10 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Abu Dhabi

Spanning 5 miles of prime Abu Dhabi waterfront, historic Abu Dhabi Corniche serves up separate pedestrian and cycling paths that deliver eye-catching views of both skyline and sea. Visitors benefit from a chic seaside boardwalk and a lifeguard-monitored beach, as well as plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants where you can take in the sunset.

Patron Meat House is a contemporary bistro that offers delicious steaks and seafood, while Shurfa Bay Shisha Lounge serves glitzy cocktails on its waterfront terrace. Both are top choices for sunset viewing, but for a more peaceful evening, appreciate the golden views from beneath the palm trees of Abu Dhabi Corniche Park. 

The Moorish and Arabian influences of Abu Dhabi’s largest mosque, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, unfurl dramatically across its bright white domes and towering minarets. There’s no better place in the city to soak up the gorgeous Emirati sunset, especially in the highly decorative courtyard adorned with floral motifs. 

Inside, discover what’s purported to be the world's biggest carpet, designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi, as well as German chandeliers glinting with millions of Swarovski crystals. Don’t forget to visit the mosque’s tranquil reflective pools, adorned with thousands of mosaic tiles that shimmer in striking shades of sapphire and turquoise. Be sure to brush up on your “Mosque Manners” by visiting the official website. 

The presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates, Qasr Al Watan mesmerizes with its white limestone and granite façade, ornately decorated domes, and astounding Great Hall. The last delivers a visual feast of curved glass panels, mirrored cubes, Arabesque mosaics, and a chandelier crafted from over 350,000 shards of dazzling crystal. It’s a wonderful setting for taking in the pink-orange sunset over the city. 

After dark, witness Palace in Motion, a jaw-dropping light and sound show celebrating UAE history across 3 immersive acts, against the atmospheric backdrop of the Arabian night sky. Inside Qasr Al Watan, you can eat at Diyafa Restaurant or Legma, located by the Palace exit.

Located on the glamorous Yas Bay Waterfront, Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar is a nightspot elevated with glossy green palm fronds, emerald-hued tiling, oversized wicker armchairs, and deep-green velvet lounges. Cocktail in hand, watch the sunset from the venue’s honeycomb-mosaic terrace, while marveling at the sweeping Arabian Gulf and the buildings across the water. 

When the sun’s gone down, the venue comes to life with fire dancers, sequined showgirls, and acrobatic performers dangling daringly from the venue’s ceiling. Foodies will adore the tempting Mediterranean/Asian fusion menu and its signature dishes and sushi assortment. We love the succulent lobster dumplings and the braised beef short rib. 

Set on Abu Dhabi’s famed Corniche coastline, Al Bahar Seashore entices with its upscale collection of retail, dining, and entertainment haunts, all boasting jaw-dropping views of the azure Arabian Gulf. The beach here is a major drawcard thanks to its powder-soft sand, prime swimming opportunities, and multi-hued sunsets in shades of apricot and coral.  

Another fabulous location to catch the last rays is the nearby Marina Sitting Area, an expansive promenade that delivers epic panoramas of the city’s Sci-Fi skyline. Late in the evening, swing by West Bay Lounge for a Cinnamon Sour cocktail or a delectable dinner on its waterfront patio. Must-try dishes include the rock shrimp tempura, sizzling Wagyu beef platter, and the creamy pistachio cheesecake.  

Showcasing one of the most outstanding vistas in the country, Observation Deck at 300 offers a bird’s eye view from the 74th floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree sweep of the city and bay, as well as tantalizing dining in its on-site cafeteria.  

Arrive early for an afternoon high tea with a daily pastry selection, Cecina and Manchego cheese sandwiches, signature mocktails like the Etihad Sparkler, and an avant-garde tea selection from Avantcha, offering flavors like Sapphire Jasmine Needle and Keemun Imperial Saffron. After the sunset fades away, head downstairs to the classy Nahaam restaurant for a Mediterranean feast overlooking the water. 

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental is a 5-star hotel that invites guests to admire the Abu Dhabi sunset while enjoying world-class service. Unwind on the pristine private beach or splash about in the mosaic-tiled swimming pool, before heading to one of the upscale restaurants and bars as twilight begins to settle.  

At sunset, nothing beats viewing the incredible skyscape while savoring a meal on the patio at Talea by Antonio Guida, a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant with dishes like tangerine and saffron risotto and Emirates Palace honey with pollen sablee and flowers. In the warmer months, visit the Café Fountain at sundown for light meals and pastries as jets of water sparkle with the light of the setting sun. 

On glamorous Al Maryah Island, Glo Bar at the Rosewood Hotel has long been considered one of Abu Dhabi’s eminent sunset venues thanks to its effervescent atmosphere and skyline views. This ritzy rooftop lounge offers world-class wining and dining under giant tessellated lamps inspired by the city’s swaying date palms. 

Purchase a hotel pool pass for a refreshing dip before dinner, then hit Glo's extensive neon-lit terrace for a mouth-watering meal with drinks. Pair a Hibiscus Carajillo cocktail with a tasty bowl of lobster spaghetti, and Sorrento lemon mousse served with tangy homemade sorbet. Agave Spirit Tasting experiences are available daily between 4 pm and 10 pm, making it an excellent sunset accompaniment. 

One of Al Ain's cultural attractions, UNESCO-listed Jebel Hafit Desert Park is a mesmerizing expanse of rugged peaks, undulating dunes, and sandy horizons that seem to stretch into forever. Situated beneath the foothills of the Jebel Hafit Mountain, the reserve offers uninterrupted views of the UAE sunset over a breathtaking desert paradise. 

To have these amazing views every night, Jebel Hafit's Pure Eco Retreat offers a 5-star glamping experience with air-conditioned bubble tents, as well as open-air lounge platforms that boast stunning views of the surrounding terrain. Climb the mountain for the most incredible view of the city as the sun goes down and a spider's web of lights appears. 

Sir Bani Yas Island is one of the crown jewels of the Arabian Sea thanks to its sugar-white beaches, luxurious villas, and exclusive Anantara resorts. All these make it a sensational spot for gorgeous sunset photos. 

Along with its world-class hospitality, the island is celebrated for its rich array of fauna which can be witnessed at the Arabian Wildlife Park, home to more than 17,000 free-roaming animals. One truly unique way to watch the sunset that we highly recommend is on horseback during a scenic trail ride.