Dubai does a lot of things at scale, and sunsets are no exception. A new round-up from What's On Dubai highlights 15 bars where the golden hour show is the main event — some perched more than 200 metres up, others planted right on the sand.

Start with the sky-high options. SUSHISAMBA on the 51st floor of The St. Regis on Palm Tower sits 230 metres up, with views over Palm Jumeirah and Ain Dubai, plus a robata grill and sushi bar for sustenance. S Bar takes things even higher — the 71st floor of SLS Dubai in Business Bay — while CÉ LA VI on level 54 of Address Sky View has arguably the best photo angle in town: its terrace looks directly at the Burj Khalifa, with the Dubai Fountain performing below. ZETA Seventy Seven at Address Beach Resort and Attiko on the 31st floor of W Mina Seyahi round out the Marina-side high-risers.

Down at ground level, the beach bars take over. Shimmers at Madinat Jumeirah has long been a favourite thanks to its straight-on view of the Burj Al Arab from the sand, paired with Greek plates. Koko Bay at Palm West Beach brings a Bali-inspired feel and looks across to Dubai Marina — booking ahead is advised. Bungalo34 on Pearl Jumeira leans European Riviera (its Amalfi lemon pasta is the signature), and Caña by Tamoka at the Ritz-Carlton JBR has a circular open-air bar with Ain Dubai views. SoBe, on the fifth floor of W Dubai – The Palm's West Crescent, faces open water with nothing between you and the horizon.

There's variety beyond the obvious, too. The Penthouse at FIVE Palm Jumeirah morphs from rooftop drinks into a full nightclub with DJs. Above Eleven — a Bangkok export on the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah rooftop — is a rare tall perch in the low-lying Palm, open Thursday to Saturday. Iliana at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab does Greek comfort food (moussaka, souvlaki, feta me meli) with sunset included, and Monkey Bar at the 25Hours Hotel pairs a jungle-themed rooftop with views of the Museum of the Future and Berlin-style underground energy. Drift Beach at One&Only Royal Mirage adds an infinity pool and Provençal restaurant to the sunset equation, though note the pool closes at 7pm.

Why it matters: sunset is genuinely the best time to see Dubai, when the brutal daytime heat breaks and the skyline lights up. Most venues open by late afternoon, and a couple of drinks at golden hour costs roughly what you'd pay in any major world city. Book the popular beach spots in advance; the high-floor bars are easier midweek.