The sprawling skyline of Dubai is glamorous, awe-inducing, and one of the most popular things about the city, thanks to the tall skyscrapers dotting it. The skyline of the city is truly iconic, as it is home to some of the most unique and innovative buildings, structures, and towers. The most illustrious among all is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building not only in Dubai or UAE but all over the world as well. While you can admire these buildings from the outside, almost all of them have observation decks that give you the chance to visit the building and also enjoy the panoramic view of Dubai. Today, we will talk about the best observation decks in Dubai in detail.
Best Observation Decks in Dubai
At The Top & At The Top Sky
This list should begin with the observation decks in the world’s tallest building. Standing at the height of 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa houses two observation decks, one on the 124th and 125th floors and the other on the 148th floor. At The Top is the observation deck on the 124th and 125th floors. With floor to ceiling glass windows, this deck gives you a panoramic view of the city. If you want to enhance your experience a bit more, you must head to At the Top Sky on the 148th floor of the building. Standing at a height of 555 meters, it is the tallest observation deck in the world. Although Burj Khalifa is in Downtown Dubai, the observation decks give you a view of the entire city and some more, including its desert and the sea.
Highlights
- At the Top has virtual reality pods that give you the chance to climb to the top of the tower virtually.
- The observation decks have specialized telescopes through which you can check out the landmarks of Dubai closely.
- Burj Khalifa Sky tickets give you access to the lounge where you can enjoy snacks while checking out the view.
- You will get to ride on the fastest elevators in the world while visiting the observation decks in Burj Khalifa.
- Visit the photo gallery on the ground floor, where you will get to know about the story behind the construction of the building and some cool facts about Burj Khalifa as well.
The View at the Palm
Image Credit : viewatthepalm.com
When Palm Jumeirah, the palm-shaped island, was made, the only way to see its aerial view was to go on a helicopter ride or jump from a plane while sky diving. But this changed with the opening of The View at the Palm. Introduced in 2021, the View at the Palm is the only observation deck in Dubai that gives you clear, uninterrupted view of the biggest manmade island in the world. Perched on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, you can view the palm island in its entirety here, including its 16 fronds and the crescent at the top where Hotel Atlantis the Palm and Hotel Atlantis the Royal rest. Two types of The View at the Palm tickets are available: the general ones and the fast-track ones.
Highlights
- Apart from checking out the view of Palm Jumeirah and its different attractions, you also get to see other iconic landmarks of the city from this observatory or observation deck.
- Do check out The View Exhibition, which gives you a glimpse into the construction of the palm island. This is an interactive museum with floor mapping and aquarium tunnels that tell you all about the history of Palm Jumeirah.
- Step onto the open terrace attached to the observatory to take in the surreal view of Palm Jumeirah and the city as well.
- Visit the VIP lounge to relish delicious snacks and beverages while admiring the outside views.
- Check out the guide to the View at the Palm Jumeirah for all the important details.
Sky Views Dubai
Another observation deck that adorns Downtown Dubai is Sky Views Dubai. This observatory is located on the 52nd floor of the Address Sky View Hotel. Spanning two floors, this observatory gives you incredible views of all the important landmarks in downtown Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa, the Sheikh Zayed Road, and more. One of the most special things about this observatory is the glass walkaway that is 25 meters long, providing views of the entire city. It is quite thrilling to walk over the glass wall, some 219 meters above ground.
Highlights
- Sky Views Dubai is more than just an observatory. There are two more attractions that would make your visit quite thrilling.
- You can buy Sky Views Dubai tickets for all three attractions to save money.
- Sky Views Dubai is home to a 12-meter glass slide that takes you from the 53rd floor to the 52nd floor within seconds. The fact that it is located on the edge of the building makes it more thrilling.
- If you are seeking a high level of adventure, the Edge Walk is Dubai’s Sky Views experience that you should try. This is an open, hands-free ledge walk surrounding the building. Only with a harness supporting you, you get to walk (or hang) on the edge of this building.
Dubai Frame
The largest picture frame in the world is one of the quintessential architectural monuments of Dubai. The Dubai Frame, designed like a photo frame, is located in Zabeel Park. But this 150-meter-tall is not without any significance. In fact, it represents the past, present, and future of the city. One of the important Dubai Frame facts is that it is positioned in such a way that one side of the frame faces the old, traditional side of the city, while the other side faces its new, modern side. The frame consists of two vertical columns that are joined by a 93-meter-wide bridge that gives you an expansive view of the city.
Highlights
- The 50-meter-long glass-bottom walkway on the observation deck of the Dubai Frame makes it worth visiting, as you get to experience the feeling of walking on clouds.
- With the Dubai Frame tickets, you visit an immersive museum that showcases the history of the city with the help of latest technology. You not only get to see how the city looked in the past but also feel its vibe through fragrances, music, and more.
- At the end of your Dubai Frame visit is the futuristic museum, named the Future Zone, where you can see how Dubai would look and feel 50 years from now through some incredible installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it necessary to book tickets to these observation decks in advance?
While it is not necessary, it is best to book your tickets in advance. This way you may not have to waste time waiting in queue at the entrance of the observation deck. Moreover, this makes it easy to book a slot you would prefer. You will also find good deals and discounts on tickets online.
2. What is the best time to visit these observation decks?
Mornings are perfect for a clear view of the city, while afternoons are when you will find less crowds. But the ideal time would be during sunset time, as the setting sun gives you the chance to take some stunning photos.
3. Can I take my children to visit these observation decks?
Yes, the observation decks mentioned here are safe for children as well. However, experiences like Edge Walk at Sky Views Dubai are not ideal for children.
4. Is there a dress code for visiting these observation decks?
No, there is no dress code for visiting these observation decks. But make sure that you wear comfortable clothing and footwear while visiting these places.
5. Is it possible to bring a camera to these observation decks?
Yes, cameras are allowed at these observation decks; however, most of these places do not allow camera accessories like monopods, tripods, etc. If you want to take these accessories, you will have to get permission in advance.
6. Are these observation decks disabled-friendly?
Yes, all the observation decks in Dubai are disable-friendly. You can easily access these places via wheelchairs.
7. Are there any other observation decks in Dubai other than the ones mentioned above?
Although this is not exactly an observation deck, you can visit the Aura Skypool Dubai to enjoy the view of the city. Located on the 50th floor of the Palm Tower, this is a 360-degree infinity pool. Here you can enjoy the views of the city, including the Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, and more while swimming in its cool waters. There is also Ain Dubai, which is the tallest observation wheel in the world, which goes up to the height of 250 meters. You can buy Ain Dubai tickets online to enjoy this experience.
Conclusion
There is no shortage of observation platforms in the city that will give you an amazing Dubai skyline view point. Add one or all of them to your itinerary to enjoy the spectacular vista of Dubai city.
