Chasing Heights: The Best Rooftops and Viewpoints in Futuristic Dubai
“A curated guide to the most cinematic and Instagrammable viewpoints in Dubai.”
Dubai is a city of superlatives, defined by its futuristic skyline that rises out of the Arabian sands. For creators and travelers alike, capturing the scale of these architectural marvels is one of the main highlights of visiting the UAE.
At the top of the list is, of course, the Burj Khalifa. Standing on the observation deck on the 124th and 148th floors, you look down on massive multi-lane highways that seem like small threads, and skyscrapers that look like miniature models. The best time to visit is just before sunset, so you can see the city in daylight, golden hour, and as it lights up for the night.
For a different perspective, head to the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park. This 150-meter-tall structure acts as a literal picture frame, separating 'Old Dubai' (Deira and Bur Dubai) to the north from 'New Dubai' (Sheikh Zayed Road and the Burj Al Arab) to the south.
My personal favorite spot for a cinematic photo is the view of the Burj Al Arab from Sunset Beach. The sail-shaped hotel stands on its own artificial island, and as the waves roll in, it creates one of the most iconic travel frames in the world. Remember to configure your camera settings for low-light performance as the sun dips below the Arabian Gulf.