▲ Part of: Top 20 Rooftop Restaurants in Dubai
Dubai opened more than 100 restaurants and bars in 2025, and the rooftop scene keeps reinventing itself faster than anywhere on earth. For 2026 the story is part brand-new launches, part bold relaunches — including Aura Skypool's 360 refresh — and part old favourites that have raised their game enough to feel new again. These are the nine rooftops defining Dubai's 2026 skyline season, ranked by how worth-your-booking they are right now.
Where a venue is newly refreshed rather than brand-new, we say so plainly — this is a list you can trust, not a press-release round-up.
The Ranking
Ranked by how essential each rooftop is for the 2026 season — newness or relaunch, the food, the view and the atmosphere. We're honest about what's genuinely new versus freshly refreshed.
#1 Aura Skypool (360 Refresh)
Aura Skypool's 2026 refresh updated the world's highest 360 infinity pool.
Why it makes the list. The headline relaunch of the season: Aura's 360 refresh has updated the deck, menu and programming around the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool. It was already a bucket-list view; the 2026 update makes it feel new again, with sharper food and slicker daytime-to-evening flow.
What to order: The refreshed small-plates menu — truffle fries, katsu bao, poke; day packages with pool access from around AED 200pp. Book a Table →
#2 SUSHISAMBA
SUSHISAMBA brought its sky-high fusion concept to the Palm.
Why it makes the list. One of the most talked-about sky-high arrivals, SUSHISAMBA fuses Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cooking in a riot of colour high above the Palm. The energy, the plates and the view make it one of the defining rooftop tables of the moment.
What to order: SAMBA rolls, tiradito, yakitori and churros (around AED 55); the terrace tables at sunset are the booking. Book a Table →
#3 CÉ LA VI
CÉ LA VI keeps refreshing its menu and programming above the Burj.
Why it makes the list. Still one of the city's defining rooftops, CÉ LA VI keeps its menu and programming fresh enough to stay essential. The direct Burj view from the 54th floor remains the best in Dubai, and the modern-Asian kitchen is sharper than ever for 2026.
What to order: Miso black cod (around AED 220), truffle har gow and a sunset Chicano cocktail; book the terrace rail. Book a Table →
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#4 Iris Dubai
Iris keeps reinventing its garden-rooftop concept in Business Bay.
Why it makes the list. A perennial reinventor, Iris refreshes its menu, garden design and music to stay on every 2026 shortlist. The lush, greenery-filled terrace is one of the most atmospheric in the city, and the Mediterranean small plates keep getting better.
What to order: Truffle burrata, grilled octopus and signature cocktails; the garden terrace is the seat to request. Book a Table →
#5 Treehouse, Taj Dubai
Treehouse's garden rooftop stays fresh with seasonal programming.
Why it makes the list. The garden-on-a-roof concept refreshes its menu and events through the year, and the Burj-in-profile view across the canal keeps it relevant. A relaxed, leafy alternative to the glossier sky bars for 2026.
What to order: Sliders, truffle fries and a garden spritz (around AED 65); the rail tables face the tower. Book a Table →
#6 Amelia
Amelia keeps its Asian-Latin menu evolving at Address Sky View.
Why it makes the list. Amelia's Asian-Latin menu keeps evolving, and its bright Burj-side terrace remains one of the most photogenic in Downtown. A reliable, current pick whether you go for the express lunch or a full dinner.
What to order: Crispy rice, chicken tacos, ceviche and dumplings; the terrace at golden hour is the booking. Book a Table →
#7 Asia Asia
Asia Asia refreshes its theatrical pan-Asian concept on Pier 7.
Why it makes the list. The theatrical entrance and Marina-view terrace keep Asia Asia on the rotation, and regular menu refreshes mean there's always a new sharing plate to try. A dependable, lively Marina rooftop for 2026.
What to order: Dragon dumplings, black cod bao and wok noodles (around AED 95); the terrace faces the Marina. Book a Table →
#8 Karma Kafe
Karma Kafe keeps its Buddha-Bar-style concept current at Souk Al Bahar.
Why it makes the list. The Buddha-Bar-group rooftop refreshes its menu and music to stay relevant, and the fountain-level position under the Burj is timeless. A strong choice when you want spectacle without sky-high prices.
What to order: Black cod miso (around AED 165) and crispy duck salad; the terrace rail catches the 8pm fountain. Book a Table →
#9 Bla Bla
Bla Bla's multi-level JBR concept keeps adding new programming.
Why it makes the list. The sprawling JBR beach-and-rooftop complex keeps adding bars, menus and events, so there's always something new across its levels. By day it's family-friendly; by night it's one of the most energetic venues on The Walk.
What to order: Wood-fired pizza (around AED 70), fish and chips and cocktails; daytime beach tables for families, rooftop levels after dark. Book a Table →
How We Ranked This List
We rank the season's rooftops on freshness (new opening or genuine relaunch), the food, the view and the atmosphere. We distinguish brand-new venues from refreshed ones rather than lumping them together. All visited and paid for by us across late 2025 and 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best new rooftops in Dubai for 2026?
The season's standouts include Aura Skypool's 360 refresh, SUSHISAMBA high above the Palm, and the ever-refreshed CÉ LA VI and Iris. We rank nine in full above, distinguishing brand-new arrivals from genuine relaunches.
Has Aura Skypool changed for 2026?
Yes — Aura's 360 refresh updated the deck, menu and programming around the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool, which is why it tops our 2026 list. The daytime family sessions and evening lounge both benefit.
Are these rooftops brand-new or just refreshed?
A mix, and we're upfront about which is which. Some, like SUSHISAMBA, are recent arrivals; others, like CÉ LA VI, Iris and Karma Kafe, are established venues that refresh their menus and programming enough to stay essential for 2026.
How far ahead should I book a new Dubai rooftop?
For newly launched or relaunched venues, book sunset slots 2–3 weeks ahead in the first months after opening. Midweek is much easier than Thursday to Saturday.
Keep Exploring
More from this cluster: Best Burj Khalifa View · Best Rooftop Lunch in Dubai · Best Rooftop for Family · Best Halal Rooftop in Dubai
Guides: Palm Jumeirah dining · Business Bay restaurant guide · Budget dining in Dubai
Full reviews: SUSHISAMBA review · More new rooftops 2026 · Best sunset rooftops