sunset spots in Dubai, ideal for those seeking scenic views without the cost. Overlooking the still waters of the creek and the Downtown skyline in the distance, it’s a peaceful alternative to the city’s busier attractions.
As the sun sets, the promenade lights up with warm colours, reflecting beautifully on the water and creating a perfect Instagram photo opportunity. Besides, the area also features walking paths, food trucks and art installations, making it a pleasant place to relax and enjoy a Dubai Creek sunset with family or friends.
Location
5. Pure Sky Lounge
Perched on the 35th floor of the Hilton Dubai The Walk, Pure Sky Lounge is a stylish rooftop retreat that delivers front-row seats to the sunset over the Arabian Gulf. With its sleek white-and-blue décor and floor-to-ceiling glass panels, the terrace offers a serene, sky-high escape above the buzz of JBR.
It’s the perfect setting to enjoy light bites and expertly crafted cocktails as the sky shifts through shades of gold and pink. The subtle yet refined atmosphere, paired with stunning coastal views, makes this lounge a favourite for unwinding at golden hour in true Dubai style.
Location
Hilton Dubai The Walk, Tower B, Level 35, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 05:00 PM to 02:00 AM
Contact
+971-4-318-2319
6. Desert Dunes at Al Qudra
For a truly serene sunset away from the city, the desert dunes at Al Qudra offer a magical setting. Just a short drive from central Dubai, this area is part of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve and is known for its untouched sandscapes and peaceful atmosphere.
Just 45 minutes away from Dubai, the area is home to native wildlife, including Arabian oryx and flocks of flamingos at the nearby Al Qudra Love Lakes. As the sun begins to dip behind the rolling dunes, the sky comes alive with warm tones of orange, pink, and purple, casting long shadows across the sand.
Don’t forget to bring a mat or blanket and arrive early to catch the golden light at its best.
Location
7. KOKO Bay
Koko Bay, located along Palm Jumeirah’s West Beach, blends Bali-inspired aesthetics with Dubai’s coastal charm. With its rustic wooden décor, cosy beach loungers and chilled-out vibe, it’s a favourite for sunset lovers looking to dine with a view.
As the sun dips low, settle into a bean bag on the sand, sway gently in a hammock, or perch at the rope swings by the bamboo bar. When night falls, flickering torches light up the beach, while the Dubai Marina skyline sparkles in the distance.
The atmosphere is laidback yet stylish, with delicious cocktails and a menu bursting with vibrant flavours, from fresh salads to aromatic Southeast Asian curries and grilled seafood.
Location
West Beach Palm, Jumeirah
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 02:00 AM
Contact Information
+971-4-572-3444
8. Souk al Bahar
While you may not catch the sun itself dipping below the horizon, Souk Al Bahar and Palace Downtown offer a magical atmosphere as sunset fades into evening. Located beside the Burj Khalifa Lake, this area provides spectacular views of the illuminated Dubai Fountain and the towering Burj Khalifa as it begins to sparkle against the twilight sky.
In addition, Souk Al Bahar’s traditional Arabian architecture adds charm, while Palace Downtown offers elegant dining spots with prime views. As golden hour shifts to night, the reflections on the water and the show-stopping fountain display create an unforgettable sunset setting.
Location
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Contact Information
+971-4-362-7011
9. SoBe Dubai
Located at W Dubai, The Palm, SoBe is a rooftop lounge known for its relaxing atmosphere and the best place for sunset in Dubai. Palm trees wrapped in soft lights line the rooftop, with low sofas and curved orange booths arranged across the terrace.
During the week, SoBe draws a smaller crowd, like hotel guests and locals dropping in for drinks to enjoy the Gulf views. By the weekend, it shifts gears, becoming a popular post-brunch hangout with DJs and a livelier pace.
Besides, its west-facing terrace gives it a clear advantage at sunset, offering unobstructed views as the sky changes over the water. The atmosphere moves with the day, so your experience here depends on when you go.
Location
W Dubai, The Palm
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 05:00 PM to 02:00 AM
Contact Information
+971-4-245-5800
10. Dinner in the Sky – Sky Dive Dubai
Located at Sky Dive Dubai, near the edge of Dubai Marina, Dinner in the Sky lifts you, literally, into a dining experience like no other. Suspended 50 metres above ground, this experience offers a clear, open-air view of the sun setting over the coastline, with panoramic sights of JBR, the Palm, and beyond.
As the sky changes colour, guests are served a three-course meal while rotating slowly for full 360-degree sunset views. It’s not your typical viewing spot, but for something memorable, this sky-high dinner offers both a visual and culinary experience during golden hour.
Location
Al Sufoh, Al Seyahi Street, Next to Zero Gravity, Skydive
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 02:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Contact
+971-58-819-3296
Key Takeaways
Dubai offers a wide variety of stunning sunset spots, each with its charm. Along the coastline, beaches like Sunset Beach, Kite Beach and JBR provide the best free open area sunset spots in Dubai over the Arabian Gulf. For elevated views, At The Top at Burj Khalifa and Aura Skypool offer unmatched cityscapes during golden hour, but at a price.
Dubai Creek Harbour stands out as the best free open area sunset spot in Dubai, with calm waters and skyline views. Al Qudra’s desert dunes deliver a peaceful natural backdrop, often accompanied by flamingos at the nearby Love Lakes.
Moreover, venues like Koko Bay, SoBe, Pure Sky Lounge and Palace Downtown blend great views with food and atmosphere. For something unique, Dinner in the Sky offers an unforgettable sunset from above Dubai Marina.
FAQs
Some of the best places to watch the sunset in Dubai include Sunset Beach, Kite Beach and JBR for beachside views, as well as At The Top – Burj Khalifa and Aura Skypool for panoramic cityscapes. For a more natural setting, Al Qudra’s desert dunes and Dubai Creek Harbour offer peaceful, open-air sunset spots.
The golden hour in Dubai typically occurs about an hour before sunset. Depending on the season, this is usually between 05:30 PM and 06:30 PM in winter and around 06:30 PM to 07:30 PM in summer.
Whether you prefer sandy shores, desert dunes, or sky-high views, Dubai offers countless ways to enjoy its stunning sunsets. Each spot adds its own charm to golden hour, making sunset-watching in the city a truly unforgettable experience.
