Dubai has long been known as the city of gold, thanks to its history of trading the precious metal. But spend enough sunsets here, and you’ll find another reason why it deserves this moniker. The city’s year-round sunshine brings with it plenty of gorgeous golden hours, best enjoyed, in our opinion, with your toes in the sand at one of the many bars and restaurants that make the most of their prime sunset views. From beachside tavernas to rooftop terraces, these are the the best sundowner spots in Dubai.
1. SoBe
Perched on the rooftop of W Dubai – The Palm, SoBe offers views on all sides. In one direction, the Marina skyline and fronds of Palm Jumeirah, and on the other, the open Arabian Gulf, over which the sun sets, casting the whole space in stunning golden light. Towering palm trees wrapped in lights line the rooftop, dotted with low sofas and curved orange booths. During the week, this is a chilled venue where hotel guests and locals head for casual drinks and shisha, but during the weekend, it becomes one of the city’s most lively sunset spots, popular with the post-brunch crowd. Pick your vibe wisely.
Address: W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
2. Cana by Tamoka
The Ritz Carlton’s private stretch of beach at the foot of JBR offers premium sunset viewing, and on its sands sits Cana, the hedonistic little sister of beachside restaurant Tamoka. Reached via a winding wooden path that snakes across the sand, this circular palapa-style beach bar pumps out a steady soundtrack of laidback house from a central DJ booth flanked by a wooden sun. The vibe here is decidedly rustic; a cluster of mismatched wooden lampshades hangs from the ceiling, shaded by military-style netting that lets glimmers of light cast various shapes across the decking. On the surrounding beach, rope hammocks are strewn with pillows, and beanbag loungers beneath macrame umbrellas look out to the water and Bluewaters Island beyond, with towering Ain Dubai front and centre. As the sun begins to dip, the music tempo rises, seamlessly taking the vibe from day to night. Drinks come served in branded coconuts and Latin-inspired street food is served from a nearby “Canavan”. Order the Q-Van sandwich, washed down with a classic salty margarita, and have your camera at the ready for a perfect golden hour shot.
Address: Ritz-Carlton Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Residences
