The Best Rooftop Bars in the Middle East

From the sun-drenched shores of Morocco to the vibrant markets of Tunisia, the timeless wonders of Egypt, the cosmopolitan allure of Lebanon, the ancient treasures of Jordan, and the glittering skylines of the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East boasts a breathtakingly diverse landscape...best savoured with a drink in hand.

These rooftop bars, perched atop traditional riads or nestled among the clouds, span the spectrum from globally acclaimed establishments to cherished local gems. Here, artistry extends beyond the canvas, finding expression in each meticulously crafted cocktail and mouthwatering culinary creation.

Within this carefully curated selection of the Middle East's finest rooftop bars, we invite you to discover the pinnacle of glamour and grandeur, where the elite gather to indulge their senses. Yet, alongside these sophisticated havens, you'll also find the coveted hole-in-the-wall bars, where downtown's indie crowd relaxes and audacious verses of Nizar Qabbani's poetry cut through the Mashrou Leila or Adonis track playing in the background.

Rooftop Garden

Nobu Marrakech, Morocco

Situated atop the newly opened Nobu Hotel in Marrakech, this elegant restobar offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape and the Atlas Mountains beyond. With an urban garden and beach club setup designed around a circular all seasons pool, cabanas, sundeck, and relaxed dining & bar areas, not ringing in the new year with your girls or your lover there would be a shame.

TABŪ

St. Regis Dubai, UAE

While on the pricier end, this glamorous rooftop bar offers handcrafted cocktails meticulously prepared by expert mixologists, which you can sip on while enjoying stunning views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf. The bar’s contemporary design and stylish furnishings make it popular amongst many generations.

Lucida

Giza, Egypt

Lucida is the latest and haute-st entry to Cairo’s fine dining scene. The restaurant-bar, designed by London-based Egyptian architect Shahira Fahmy, is largely inspired by ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. With two bars - one in the restaurant and another out on the terrace overlooking West Cairo and the desert dunes beyond - the stream of spritzy cocktails never ebbs, only flows.

El Fenn Rooftop Bar

Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech may be home to hundreds, if not thousands, of riads but a few have gained global acclaim...like El Fenn. The roof terrace is 1,300 square metres, offering a close-up view of the iconic Koutoubia Mosque as well as the rooftops of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains beyond. Decorated liberally in green tile and zellij, with fuschia accents, the hotel's rooftop bar is home to a mass of daybeds so you can kickback (literally) with a glass of bubbly. 

O Monot

Beirut, Lebanon

Located in the vibrant city of Beirut, Lebanon, the O Monot hotel's rooftop bar is a sophisticated but youthful venue that offers a captivating urban escape for youth and adults (strangely enough). The stunning views of the city skyline and the impressive selection of signature cocktails make O Monot the perfect spot for a night out, especially if you’re looking for fireworks.

SoBe

W Dubai - The Palm, UAE

SoBe bar, located in the W Dubai - The Palm hotel, offers a vibrant and energetic rooftop experience on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. This stylish and effortlessly young venue is known for its lively atmosphere and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai's glittering skyline.

Nord-Pinus Tanger

Tangier, Morocco

Situated atop the Kasbah, the historic centre of the city, Hotel Nord Pinus Tanger boasts an unrivalled vantage point. This charming hotel spans the Rue Riad Sultan, standing proudly on an antique Portuguese foundation that dates back to the ancient Roman town of Tingis. The hotel's terrace bar offers a captivating vista that encompasses Tarifa, the Spanish coast, and the shimmering waters of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Clap 

Beirut, Lebanon

Located in the heart of Beirut, Clap's chic and contemporary design, which creates a stylish backdrop for a memorable night out, make it a local favourite. The hotspot attracts the most energetic of people, making it a prime spot to socialise...or accidentally meet your next situationship.  

District Urban

Amman, Jordan

Amman's District Urban offers - as is common with Amman - a laid back atmosphere with panoramic views of the ancient city. The bar's casual furniture and selection of classic brews and cocktails makes it the perfect place to unwind with colleagues or friends.

Barr 44

dHouse Dubai, UAE

Nestled high above the Dubai Marina, on the 44th floor of the beautiful Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, lies one of Dubai's best kept secrets, Bar 44. A delectable selection of gourmet bar snacks, each chosen to perfectly complement their array of libations - from hand-crafted cocktails to refined spirits sourced from around the world  - is only the cherry on top of the mesmerising view. 

NOMAD

Marrakech, Morocco

Sequestered amidst a cluster of old school villas, this pastel pink building certainly stands out. NOMAD is a Marrakech hotspot; a two-story villa vibrating at all times of day with a sensual soundscape of music, street vendors and rapidly moving footsteps. The restaurant's rooftop, converted into a picnic-esque bar, is an absolute delight, serving an eclectic collection of cocktails and mocktails with local, seasonal and fresh ingredients.

Sachi Park St. 

Giza, Egypt

Perhaps one of Cairo's most famous high-end dining spots, Japanese fusion restaurant Sachi, is a homegrown marvel. The Park St. branch in West Cairo is particularly opulent, its terrace embraced by tree canopies with a stunning marble, textured wood and steel island-bar. The restaurant-bar is best visited with a partner in crime - bestfriend or lover - to share an intimate platter of fresh sashimi and a chug a row of shots with Cairo expansive desert dunes in sight. 

Level 26

Four Seasons Hotel Beirut, Lebanon

Straight off a Mykonos postcard, the Four Seasons Hotel Beirut is home to one of Lebanon's most exquisite bars. Located on the 26th floor, the all-white modernly furnished space overlooks Beirut's breathtaking Zaytouna Bay, providing unencumbered views to the azure ocean below.

Tangerine Rooftop

Tunis, Tunisia

This pastel pink picnic-style rooftop bar is a whimsical hidden gem straight out of a Pinterest board, adorned with fairy lights that twinkle in the evening and cast a distinctly magical glow. Despite being niche, Tangerine is delightfully popular amongst the artsy Tunisian crowd for their fruity cocktails and sparkly mocktails. The panoramic views of the cityscape serve as a picturesque backdrop to your experience, while the soft hues of pink create a soothing and inviting atmosphere. 

Olen Bar

Jounieh, Lebanon

Olen is, in the best possible way, a local bar. Not only is it a homegrown local favourite in Jounieh, but it serves a wide selection of local blends and brews. Located on the edge of a mountain top - wild trees crisscrossing their way across the venue and all - this charming rooftop offers an intimate setting overlooking the mountains and ocean beyond.

Crimson Bar & Grill

Giza, Egypt

Known for harbouring spectacular views of the Nile is Crimson Bar & Grill, a sunset-adjacent rooftop bar that has established itself as a Zamalek hotspot. Crimson’s open-air seating and sophisticated dining experience lend it favourable to formal outings and date nights alike. That being said, the coveted upscale dining establishment's Sheikh Zayed branch makes for the perfect psychedelic gala venue.