What to See On the Dubai Skyline
The Dubai skyline is famous for its striking architecture and towering buildings, which look especially impressive when they’re illuminated at night. Here you’ll find some of the tallest buildings in the world, extraordinary feats of construction, which make the desert city renowned around the globe. A visit to Dubai wouldn’t be complete without admiring the skyline but if you’re not sure where to start (or look), we have a handy guide for you.
THE DUBAI SKYLINE: WHAT TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE
1. See: Burj al Arab
Completed in 1999, the Burj al Arab was one of the original buildings to kick off Dubai’s skyscraper craze. Standing 321 m (1,053 ft) tall, this sail-shaped hotel is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world. The property is the height of luxury and opulence with gold-plated décor, dedicated butler service, and unparalleled views. Located on an island away from the mainland, the property offers privacy as access is restricted and also offers unobstructed views as it sits on its own island. Burj al Arab’s location also makes the hotel visible from various parts of Dubai, and one of the most famous landmarks on the Dubai skyline. Whether you choose to stay here or just admire from afar, no visit to the Emirati city is complete without a glimpse of the famous sail.
2. Eat: Zeta Seventy Seven
If you’re looking for an al fresco dining experience (almost) in the clouds, head to Zeta Seventy Seven a restaurant offering prime views of Dubai. Located next to the tallest infinity pool in the world (if you like a Guinness Book Record moment), the restaurant has an Asian fusion menu and views of the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah. Here you can choose to sit at a regular or table or in a sunken seating arrangement perfect for a group dinner with friends. Since Dubai is known for its sweltering temperatures, the iced tomato salad and iced oysters are a great way to cool off on arrival, then try their duck spring rolls and grilled lobster. The restaurant is ideal to scope out the Dubai night skyline with views of Ain Dubai, Atlantis the Royal Dubai and more during a delicious dinner.
3. Stay: Atlantis the Royal Dubai
Speaking of the Atlantis the Royal Dubai, this brand-new ultra-luxe property is another jewel in the Dubai city skyline and opened with much fanfare (remember the Beyoncé concert?) earlier this year. The 795-room property overlooking the Arabian Sea features a unique Jenga-style construction and an array of jaw-dropping experiences such as diving with sharks in a lagoon on property. The guest rooms offer incredible views and the premium category suites and penthouses feature sprawling terraces and private pools. If you’re into high-end dining there’s a wide-variety of celebrity-helmed restaurants to choose from such as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Jaleo by José Andrés. And to experience outstanding views, you need to check out the property’s infinity pool and cabana, Cloud 22, where you can see the sun dip below the horizon and enjoy an incredible view of the Dubai skyline at night.
4. Experience: Ain Dubai
Dubai is a city of superlatives so it only makes sense that it’s home to the highest observation ferris wheel, Ain Dubai, also known as the Dubai Eye. Located on Bluewaters Island, this 250 m (820 feet) landmark is another amazing feat of construction in the United Arab Emirates offering panoramic views of the Dubai marina. Riding the ferris wheel you can see the Burj al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah and more. Once you’re done with seeing the Dubai skyline, an array of activities and dining destinations await on the island. Head to Bacchanal for an Arabic dinner or if you’re feeling more festive Brass Monkey offers dining as well as arcade games. The island is also a great shopping destination with over 150 stores to peruse and purchase everything from clothing to souvenirs.
5. Fly Above: Helicopter Tour
There’s only one way to look down on Dubai’s ultra-tall skyscrapers and that’s by flying. To see all of the buildings on the Dubai skyline, book one of the many tours the city has to offer. You’ll be able to see everything from Palm Islands to downtown Dubai to the aforementioned famous towers in the span of minutes.
