Bars in the stars
Dubai is famous for its ever-changing skyline. From the ultramodern Burj Khalifa to the fantasia-like Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, the awe-inspiring horizon is peppered with an intricate network of innovative architectural wonders. And what better way to take in the city’s impressive skyline than from a luxury rooftop bar? Home to an assortment of high-end night spots, many of which are situated at high altitude, whether you’re enjoying a tipple at night, during the day, alone or with a date, nothing sharpens your senses like height, so prepare for some jaw-dropping sights of the city while you socialise.
Bar 44
Champagne aficionados come one, come all because perched on the 44th floor of Grosvenor House Dubai you’ll find Bar 44. With 52 varieties of Champagne and a list that includes bottles from all over the Champagne region in Northern France, this is where to come if you want a stylish tipple coupled with a to-die-for view. Not keen on bubbles? Peruse the extensive wine list, which has an excellent selection of red, white and rosé wines. Likewise, the cocktails are equally promising. For a sip of something special order the delicious Royale 44, which is made with smashed fresh strawberries, ginger and Demerara sugar, muddled and topped with Taittinger Brut Champagne.
Location: Grosvenor House Dubai
Signature drink: Bubbling Berries. Containsvodka, raspberries and pineapple juice, finishedwith Taittinger Brut Champagne. AED148
Open: 6pm to 2am Friday to Wednesday and 6pm to 3am on Thursdays
Contact: 04 3998888
Bar 44
Vu’s Bar
This bar has serious altitude thanks to its location on the 51st floor of Jumeirah Emirates Towers. High-vaulted ceilings and chic minimalist design makes this one of Dubai’s most sophisticated spots so expect a stylish clientele and a hip ambience. For the ultimate Vu’s experience, take a table overlooking Sheikh Zayed Road. The striking skyline combined with the heaving highway below is contrasted with the chilled atmosphere of the bar. From here you can sip on a refreshing Vu’s Mojito, made with Matusalem Platino rum, mint, lime, sugar and soda, and quite literally watch the world go by.
Location: Jumeirah Emirates Towers
Signature drink: 1800 Hibiscus. Containshibiscus-infused tequila, aloe vera concentrate,agave syrup and lime. AED65
Open: 6pm to 3am daily
Contact: 04 3198088
Vu's Bar
At.mosphere
With a spot on the 122nd floor the unique selling point speaks for itself, but being the world’s highest bar is just one of At.mosphere’s many attributes. Situated inside the Burj Khalifa, this ultra-modern haunt oozes style. With a polished wooden bar, elegant low lighting and twinkling candle lights, At.mosphere would look good anywhere, whether it be the second floor or the 122nd. Fortunately, in this case the lofty location gains it extra points. Head up early and watch the sun go down and the lights go up across the city. The whole experience is made all the sweeter thanks to the bar’s delectable cocktail list. The jasmine and lychee martini, made with citron vodka, lychee and grapefruit juice, mixed with jasmine syrup definitely gets our thumbs up.
Location: Burj Khalifa
Signature drink: Zacap Mojito. Contains minttea-infused white rum, mint leaves and lime. AED70
Open: 6pm to 2am daily
Contact: 04 8883828
At.mosphere
Skyview
Suspended 200 metres above sea level, it goes without saying that the views from the Burj Al Arab’s signature cocktail bar, Skyview, are hard to beat. One of the few bars in Dubai that requires an advance booking, this glitzy haunt is the stomping ground for the crème de la crème of the Dubai social scene. The dazzling décor, which combines kitsch interior design with elegant floorto- ceiling windows, is one of the bar’s trademarks, along with the palatable cocktail menu, which includes a variety of signature concoctions. The Arabic Lemondrop, which is made with citrus vodka, Cointreau, lemon juice and sugar syrup comes highly recommended by the bartenders and The Legacy – a blend of rum, pineapple, lime, coriander, passion fruit and vanilla – is a house special.
Location: The Burj Al Arab
Signature drink: Dubai Dreams. Gin, violet liqueur,elderflower syrup, lemon juice, black grapes andlime leaves. Dhs120
Open: 12pm to 2am Saturday to Thursday
Contact: 04 3017600
Skyview
Neos
You know you’re in for a treat when you have to change lifts to reach your destination, so a speedy elevator swap on the 61st floor is a sign of things to come. Located on the 63rd floor of The Address Downtown Dubai, the first thing that hits you about Neos is the stunning view from the floor-to-ceiling windows. You’ll have a job tearing yourself away from the breathtaking sights of the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Fountain and the buzzing Downtown Dubai Boulevard, but fortunately the indoor scenery is just as mesmerising. With a sleek 1920s feel, the place is reminiscent of a bygone era. Art deco paintings fill the walls while the bartenders don bowties and white tuxedos. The drinks menu is equally appealing with a long list of beverages to suit each and every palate. From single malt whisky to Champagne cocktails, the biggest dilemma of the evening is which tipple to try first.
Location: The Address Downtown Dubai
Signature drink: Royal Moon. Contains orange-flavoured vodka, mandarin liqueur, passion fruit, grapefruit juice, Laurent-Perrier Brut NV. AED70
Open: 6pm to 2.30am daily
Contact: 04 4368888
Neos
The Observatory
As the saying goes: ‘cream rises to the top’, which is why Dubai’s ‘it’ crowd has been steadily flocking towards The Observatory on the 52nd floor of the Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites. With panoramic views of the Dubai Marina and Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, the unparalleled vistas are the pièce de résistance of this trendy bar, but the wideranging drinks menu and the impeccable service is also a major bonus. No matter how busy the bar is you can expect a warm welcome upon arrival and if you get there early (before the post-work crowd) the chances are you’ll be guaranteed a window seat, where you can look out over the idyllic Arabian Gulf and the lights of Dubai Marina. From Long Island iced teas to martinis and mojitos, all the expected concoctions are on the menu, but if you want to try something a bit different order the French 75, which is a tasty mix of gin, Cointreau, lemon juice and prosecco.
Location: Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites
Signature drink: Sleepless in Dubai. Contains gin,cherry brandy and lemon juice. AED40
Open: 5.30pm to 1am daily
Contact: 04 3194000
The Observatory
Kathryn Roberts are discussing. 