• February 21, 2026
  • Posted By : Admin

The View at The Palm Dubai — Complete Guide 2026

Palm Tower — Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

The View at The Palm
Dubai's Most Intimate Observatory

At 240 metres above the world's most iconic man-made island, The View at The Palm offers the one perspective of Palm Jumeirah that no other vantage point in the world can provide — looking straight down at the full palm-tree shape stretching into the Arabian Gulf.

Location: Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah Main Deck: Level 52 — 240 metres Top Level: Level 54 — 250 metres Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Daily
Palm Jumeirah Dubai — aerial view of the palm-shaped island as seen from The View at The Palm observation deck

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai — the world-famous palm-shaped island as seen from above. The View at The Palm is the only public observation deck positioned directly above the island, revealing the complete palm shape in full.

There are many high vantage points in Dubai — the Burj Khalifa's observation deck soars above Downtown, the Dubai Frame bridges old and new, and Ain Dubai commands the coastline from the sea. But The View at The Palm occupies an entirely different category. Sitting at the crown of the Palm Tower at 240 metres above the Palm Jumeirah, it is the only public observation deck in the world positioned directly above a man-made island — and the only place on Earth from which you can look straight down and see the complete, unmistakable palm-tree form of one of humanity's greatest engineering achievements laid out beneath you, its 16 fronds, its trunk, and its crescent arc stretching into the Arabian Gulf.

Since opening in 2021, The View at The Palm has built a devoted following among visitors who return specifically for its extraordinary sunset experience — watching the sun descend behind the Dubai Marina skyline while the entire surface of the Palm and the Arabian Gulf turns gold beneath you. Unlike the Burj Khalifa's crowd-dense observation decks, The View at The Palm maintains a deliberately intimate atmosphere with timed entry, creating a quality of experience that many visitors describe as more genuinely memorable than its more famous counterpart. Travellers arriving on a Dubai Delights 5 Nights 6 Days with Palm Jumeirah package have the ideal itinerary to place this experience at the heart of their Palm Jumeirah day.

240 mMain Deck Height
250 mNext Level Height
52ndObservation Floor
360°Panoramic Views
45 secElevator Ascent
2001Palm Island Started
78,000+Island Residents

Watch Before You Go

These video references provide an authentic first-person look at The View at The Palm — covering the View Exhibition, the elevator ascent, the observation deck experience on Level 52, The Next Level on Level 54, the AURA Skypool, and the celebrated sunset panorama that draws visitors back time and again.

The View at The Palm — Full Experience Tour, Level 52 and Level 54

A detailed walkthrough covering the View Exhibition floor mapping and aquarium tunnels, the elevator ascent, the Level 52 indoor and outdoor observation deck, The Next Level on Level 54, and the extraordinary 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah from above.

Watch on YouTube

The View at The Palm — Sunset, AURA Skypool and Palm Tower Guide

A comprehensive visual guide to the entire Palm Tower experience — The View observation deck at golden hour, the AURA Skypool on Level 50, SUSHISAMBA on Level 51, and practical visitor tips for making the most of a full visit to this iconic address.

Watch on YouTube

The Palm Tower — A Complete Floor Guide

The Palm Tower is a 52-storey, 240-metre mixed-use landmark developed by Nakheel — the master developer of Palm Jumeirah — and positioned at the heart of the island, directly connected to Nakheel Mall. Its upper floors form one of the most concentrated luxury lifestyle destinations in the world, housing a five-star hotel, the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool, a celebrated fusion restaurant, and the observation deck at its crown. Understanding the building's structure enriches the experience of visiting The View considerably.

54Floor

The Next Level — VIP Open-Air Observation

The highest publicly accessible point on Palm Jumeirah at 250 metres. An unobstructed open-air platform with no glass barriers in the VIP sections, 360-degree views, and access to the VIP Lounge with beverages and Arabic snacks. Available as a premium upgrade to the standard View ticket.

52Floor

The View at The Palm — Main Observation Deck

The primary observation experience at 240 metres. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls on the indoor deck, an outdoor terrace, 360-degree panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline. CouCou Lounge and café on this level. The centrepiece of the Palm Tower experience.

51Floor

SUSHISAMBA Restaurant — 230 Metres

The Middle East's first SUSHISAMBA restaurant. Unobstructed 360-degree views of Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai skyline, and the Arabian Gulf alongside a celebrated menu fusing Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine. One of Dubai's most photographed dining settings.

50Floor

AURA Skypool — 200 Metres

The world's first and highest 360-degree infinity pool. A 750 sq.m pool deck wrapping the entire circumference of the tower with VIP cabanas, in-pool sun loungers, and panoramic Arabian Gulf views. Requires separate booking. Age 15+ only; 21+ after 7 PM.

19–47Floors

Luxury Residences

432 private luxury apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping Palm Jumeirah and Arabian Gulf views. Upper studios include private balconies offering exclusive perspectives over the island below.

1–18Floors

The St. Regis Dubai — The Palm

A 289-room five-star luxury hotel combining local cultural influences with contemporary glamour. Floor-to-ceiling windows, four restaurants and lounges, a spa, gym, and two adults-only outdoor infinity pools. The most prestigious hotel address on Palm Jumeirah.

The View at The Palm — Experiences in Detail

The visit to The View at The Palm is structured as a journey — beginning at street level and ascending through distinct experiences before reaching the main observation deck. Each stage is carefully designed rather than merely functional, making the ascent itself part of the attraction rather than simply a means to reach it.

The View Exhibition — Where the Journey Begins

The experience starts at the roof plaza of Nakheel Mall, directly connected to the Palm Tower base. Before ascending, every visitor passes through the View Exhibition — a two-room immersive installation honouring the vision, engineering, and human story of Palm Jumeirah's creation.

Exhibition — Room One

The Aquarium Tunnel

An immersive floor-to-ceiling aquarium passage — a living, breathtaking tunnel of marine life that contextualises Palm Jumeirah within its Arabian Gulf ecosystem. The reclamation of the island displaced existing seabed; the aquarium serves as both spectacle and gentle educational tribute to the marine world around it. Visitors walk through a column of water with fish on every side, ceiling included.

Exhibition — Room Two

The Floor Projection Theatre

A room-scale interactive floor mapping installation projecting the full story of Palm Jumeirah's construction — from the initial 2001 land reclamation works through dredging operations, the installation of the rock breakwater crescent, the building of the fronds, and the arrival of the first residents in 2006. Visitors stand on the projected island surface as it builds around them. A genuinely moving account of one of the greatest engineering achievements of the 21st century.

The Ascent

The Elevator — 45 Seconds to 240 Metres

One of the fastest lifts in the Middle East, ascending at 10 metres per second and reaching Level 52 in approximately 45 seconds. The elevator cabin itself is an experience — floor-to-ceiling digital panels project a journey through sea, sand, and sky, immersing passengers in a visual narrative of the island's elements as they ascend. The doors open directly onto the observation floor at 240 metres.

Level 52 — The Main Observation Deck

Indoor Observatory

Floor-to-Ceiling Glass Panorama

The indoor observation space on Level 52 is lined entirely with floor-to-ceiling glass panels, creating an unobstructed 360-degree panorama at 240 metres without any structural columns interrupting the view. The glass wraps continuously around the tower's circumference, meaning every position offers an uncompromised view of either the Palm and the Gulf, the Dubai skyline, or the open sea stretching toward the horizon.

Outdoor Terrace

Open-Air Viewing Platform

An outdoor terrace wraps around the exterior of Level 52, allowing visitors to step outside and feel the open air at 240 metres — the Gulf breeze at this height is remarkable in sensation. The terrace is the preferred position for photographers capturing both the Palm directly below and the panoramic skyline context. Unlike many enclosed observation decks, the outdoor element is a genuine sensory highlight of the experience.

Smart Technology

Augmented Reality Telescopes

Positioned around the observation deck, the augmented reality telescopes allow visitors to zoom in on distant landmarks with extraordinary optical and digital clarity — overlaying information about each visible structure, its height, construction date, and architectural significance. Named landmarks visible include the Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Frame, Ain Dubai, and dozens more across the panorama.

Interactive Screens

Dubai's Evolution — Timeline Panels

Interactive touchscreen panels distributed across the indoor observation area present Dubai's architectural and urban evolution — from fishing village to global metropolis — with historical photography, construction timelines, and present-day context. A thoughtful education layer woven into what might otherwise be purely a viewing experience.

Dining — Level 52

CouCou Lounge and Observatory Café

The CouCou Lounge on Level 52 is a full-service lounge offering cocktails, mocktails, wines, and light meals against panoramic glass window views of the Palm and Arabian Gulf. The observatory café adjacent serves coffee, pastries, and light refreshments — an ideal setting for an extended, relaxed visit rather than a quick look-and-leave. Many visitors spend an hour or more with a coffee watching the light change across the island below.

The Signature Experience

The Unique Palm Jumeirah View

This is the defining reason to visit. Positioned directly above the Palm's trunk and looking outward toward the fronds, The View at The Palm is the only place in the world where a visitor can see the complete palm-tree form of the island — all 16 fronds, the protective crescent, the trunk below, and the Arabian Gulf encircling it. Satellite images are well known; standing above it at 240 metres in person is an entirely different emotional experience.

Level 54 — The Next Level

VIP Open Platform

No Glass — No Barriers

At 250 metres — 10 metres higher than the main deck — The Next Level is an open-air VIP observation platform with no glass panels obscuring the view. Visitors stand in open air at the highest publicly accessible point on Palm Jumeirah, with an uninterrupted 360-degree vista that on clear days extends to Abu Dhabi on the horizon. The absence of glass makes this significantly more powerful photographically and sensationally than the enclosed deck below.

VIP Lounge — Level 52

Premium Hospitality with Views

The Next Level package includes access to the VIP Lounge on Level 52 — furnished in pristine white with luxurious seating positioned directly against the panoramic windows. A selection of beverages and traditional Arabic snacks and sweets is included with the package. The lounge maintains a calm, exclusive atmosphere distinctly separated from the general admission areas. Best experienced at sunset when the window views are at their most spectacular.

AURA Skypool — Level 50 (Separately Booked)

World Record — 360° Infinity Pool

AURA Skypool — The World's Highest 360-Degree Infinity Pool

At 200 metres above Palm Jumeirah on Level 50, the AURA Skypool holds the distinction of being the world's first and highest 360-degree infinity pool — a 750-square-metre pool deck wrapping the entire circumference of the Palm Tower with unbroken views in all directions. The pool water is heated and maintained year-round. Guests swim with Dubai Marina visible to the left, the Atlantis The Palm ahead, the Burj Khalifa in the distance, and the open Arabian Gulf below. A floating tray service means cocktails and food can be ordered without leaving the pool. Separate booking required. Age 15 minimum at all times; 21+ after 7 PM. Island-themed decor, private cabanas, in-pool sun loungers, and a botanical design create the sensation of a tropical sky oasis suspended above the city.

Level 51 — Fine Dining

SUSHISAMBA — Middle East's First Location

Directly above the AURA Skypool at 230 metres, SUSHISAMBA at Palm Tower is the Middle East's inaugural outpost of this globally celebrated fusion concept — combining Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culinary traditions in a dramatic setting with floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides. The menu features sushi and sashimi alongside South American-inspired ceviche, churrasco, and Peruvian-inflected cooked dishes. An extensive cocktail and sake list complements the food. Two lifts whisk diners directly to this level — reservations are essential as the restaurant is consistently fully booked weeks in advance.

What You See — The Complete Panorama

The 360-degree view from Level 52 of the Palm Tower is among the most diverse and geographically rich panoramas in Dubai — each compass direction revealing a dramatically different visual world. The following describes the primary landmarks visible from the observation deck on a clear day.

North
Palm Jumeirah — The Complete Island

The full palm-tree form of the island seen looking northward along the trunk and outward to the 16 fronds — the definitive View at The Palm perspective. The crescent breakwater arc beyond the fronds, and the open Arabian Gulf beyond. No other vantage point reveals this.

North-West
Atlantis The Palm

The iconic pink palace at the apex of the Palm crescent — Atlantis The Palm and its towers are visible in full against the Gulf. Home to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium.

East
Dubai Marina and JBR Skyline

The densely clustered Dubai Marina cluster of supertall residential towers rises directly eastward — one of the world's most architecturally dense urban skylines. The Cayan Tower's distinctive twist is visible, as is the Princess Tower and multiple other Marina skyscrapers against the Gulf.

South-East
Ain Dubai — The World's Largest Observation Wheel

The 250-metre Ain Dubai observation wheel on Bluewaters Island is clearly visible — the world's largest and highest observation wheel, its lattice structure distinguishable across the water. It sits alongside the Bluewaters Island retail and residential development.

South
Burj Al Arab and Downtown Dubai Skyline

The Burj Al Arab — shaped like a sail — is the most recognisable landmark visible to the south, with the broader Downtown Dubai skyline stretching behind it, including the Burj Khalifa rising above all others in the distance.

South-West
The Open Arabian Gulf

To the west and south-west, the Arabian Gulf stretches to the horizon with deep blue waters and the occasional vessel. On exceptionally clear days, the coastline of the Abu Dhabi emirate is faintly visible at the very edge of visibility.

Ticket Options and Visit Levels

The View at The Palm offers structured ticket tiers, each providing access to a different combination of experiences within the Palm Tower. The following provides a practical overview to help visitors choose the option best suited to their priorities and budget.

Ticket TierWhat's IncludedBest For
General Admission — Non-Prime Hours View Exhibition (aquarium tunnel and floor mapping), elevator ascent, Level 52 indoor and outdoor observation deck, augmented reality telescopes, interactive panels First-time visitors; value-conscious travellers; morning visits with lower crowds
General Admission — Prime Hours (5–7 PM) All General Admission inclusions, timed for the golden-hour and sunset window — the most visually spectacular viewing period of the day Photography enthusiasts; couples; those prioritising the sunset experience above all else
Cheers at The View All General Admission inclusions plus access to the VIP Lounge on Level 52 with 2 house beverages (beer, wine, or mocktails) Social visitors; groups celebrating a special occasion; those wanting to linger with a drink
The Next Level — VIP All General Admission inclusions, plus Level 54 open-air platform access (no glass barriers), VIP Lounge access with beverages and Arabic snacks, Smart Edu-tainment exhibition Premium experience seekers; photography enthusiasts wanting glass-free shots; visitors celebrating anniversaries or special trips
Sunrise Experience Special early-morning access from 6:00 AM on selected days (weekends). Includes the View Exhibition, Level 52 deck, and a breakfast served with views Early birds; photography enthusiasts seeking unique golden-morning light; visitors avoiding daytime crowds entirely
Children Under 3 Free admission. Children 4–12 receive a discounted rate. All under-16s must be accompanied by an adult throughout the visit. Families with young children

Planning Your Visit — Essential Tips

The Sunset Window Is Everything

Prime hours run from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Arriving at 5:00 PM on a clear evening is the single best decision any visitor can make. The light on the Palm and Gulf turns a deep amber-gold as the sun descends behind the Marina skyline — a sight of extraordinary natural beauty from 240 metres.

Book Timed Entry in Advance

Tickets are timed-entry and prime sunset slots sell out days — sometimes weeks — in advance, particularly between October and April. General admission non-prime slots are easier to secure last-minute. Booking through your Dubai tour package ensures priority access.

Allow 1.5 to 2.5 Hours

The View Exhibition, elevator experience, and Level 52 deck together justify 1.5–2 hours minimum. Adding The Next Level on Level 54 and a drink in the VIP Lounge comfortably fills 2.5 hours. Do not rush the observation deck — the view rewards extended, unhurried time.

Getting There by Monorail

Take the Palm Monorail from Nakheel Mall Monorail Station — a 2-minute journey to the Nakheel Mall station, directly connected to the Palm Tower base. This is the most direct and convenient transport option by far. Taxis and rideshares also serve the Nakheel Mall entrance.

Return After Dark for the Exterior

The Palm Tower and surrounding Palm Jumeirah are dramatically lit at night. The view from Level 52 at night — with the illuminated fronds of the Palm stretching below and the entire Dubai skyline glowing against the dark Gulf — is entirely different from the daytime experience and equally compelling.

Dress Code and Etiquette

Smart casual is required and standard Dubai public decency guidelines apply — no beachwear on the observation deck. Separate dress code rules apply to AURA Skypool (swimwear required in the pool area; smart casual in the lounge). Shorts and short dresses are best avoided at the observation deck itself.

Photography Tips

For the definitive Palm-from-above shot, position yourself at the northern face of the deck looking outward over the fronds. For the Dubai skyline context, the southern face captures Burj Al Arab and the Downtown silhouette. A polarising lens filter significantly reduces glass reflection on the indoor deck. The outdoor terrace always gives cleaner results.

Combining with Aquaventure and Lost Chambers

Pairing The View at The Palm with Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium creates the definitive Palm Jumeirah full day — morning at the waterpark and aquarium, afternoon at The View for the sunset. Both attractions are on Palm Jumeirah and within 10 minutes of each other.

The View at The Palm and the Broader Palm Jumeirah Experience

The Palm Jumeirah is itself a full-day destination that extends far beyond The View at The Palm. The observation deck anchors a complete island itinerary that, on a well-planned day, can incorporate the beach, dining, neighbouring attractions, and the famous Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk — a 7.8-kilometre pedestrian path running along the outer crescent with spectacular sunset views looking back at the Atlantis silhouette.

Directly adjacent to Palm Tower is Nakheel Mall — one of Dubai's largest and most modern shopping centres with over 300 stores, a cinema, and an extensive food court with waterfront views. The nearby The Pointe development on the tip of the Palm crescent offers waterfront dining and entertainment with Atlantis directly across the water — particularly atmospheric in the evening when Atlantis is fully lit. Together with a comprehensive Dubai sightseeing itinerary, the Palm Jumeirah forms one of the most concentrated single-destination experiences in the city.

Travellers on a Dubai Encounter 4 Nights 5 Days or 5 Nights 6 Days Dubai Holiday Package benefit from having Palm Jumeirah structured as a dedicated day within their itinerary — maximising both the island and The View experience without the time pressure of self-organised logistics. Guests interested in the Dubai Marina skyline visible from The View can complement the experience with an evening Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise dinner — looking back at the Palm Tower from the water after experiencing it from above. Guests travelling from India will find tailored options: Dubai packages from Mumbai, Dubai packages from Hyderabad, and Dubai packages from Chennai.

Palm Jumeirah — Engineering Context

Palm Jumeirah was the world's largest artificial island when completed. Land reclamation began in 2001 using 94 million cubic metres of sand dredged from the seabed of the Arabian Gulf — shaped without any concrete framework, held in place by natural compaction and an outer rock breakwater of 7 million tonnes of rock. The project was completed ahead of schedule, with the first residents moving to the island in 2006. Today, over 78,000 people call it home. The View at The Palm is the only public observatory positioned directly above it — the only place where this achievement can truly be seen and comprehended in its full scale.

Experience The Palm — From 240 Metres Above It

Our Dubai travel specialists include The View at The Palm within fully structured itineraries — sunset slot reserved, hotel transfers arranged, and the complete Palm Jumeirah day thoughtfully planned.

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The View at The Palm — Frequently Asked Questions

The View at The Palm is a public observation deck on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower — a 52-storey, 240-metre landmark built by Nakheel at the heart of Palm Jumeirah. It opened to the public in 2021 and quickly established itself as one of Dubai's most distinctively positioned attractions.

What makes The View at The Palm fundamentally different from every other observation deck in Dubai — and indeed the world — is its unique geographical positioning. Sitting directly above Palm Jumeirah's trunk, it is the only vantage point from which the complete palm-tree shape of the island is visible to the naked eye. From the Burj Khalifa or the Dubai Frame, the Palm is just one element in a wide panorama. From The View at The Palm, the island is the entire foreground — all 16 fronds extending into the Arabian Gulf below you, the crescent arc beyond them, and the water surrounding everything in deep blue. No satellite image, no aerial photograph, no other observation deck conveys what standing at 240 metres directly above Palm Jumeirah actually feels like in person.

Beyond this defining distinction, The View at The Palm is also notably more intimate than the Burj Khalifa. Timed entry keeps visitor numbers manageable, queue times are significantly shorter, and the atmosphere on the deck allows genuine time with the view rather than the crush experience of a mass-market attraction. Many visitors who have done both consistently describe The View at The Palm as the more emotionally resonant experience of the two.

The Next Level is a VIP open-air observation platform on Level 54 of the Palm Tower — two floors above the main observation deck and 10 metres higher at 250 metres. It is the highest publicly accessible point on Palm Jumeirah and is distinguished from the main deck by one critical feature: there is no glass. Visitors stand in open air with the full sensory experience of being 250 metres above the island — wind, sound, depth of field, and a photographic result entirely free from glass reflections and the distortion that affects even the best images taken through observation deck glass.

The Next Level package includes:

  • Open-air Level 54 platform access with no glass barriers
  • VIP Lounge access on Level 52 with included beverages and traditional Arabic snacks and sweets
  • Full General Admission inclusions — View Exhibition, elevator ascent, Level 52 indoor and outdoor deck

For visitors who are specifically interested in photography — or who simply want the visceral experience of open air at 250 metres above an island — The Next Level upgrade is strongly worth considering. The glass-free perspective is genuinely different from the enclosed deck, and the VIP Lounge provides a quality of relaxed experience that adds real value for those spending extended time at the attraction. Our Dubai travel team recommends the Next Level for sunset visitors in particular, where the difference in photography quality is most pronounced.

The View Exhibition is the immersive pre-ascent experience at the base of the Palm Tower within Nakheel Mall, included with all admission tiers. It functions as both the queuing environment for the elevator and a genuinely engaging experience in its own right — visitors who rush through it miss one of the more thoughtfully designed elements of the attraction.

The Exhibition comprises two distinct rooms:

  • The Aquarium Tunnel: A floor-to-ceiling immersive aquarium passage with marine life on the walls, floor, and ceiling. Visitors walk through a column of water contextualising Palm Jumeirah within its Arabian Gulf marine environment. Typically 5–8 minutes to walk through at a relaxed pace.
  • The Floor Mapping Theatre: A room-scale interactive projection room showing the construction of Palm Jumeirah from land reclamation in 2001 through completion. Visitors stand on the projected island surface as the construction unfolds around them. Each presentation cycle runs approximately 10–12 minutes. Multiple cycles run consecutively, so visitors can remain for a second viewing if they wish.

In total, allow 15–25 minutes for the View Exhibition before the elevator ascent, depending on how long you stay in the floor mapping theatre. This is an integral part of the experience rather than a queue management tool — approach it as the first chapter of the visit.

The Prime Hours window of 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM is when The View at The Palm delivers its most celebrated experience. Arriving at 5:00 PM on a clear day positions you to watch the sun descend from its afternoon height to the horizon behind the Dubai Marina skyline — a process that takes approximately 90–120 minutes and progressively transforms the light on the Palm and Gulf from bright afternoon white through deep amber-gold to the first blue of dusk.

Specific timing notes:

  • Sunset time varies significantly by season — approximately 5:45 PM in December, 7:15 PM in June. Check the specific sunset time for your visit date.
  • The finest light for the Palm itself occurs approximately 30–45 minutes before actual sunset, when the low-angle sun illuminates the fronds with warm amber tones against the blue Gulf water.
  • Arriving 30 minutes before Prime Hours opens (i.e., by 4:30 PM) is advisable to allow time for the View Exhibition and elevator queue before reaching the deck at the optimal moment.
  • Cloudy evenings can still be atmospheric but obviously reduce the golden-hour impact considerably — the Dubai weather forecast for your visit date is worth monitoring in advance.

Prime Hour tickets carry a price premium over General Admission but are consistently ranked as offering the best return on value by visitors who have compared both. Guests on our Dubai Delights package have sunset-window slots pre-booked by our team as standard.

The AURA Skypool on Level 50 of the Palm Tower holds the world record as the world's first and highest 360-degree infinity pool — a 750-square-metre pool deck at 200 metres above Palm Jumeirah, wrapping the entire circumference of the tower. The pool was reported by CNN as the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool upon its opening in 2021. Guests swim with panoramic Arabian Gulf views in every direction, with Dubai Marina to one side, Atlantis The Palm ahead, and the Burj Khalifa visible in the distance on clear days.

Day visitors — those not staying at the St. Regis hotel — can access the AURA Skypool on a ticketed basis, subject to availability. Key details:

  • Advance booking is essential as daily capacity is strictly limited
  • Session options typically include morning, afternoon, and sunset slots
  • Minimum age: 15 years at all times. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult. Guests under 21 are not permitted after 7:00 PM
  • Dress code: proper swimwear in pool areas; smart casual in the indoor lounge
  • Food and beverages are available throughout and can be served directly to your pool position. Outside food and drink are not permitted.
  • Floating tray service is available in the pool for drinks and light snacks
  • Entry pricing does not include food and beverage — budget accordingly for a full session with poolside dining

The AURA Skypool and The View at The Palm are separate ticketed experiences on different floors — visiting both in the same day is possible but requires advance planning and booking. Our Dubai travel team can arrange both as part of a comprehensive Palm Jumeirah day plan.

Transport to The View at The Palm and the Palm Tower is straightforward from most of Dubai:

  • Palm Monorail (Recommended): Board at Nakheel Monorail Station (connected to the Dubai Metro Red Line at Al Khail station via short taxi/bus link, or directly accessible via several bus routes). Alight at Nakheel Mall station — a 2-minute journey. The Palm Tower base and View entrance are directly connected to Nakheel Mall. This is the most direct, scenic, and reliable transport option.
  • Taxi / Careem / Uber: Ask for "Palm Tower" or "Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah." From Dubai Marina: approximately 10–15 minutes. From Downtown Dubai: approximately 25–35 minutes depending on Sheik Zayed Road traffic.
  • RTA Bus: Bus Line 8 serves the Palm Jumeirah Monorail Station. From the monorail station, board the Palm Monorail to Nakheel Mall. Bus Line 84 is an alternative connecting Internet City area to the Palm.
  • Visitors arriving on our Dubai tour packages are transferred directly from their hotel to Palm Tower on their designated Palm Jumeirah day — the most convenient and stress-free option, particularly for families.

Yes — The View at The Palm is an excellent experience for families with children of most ages. Practical notes by age group:

  • Under 3: Free admission. The View Exhibition's aquarium tunnel is visually captivating for toddlers — young children often respond strongly to it. The observation deck is safe with continuous glass barriers on the indoor deck. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult throughout.
  • Ages 3–8: The floor mapping projection in the View Exhibition is engaging for children in this range who enjoy visual storytelling. The observation deck views are impressive at any age, and the elevator ascent (45 seconds) is an attraction in itself for younger children who enjoy the "going up very fast" experience.
  • Ages 8–14: The augmented reality telescopes on the observation deck are a consistent highlight for this age group — the ability to zoom in on and identify distant landmarks is both entertaining and educational. The interactive panels on Dubai's urban development engage older children well.
  • Teenagers: The outdoor terrace, the sunset views, and the photography opportunities make The View at The Palm a strong family experience for older teens who are interested in photography, architecture, or simply want an exceptional social media content opportunity.

Note that the AURA Skypool is not available to children under 15 — families visiting with young children should plan for The View experience only and avoid the skypool as part of their visit. Our Dubai family holiday packages account for this across all age groups.

SUSHISAMBA at Palm Tower is the Middle East's first location of this globally renowned dining concept, positioned on Level 51 at 230 metres above Palm Jumeirah with unobstructed 360-degree views of the island, the Arabian Gulf, and the Dubai skyline. The brand operates celebrated outposts in London, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Amsterdam — and the Palm Tower iteration is considered among its most spectacular settings globally.

The menu fuses Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian culinary traditions — a combination that has earned SUSHISAMBA a devoted following in every city it operates. Menu highlights include:

  • Premium sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls using imported Japanese fish and local Gulf seafood
  • Peruvian-inspired ceviche with citrus and aji amarillo
  • Brazilian churrasco grilled meats and wood-fired dishes
  • Vegetarian and vegan menu sections
  • An extensive sake, cocktail, and champagne bar
  • An outdoor terrace section for guests who wish to dine in open air at 230 metres

Advance reservations are strongly recommended — the restaurant is consistently fully booked, particularly for sunset dinner slots between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Booking 2–3 weeks ahead is advisable during peak season (October to April). Walk-in availability is rare and unreliable. Our Dubai travel specialists can arrange reservations as part of a structured Palm Tower evening.

This is the most frequently asked comparison among Dubai visitors planning their observation deck visits. Both are exceptional; they deliver distinctly different experiences and ideally both should be visited on a comprehensive Dubai trip.

FeatureThe View at The PalmBurj Khalifa At the Top
Height240 m (Level 52) / 250 m (Level 54)452 m (Level 124/125) / 555 m (Level 148 SKY)
Unique PerspectiveFull Palm Jumeirah from directly above — the only such vantage pointHighest outdoor observation deck in the world; full city panorama
CrowdsIntimate and manageable due to timed entryLarge crowds; can feel rushed at busy times
Queue TimesGenerally 10–20 minutes with advance bookingCan exceed 45–60 minutes even with advance booking
Outdoor AccessYes — outdoor terrace on Level 52; fully open air at Level 54Yes at Level 124; Level 148 SKY deck is outdoor
Additional ExperiencesAURA Skypool, SUSHISAMBA, View ExhibitionAt.mosphere restaurant (floor 122), Dubai Fountain view
Best ForPalm Jumeirah perspective; intimate sunset experience; photographyHighest possible vantage point; complete 360° city scale
Evening Return ValueVery high — night view of illuminated Palm is spectacularVery high — city light panorama at night is extraordinary

Our recommendation: both are worth visiting on a 5–6 day Dubai itinerary. The Dubai 5N6D package structures one day around Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa and a separate Palm Jumeirah day anchored by The View — ensuring visitors experience both without time pressure.

The View at The Palm is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, operating seven days a week. Entry is by timed-entry ticket only — walk-in access without a pre-booked slot is not guaranteed, particularly during prime evening hours.

  • General Admission — Non-Prime: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Prime Hours — Sunset Viewing: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (premium pricing applies)
  • Sunrise Experience: Weekends from 6:00 AM — a special early-access slot including the View Exhibition and Level 52 deck with breakfast service

The attraction operates year-round with no scheduled annual closure. However, individual operational adjustments may occur on UAE National Day, Eid celebrations, and New Year's Eve — when special programming and potential crowd management measures may alter normal opening procedures. Our Dubai travel team confirms current operational hours for your specific travel dates when arranging package itineraries.

The 360-degree panorama from Level 52 of the Palm Tower is divided into four broad directions, each revealing a distinctly different visual world:

  • North — Palm Jumeirah in Full: The definitive view — the entire palm-tree form of the island spreading outward below you, with all 16 fronds visible, the crescent breakwater in the distance, and the open Arabian Gulf beyond. This is the view for which the observatory was built.
  • North-West — Atlantis The Palm: The iconic pink towers of Atlantis The Palm at the apex of the crescent, housing Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium. Visible in full against the Gulf.
  • East — Dubai Marina Skyline: The dense supertall cluster of Dubai Marina — one of the world's most architecturally concentrated skylines — rising directly across the water. The Cayan Tower's distinctive twist, the Princess Tower, and dozens of other skyscrapers are identifiable.
  • South-East — Ain Dubai and Bluewaters: The 250-metre Ain Dubai observation wheel on Bluewaters Island, the world's largest ferris wheel, clearly visible across the water with its lattice structure.
  • South — Burj Al Arab and Downtown: The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is the most recognisable landmark to the south. Behind it, on clear days, the Downtown Dubai skyline including the Burj Khalifa is visible in the far distance.
  • West — Open Arabian Gulf: Unobstructed open water to the horizon, with occasional vessels and, on exceptionally clear days, faint Abu Dhabi coastline visibility at extreme range.

The augmented reality telescopes on Level 52 identify and provide information about all visible landmarks — a useful tool particularly for first-time visitors building their spatial understanding of Dubai's geography.

The Sunrise Experience at The View at The Palm is a weekend-only offering (Saturday and Sunday) commencing at 6:00 AM — providing exclusive early access to the observation deck before the attraction opens to general admission visitors at 10:00 AM. It is available by advance booking only and regularly sells out.

What the Sunrise Experience includes:

  • Early access to the View Exhibition (aquarium tunnel and floor mapping) before standard hours
  • Private use of Level 52 observation deck with significantly fewer visitors than any other time of day
  • Breakfast service on the deck — coffee, tea, or water with breakfast items served against the dawn panorama
  • The unique experience of watching Dubai gradually illuminate as daylight arrives over the Palm and the Gulf

The Sunrise Experience is exceptional for three specific visitor profiles: photographers who want the golden-pink morning light on the Palm fronds without any glass reflection (this is the outdoor terrace window that the sunrise light hits most directly); visitors who prefer quiet and find busy observation decks uncomfortable; and couples seeking a romantic, private early-morning experience with breakfast and a sunrise over one of the world's most famous islands. The silence at 6:00 AM 240 metres above Palm Jumeirah is genuinely remarkable.

The Palm Tower's upper floors offer a complete spectrum of dining experiences, from a quick coffee on the observation deck to one of Dubai's most celebrated fine dining restaurants:

  • Observatory Café — Level 52: Coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and light snacks available from the café on the observation floor. Casual, convenient, and allows extended time on the deck with refreshments. No reservation required.
  • CouCou Lounge — Level 52: A full-service lounge adjacent to the observation deck, offering cocktails, mocktails, wines, and light meal dishes in a premium seating environment with panoramic window views of the Palm and Gulf. No formal reservation required; seating subject to availability.
  • VIP Lounge — Level 52 (Next Level Ticket): Exclusive to Next Level ticket holders. Provides a quieter, more refined seating environment with included beverages and traditional Arabic snacks. The most relaxed hospitality experience available at The View.
  • SUSHISAMBA — Level 51: The Middle East's first SUSHISAMBA. Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian fusion cuisine at 230 metres with 360-degree views. Advance booking strongly recommended — see FAQ 8 above for full details.
  • AURA Skypool Lounge — Level 50: Pan-Asian cuisine, cocktails, and floating tray pool service at the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool. Requires separate AURA entry booking.

Outside food and beverages are not permitted in any area of the Palm Tower's upper levels. This applies to all ticket tiers including standard General Admission.

The View at The Palm is among Dubai's most photogenic attractions — but producing great images here requires a few specific considerations that differ from other observation decks:

  • Shoot from the outdoor terrace whenever possible: Glass reflection is the primary challenge for indoor observation deck photography. The outdoor terrace on Level 52 completely eliminates this problem. If you upgrade to The Next Level on Level 54, the open-air platform provides entirely glass-free photography across the entire 360-degree panorama.
  • For the definitive Palm shot: Position yourself on the northern face of the deck, looking outward over the fronds. Include the full width of the fronds spreading into the Gulf water. A wide-angle lens (16–24mm equivalent on full frame) captures the most of the island form. The lower the sun angle, the more dramatically the fronds are lit — golden hour is optimal.
  • For the Dubai skyline context shot: The southern face captures Burj Al Arab in the middle ground with the Downtown skyline, including Burj Khalifa, visible in the far distance. This requires atmospheric clarity — hazy days significantly reduce far-horizon visibility.
  • For glass interior shots: Press the camera lens as directly against the glass as possible to eliminate reflections. A rubber lens hood helps considerably. Polarising filters are effective in polarised light conditions (morning and late afternoon).
  • Night photography from The View at The Palm is outstanding — the illuminated Palm fronds and the reflections of light across the Gulf water create an entirely different and equally compelling set of images from those taken in daylight.

Photography is permitted and encouraged throughout the attraction. Tripods are permitted on the outdoor terrace subject to space and other visitors' experience — avoid blocking narrow sections during busy periods.

Yes — The View at The Palm integrates naturally and effectively within a structured Dubai holiday package. The benefits of including it in a managed itinerary rather than booking independently are considerable:

  • Advance sunset slot booking: Prime Hours tickets (5–7 PM) are the most sought-after time slots at the attraction and sell out days or weeks in advance during peak season. Our team secures your preferred sunset window as part of the itinerary at booking, well in advance of your arrival.
  • Palm Jumeirah day structure: The View at The Palm is most rewarding as part of a complete Palm Jumeirah day — beginning with Aquaventure Waterpark or The Lost Chambers Aquarium in the morning, transitioning to The View for sunset, and potentially including an evening SUSHISAMBA reservation. Our team designs this sequence optimally so nothing is rushed.
  • Hotel-to-Palm Tower transfers: Dedicated transfers from your hotel directly to Nakheel Mall and the Palm Tower base are included — eliminating taxi waits, Metro navigation with children, and the end-of-day logistics of returning from the Palm after a full day on the island.
  • SUSHISAMBA reservations: Our Dubai team can arrange SUSHISAMBA dinner reservations during your chosen sunset slot — creating a seamless elevated Palm Tower evening that most independent visitors miss simply because they don't know to book months in advance.
  • The Dubai Delights 5 Nights 6 Days with Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Encounter 4 Nights 5 Days packages both include Palm Jumeirah as a structured day.

For travellers from India, tailored departure-city packages are available: Dubai packages from Mumbai, Dubai packages from Hyderabad, and Dubai packages from Chennai. Contact our Dubai travel specialists for a custom itinerary with The View at The Palm as a confirmed highlight.

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