Dubai’s unique rooftops

Located at the top of The Park in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), this rooftop hotspot fuses vibrant Italian vibes with an array of foliage and art from across Italy, as well as panoramic views. Choose from casual high seating or a more immersive dining experience in the main restaurant area, which offers a fresh perspective on contemporary Neapolitan pizza and antipasti. The menu begins with dishes such as Franky’s signature stracciatella service and the much-hyped meatballs.

CE LA VI is one of Asia's best-known rooftop venues and its Dubai incarnation offers breathtaking views of Burj Khalifa. Head chef Howard Ko has more than 11 years of experience at Michelin-starred restaurants, while the menu has a mix of Asian-inspired plates as well as international favourites.

A bright, breezy restaurant in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Canary Club is a fresh concept from Joey Ghazal, the man behind the popular Maine restaurants in Dubai and London. The rooftop venue's lower level features an open kitchen and poolside views, while upstairs the rooftop lounge shines thanks to glittering views of skyscrapers. The menu features a delicious take on Californian bites plus healthy bowls, pizza, ceviche, sushi and sashimi platters and a variety of grilled favourites.

Luna Sky is another venue making the most of a superb location. From this rooftop at the Four Seasons Hotel in DIFC, you can take in captivating vistas of Dubai’s financial district, Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. There are two seating options: inside or out on the terrace. The food menu is small but well selected with a Japanese and South American feel. Simple and stylish with a touch of DIFC's cosmopolitan edge, this hotspot is perfect for a pre- or post-dinner catch-up while a DJ plays upbeat tunes in the background.

Located on the top deck of the sleek Taj Dubai hotel in Business Bay, Treehouse features a beautiful backdrop and a stunning lighting display. The Mediterranean-infused menu, designed by chef de cuisine Aabhas Mehrotra, offers light tasty treats paired best with the lounge's creative menu of drinks. With its Renaissance-style décor, including a sumptuous fireplace, Treehouse offers a greenhouse retreat in the middle of a bustling city – with Burj Khalifa towering right above.

One of Dubai’s signature experiences is watching day turn to night over the desert dunes. Just a short drive from Dubai’s vibrant city lights, Bab Al Shams’ rooftop terrace, Anwā, orchestrates the perfect setting to see the bright orange horizon transform to a night sky full of stars. Dimly lit lanterns and pleasing earthy accents offer a magical escape from it all, with delicious Pan-Asian nibbles adding to a unique experience.

There are a number of outstanding Japanese restaurants in town, and TOMO is high up on that list. The only thing on par with the food here is the sweeping vista of Dubai’s spectacular cityscape that greets you upon entry into the lounge. Enjoy stunning views of Dubai’s iconic skyline, including the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, and fresh Japanese cuisine with a modern but characteristic ambiance.

Dubai Marina at night is one of the most exquisite locations in the city, with dhows, luxury cruises and party boats slowly making their way up and down the wide canal. The Marina is best observed from the roof of Pier 7 – a multi-restaurant destination with themed floors in the centre of it all.

Atelier M occupies the top floor of Pier 7 with an opulent lounge area on one floor and a rooftop upstairs. This spot offers incredible vistas of urban architecture twinkling like fairly lights, along with upbeat sounds, a dancefloor, standing tables and sofa seating. The quality Mediterranean-style menu is eclectic enough to satisfy all taste buds, from fresh scallops to superb pizzas and pastas.

Located on the 31st floor of the W Dubai - Mina Seyahi hotel, attiko is a sleek social supper club bringing together Pan Asian flavours and a setting ideal for memorable night-time gatherings. Sweeping over a coveted rooftop space that overlooks Dubai’s glitziest precincts, guests are ushered into a cosmopolitan reverie of lights, sights and sounds as soon as they enter. The lounge’s dark, dramatic interiors are festooned with fairy-lights and a palm motif, standing in striking contrast to the panoramic views offered from its wide window walls and terrace seating. The mood and food are equally elevated, while the service flows as smoothly as the resident DJ’s deep beats.