The Best Places to Catch the Sunset in Dubai

The ultimate Dubai experience will have to include a trip to the tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa. Standing at 829 metres tall, the outdoor observation deck is a must visit for an epic sunset across the whole city. The deck is called ‘At the Top’ and is on the 124th floor of the building. Because you will be witnessing the sunset from such a great height, the observation deck makes for the perfect point to take photos and catch the longest sunset in the country. Make sure you book tickets in advance, especially during the peak season of October to April and set aside at least an hour to get the full experience. Tip: book your slot just before sunset rather than during so you experience the full show from start to finish, and also get to see the city light up from day to night.

Old Dubai has a charm of its own. Deira used to be Dubai’s financial and commercial hub back in the day, and remnants of this still exist. One of the best things to do in Dubai is to take a dhow or abra, a traditional fishing boat, across the water from Deira to Bur Dubai during sunset. The warm orange of the sunset not only reflects off the water, but also shines across all the silver buildings that face the creek giving an ethereal glow to the whole district. If you don’t want to venture across the water, simply sit by the fishing boats and markets and look out at the water as the sun sets. We love facing the curved mirror of the Emirates NBD building and the triangular Chamber of Commerce tower next to it as the glow of the setting sun bounces and reflects off of them.

Living true to its name, Sunset Beach just behind Sunset Mall in Jumeirah is one of the most spacious and serene beaches in the city. Close enough to the bustling Kite beach, but located just far enough to enjoy the peace and quiet of your surroundings, Sunset Beach is the perfect setting to take in the setting sun in a relaxed and tranquil atmosphere. Catch a romantic sight of the luxurious Burj Al Arab at the edge of the beach as it shines during sunset and lights up as soon as dusk descends. In walking distance you will find the lush Umm Suqeim Park as well as plenty of restaurants and cafes offering a variety of surf-n-turf cuisines. If you plan to visit on a Friday, make sure you arrive early to grab the best spot on the beach.

The man-made archipelago is the world’s largest artificial island and is an iconic palm shaped ‘trunk’ that stretches 2km with fronds reaching out into the sea. The Palm Jumeirah is a prime tourist, commercial and residential spot in Dubai with plenty to see and do. The Palm is teeming with hotels, parks and beaches, so you are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the perfect spot to see the sun set. We love driving up the trunk of the palm early evening just as the sun is about to set as the famous Atlantis can be seen in the glow of the sun. When you reach the island’s arch, you can park your car on the side and relax on the sophisticated beachfront that faces the ocean and the setting sun. 

We love our life of comfort in the city, but sometimes it’s great to just get out of the bright lights and enjoy nature’s goodness. A desert safari is the perfect opportunity to take in a truly authentic Arabian adventure and experience exactly what the desert can offer. Once you hit the sand dunes there’s no looking back. The air is cooler out in the desert and once the sun begins to set the dunes glow magically in warm orange and red hues. Most camps will have traditional Emirati costumes you can try on for photographs, take camel rides, get henna painted on your hands and feet and even go sand boarding. A cool idea for you photographers out there – try climbing up the tallest sand dune you can find just as the sun is setting and get someone to pose with their hands out as if holding on to the glowing red sun. We guarantee the silhouette photograph you capture will be a memorable one!