Rooftop pools hit different in Dubai. It’s not often I am utterly speechless when I walk out to a rooftop, having been to hundreds, but Dubai really has been keeping a big secret! And it makes a huge splash with some of the worlds most spectacular rooftop pools. These really are otherworldly experiences that put everything into perspective. Need to escape reality – these infinity phenomenal pools will do it!
I last visited Dubai eight years ago, and the influx of sky-high swimming experiences alone made it worth a return trip. Some will require raiding your piggy bank, but are they worth it? And what are the hacks to enjoy them on a budget? That was my mission so everyone can experience these breathtaking scenes for themselves. The biggest tip is that unlike many cities, even though they are on hotels most are open to the public too. For a fee. And a few that are not, I have included in case you are planning to stay there. Read more about how these rooftop pools differ in Dubai and hacks for visiting the rooftop bars too.
AuraSky Pool
Location: 50th Floor The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah
Pool access: Public – book a bed!
Size of the pool: 💧💧💧💧
Size of sunbed area: Quite big but packed in by rows
Bar on the roof? Yes but only worth going to use the pool
Rooftop Pool round up: Aura Skypool was high on my agenda (every pun intended!). I’d read every review I could find trying to work out how to do this as cheaply as possible and which side was best, what time of day, all of it. Aura is a very commercial rooftop pool experience. This is not your average hotel dip; it runs like a military operation to make sure everyone gets their perfect moment in the sky. I decided on sunrise, because it (at the time) was cheapest, had front row beds left and felt it would be quieter for photos. And I was right. But it was still busy at 6am, but this place is so popular it gets booked up weeks in advance. Top tip: If you’re coming to Dubai, book Aura now. They offer refunds with enough notice, so at least you can secure your bed before prices spike or slots disappear.
Each side of the pool has a different price tag, but for my golden-hour girlies and guys: Marina side is for sunset perfection and you want city side for that sunrise glow! (And yes, the prices reflect that!) Though if you arent planning on lying out much you can just bob around and around the 360° edge, soaking up views so unreal they look AI-generated. But they’re real and yes, you can sit on the edge. And no, it’s not a sheer drop (you know I’d never trust myself otherwise!).
You’re gifted a little wash bag for your wet swimmers, and there’s even a shop downstairs where you can buy a rubber duck. Obviously I had to, it’s now part of my rooftop duck collection! I went solo because nobody else was getting up at that hour, and I never once felt uncomfortable. No one is here for the food or the vibe everyone is here for that view and all the photos. So you won’t be short of someone to snap for you!
Depending on your budget, you can just book the indoor bar or restaurant… but honestly? If you’re going to Aura and not getting in the pool, it’s a rooftop crime (unless you’re scared of water, obviously). I nearly booked lunch to save pennies and I’m SO glad I didn’t. This is a must, a non-negotiable, an absolute essential for anyone who loves rooftop views. Aura isn’t just a rooftop pool. It’s an experience. And so worth that alarm clock even when I had only got to bed at 3am!
Dive into Aura Skypool Website
Cloud 22 Dubai
Location: Atlantis, The Royal, Palm Jumeirah
Pool access: Guests & Public
Size of the pool: 💧💧
Size of sunbed area: Big – lots of different areas and spaces, shade and privacy!
Bar on the roof? Yes but you come here for the pool experienence
Rooftop Pool round up: This was the boujee-est rooftop pool I visited in Dubai but what I loved most (aside the insane views) was the people. Whether you could afford to come here every day for a week in a private cabana, or you’d saved up for one special afternoon, you were treated like royalty. And that isn’t always the case. I had done a deep dive of research to figure out the cheapest way to enjoy this sky-high splash and concluded that the afternoon slot was worth every dirham. I booked the standard sunbeds, but because it was quiet and we’re both chatty we ended up being offered an over-the-pool upgrade as the afternoon went on. They truly wanted everyone to have the best time.
We ordered lunch to our beds, sat at the bar for cocktails, enjoyed the DJ and posed for all the pool photos. And as the sun dipped, my whole body lit up illumouns yellow in the pool. A hilarious golden moment!
When I visited in March, they had a D&G collaboration, everything decked out in stunning blue (so obviously my swimsuit had to match!). I know they’ve already switched to a new colour theme for late 2025 -they love a seasonal refresh here. The only downside was leaving. The changing space was tiny and the staff on duty weren’t quite as magical as the daytime crew, but honestly, it didn’t take away from what was genuinely a once-in-a-lifetime rooftop experience. A proper pinch pool me, is this real? day. And yes… it absolutely was. A boujee dream in the clouds and one I’d do all over again.
Dive into Cloud 22 Website
Zeta Seventy Seven Rooftop Pool
Location: Level 77 of Address Beach Resort
Pool access: Guests & Public
Size of the pool: 💧💧
Size of sunbed area: Good
Bar on the roof? Yes – read my full Zeta Seventy Seven rooftop review
Rooftop Pool round up: Without doubt, this is one of my top three rooftop pools in Dubai. It has that boujee Dubai polish, but without being showy. It felt like a great rooftop pool that just happened to be (at the time) the highest infinity pool in the world – no big deal, just swimming in the clouds with a cocktail. There is absolutely nothing normal about how magical this experience is, and it’s one I’d repeat again and again. They even offer paddleboard yoga on the water. I mean… I’d 100% fall in, and I was vibing my best elegance, so I declined gracefully. If you want to keep costs manageable, book just the morning slot and follow it with lunch at the restaurant, which is what I did. You get given a goodie bag sadly not to take home (like another rooftop pool), with water and a face cloth. Poolside service and pina coladas to pose with over the most incredible views. It is a walk out and be wowed moment! One top tip: their website info wasn’t accurate when I visited, so definitely email for clarity on costs and timings by doing this we actually got upgraded as they were quiet!
Dive into Zeta Seventy Seven Website
The Address Sky View Pool
Location: Downtown
Pool Access: Guests and public. Opens at 9am on a first come first served basis. Non guests will need to buy the day pass.
Size of pool: Small – Medium
Sunbed area: Average and lots of shade
Bar on the roof? Yes – see my full rooftop review
Rooftop pool round up: Another incredible rooftop infinity pool in Dubai! It’s slightly smaller than I expected, but perfect for cooling off while soaking up those breathtaking views and feeling extra grateful not to be in one of the office blocks opposite.
Privilege Pool
Location: SLS Hotel, Downtown, Dubai
Pool access: Guests & Public – public will have a minium spend
Size of the pool: 💧💧Medium
Size of sunbed area: Small
Bar on the roof? Yes – read my full rooftop review for Privilege
Rooftop Pool round up: Privilege is the word. Wow. What. A. Pool. And it’s named the highest overflowing pool in the world, which feels about right when you’re staring at that view. The sunbed area sits a bit further back, so if you’re not early you won’t be lying right by the pool with the skyline ahead. But being tucked away does mean you’ve got a much better chance of sneaking in a snooze – silver linings!
Dive in to Privilege Website
High Society
Location: Lana Hotel, Business Bay
Pool access: Guests only
Size of the pool: 💧💧
Size of sunbed area: Small – average (little shade)
Bar on the roof? Yes – read my full High Society rooftop review
Rooftop Pool round up: This is an exclusive rooftop pool in Dubai reserved for hotel guests and those dining or drinking but not for swimming. It’s less about boujee showmanship and more about the elegance, privacy, and 5-star clientele high in the sky. The sub-loungers looked more comfortable than my sofa, and the service was impeccable. Definitely a spot to enjoy… if you win the lottery!
Dive into High Society Pool Website
Lolita Rooftop Pool
Location: Pullman, Downtown Dubai
Pool access: Guests only in high season
Size of the pool: 💧💧
Size of sunbed area: small – average
Bar on the roof? Yes – read my full Lolita rooftop review
Rooftop Pool round up: A gorgeous rooftop pool in Dubai – not as high as some of the city’s skyscraper pools, but paired with a colourful, fun bar that’s perfect for all the photos. During high season, the pool is exclusive to hotel guests, but off-peak it opens up to all. With the bar’s vibrant colours and playful Instagram-worthy touches, this makes an ideal spot for a girls’ rooftop day in Dubai or anyone looking for a fun, sun-soaked escape.
Dive into Lolita Rooftop Pool Website
Paros Rooftop Pool
Location: JLT
Pool access: Guests & public
Size of the pool: 💧💧
Size of sunbed area: Small – medium
Bar on the roof? Yes – read my full Paros rooftop review
Rooftop Pool round up: Paros may be known for its beaches in the Med, but this rooftop pool brings that same island-style escape to JLT. It’s an easy, relaxed spot for a day pass. Spectaular city views and a splash of Greek character plus with the winter 2025 update, expect DJs, lazy loungers, easy atmosphere – the only rooftop retreat in this area.
Dive into Paros Website
Wane by SoMiya
Location: JW Marriott, Dubai Marina
Pool access: Guest & public
Size of the pool: 💧💧💧
Size of sunbed area: Big
Bar on the roof? Yes but the focus here is the pool
Rooftop Pool round up: Looking for pool parties in Dubai? Wane by SoMiya is your ultimate rooftop sunbathing spot. This is where fun, fizz, fuze together especially from Fridays as its the weekend when the party really kicks off. Expect tunnnes, cocktails by the jug, ice buckets packed with prosecco and plenty of Insta-worthy poolside moments. Pack your bikini, grab your sunnies, and get ready for some serious pool posing — but fair warning: once the fun starts, those photos might need to stay on your phone! Wane by SoMiya is for the pool party seekers!
Dive into Wane by SoMiya Website (currently the site isn’t working so you can find them on Instagram)
Malibu
Location: Paramount Hotel, Mid town
Pool access: Guests & Public
Size of the pool: 💧💧
Size of sunbed area: Small – a lot in the shade
Bar on the roof? Yes inside
Rooftop Pool round up: Calling all film lovers, Malibu Rooftop Pool is for you! The entire hotel is built around a film concept, and the pool carries this theme beautifully, offering picture-worthy views that go beyond just your B-roll footage. The only downside I noticed was that it felt a little like a public swimming bath, thanks to the ceiling and the indoor restaurant and bar. That said, this setup works if you need shade, as the pool offers both sunny and sheltered areas. Complete with swings for the ultimate movie-moment photos, this rooftop pool is a fun, quirky spot for anyone looking for a cinematic twist on Dubai’s skyline swimming.
Dive into Malibu Rooftop pool website
Chinawhite Sky Pool
Location: Radisson Beach Resort, Palm Jumeirah
Pool access: Guests & public
Size of the pool: 💧💧
Size of sunbed area:
Bar on the roof? Yes but it is part of the pool for not worth if it’s not for the pool (and parties!)
Rooftop Pool round up: I popped in for sundown sponteneouly as the information on their website was a bit limited. It was super quiet which I realised was because this seems to be a weekend hotspot, while hotel guests relax during the week day. The views of the city are stunning, and sunset was absolutely sensational. It’s a shame this rooftop isn’t more widely known, because it really is a hidden gem in Dubai!
Dive into Chinawhite Sky Pool Website
Sky Bar Pool at Byblos
Location: On top of Marina Byblos Hotel
Pool access: Guests & Public
Size of the pool: 💧💧
Size of sunbed area: Medium
Bar on the roof? Yes but it feels more for the pool users than as a destination bar so haven’t included in my bar page.
Rooftop Pool round up: I popped in for a drink to check out what looked like a cheaper rooftop pool bar, as I was staying just around the corner. But I was mistaken — £50 for house bubbles! Then again, this is Dubai. For me, the rooftop could use a bit of a refresh to justify the cost compared to Dubai’s other rooftop pools. That said, it’s still a handy little spot for hotel guests who just want to wind down at the end of the day without going far and I found the staff super helpful.
Dive into Sky Pool bar on 10 Website
Vida Marina
Location: Vida Hotel on the Marina
Pool access: Guests & Public
Size of the pool: 💧💧
Size of sunbed area: Small – average
Bar on the roof? Yes but not worthy of a visit without being a guest
Rooftop Pool round up: Vida Marina Pool was my hotel pool and I loved it, even if it felt a little underwhelming compared to some of Dubai’s higher more boujee rooftop pools. If you’re not staying at the hotel, you can grab a day pass to enjoy this more low-key infinity pool. The cost is fully redeemable against food and drinks, and there are no time slots – the pool is yours all day. The lounging area is lovely, with sunbeds and fun rooftop slogans scattered throughout. One of the reasons I chose this hotel was that it felt less intimidating than some of Dubai’s fancier rooftop pools and there are no extra costs to enjoy it as a guest. A relaxed, easygoing infinity pool with gorgeous views – perfect for a calmer rooftop experience without compromising on style.
Dive into Vida Marina Pool Website
View 180 Rooftop Pool
Location: NH Collection Dubai Palm
Pool access: Guests only
Size of the pool: 💧💧
Size of sunbed area: Small
Bar on the roof? Yes – read my full view 180 rooftop review
Rooftop Pool round up: One of the ‘wow’ rooftop pool views in Dubai, View 180 is tucked atop a hotel and reserved exclusively for hotel guests. If you’re considering staying here, let me tell you why I didn’t but was seriously tempted. The pool area is quite small, especially given that lunch and dinner at the bar are open to the public, even if the pool itself isn’t. I’d read it can get crowded, and while my evening visit for a drink was super quiet, I could definitely see why daytime visits might be busier. That said, it would be perfect for a mini-break rather than a week-long stay just to enjoy the views over the Palm.
Dive into View 180 website
