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Dive Bar Dreams: The UAE’s ‘Coolest’ Swim-Up Spots

Because walking to the bar is overrated. 

Sick of sweating it out on a sunbed while your cocktail turns lukewarm? Skip the sun-scorched walk to the bar and take the plunge (literally.) The UAE’s trendiest swim-up bars are serving icy drinks, chill vibes, and a solid excuse to never leave the pool.

DUBAI

Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal
High above Palm Jumeirah, Cloud 22 is what happens when a swim-up bar goes full glam. Think sunken seats, ocean views, floating beds, and a pool that feels more like a catwalk. Sip Champagne, snap selfies, and soak in the scene.


From AED 325. Open daily 10am–8pm. Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah.
atlantis.com / (04 462 7000).

Gulf Pavilion, The Ritz-Carlton, JBR
Float on over for a frozen drink, then post up poolside with a burrata flatbread or fish tacos. Tucked between lush gardens and the beach, this is classic Dubai decadence, minus the noise.


AED 295 (AED 175 redeemable, Mon–Thu), AED 395 (AED 225 redeemable, Fri–Sun). Open daily 9am–6pm. JBR. ritzcarlton.com / (04 318 6150)

Mai Bar, Anantara The Palm
Palm frond views, lagoon pools, and tropical cocktails in coconuts—need we say more? This is your holiday-in-the-city moment. Don’t miss the watermelon buckets.


AED 300 (AED 150 redeemable). Open daily 10am–sunset.
anantara.com / (04 567 8888)

La Baie, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai
Part Mediterranean daydream, part party paradise. Float between cabanas and cocktails at this adults-only swim-up bar with serious Riviera vibes.


AED 200 min. spend (weekdays), AED 250 min. spend (weekends). Open daily noon–sunset.
labaiedubai.com / (04 399 4000)

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Pearl Jumeirah

For pool days with serious main character energy, Nikki Beach brings the heat. This globally loved beach club knows how to throw a luxe party and the swim-up bar means you don’t have to interrupt your float to refill the rosé. Expect a sea of white loungers, DJ beats rolling over the water, and signature cocktails served with a side of sparkle. 

AED 250 (AED 150 redeemable weekdays), AED 300 (AED 200 redeemable weekends). Open Tue–Sun 11am–8pm. nikkibeach.com/dubai / (04 376 6162)

Kempinski Palm Jumeirah
This resort pool is all sprawling lawns, palm trees, and a breezy Mediterranean attitude. Swim over to the bar for your sundowner and call it a day well done.


AED 250 (fully redeemable weekdays), AED 250 (AED 150 redeemable weekends). Open daily 9am–7pm. kempinski.com / (04 444 2000)

Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre
Hidden in lush gardens, this spot is perfect for a quiet cocktail in the shade. Don’t miss the sushi or lobster salad between dips.


AED 120 (fully redeemable weekdays), AED 150 (fully redeemable weekends). Open daily 10am–7pm. Garhoud. lemeridien-dubai.com / (04 217 0000)

Pool Bar, Habtoor Grand Resort
Pool, pints, and pizza—plus a happy hour from 3–6pm. It’s the ultimate float-and-chill combo, set in Dubai Marina’s vibrant heart.


AED 250 (AED 150 redeemable, weekdays), AED 350 (AED 200 redeemable, weekends). Open daily 7:30am–8pm. marriott.com / (04 399 5000)

Raffles Dubai, Wafi
A skyline-facing stunner with submerged loungers and a Jacuzzi. Come for the views, stay for the serenity – and the sushi.


AED 100 (Mon–Thu), AED 200 (AED 100 redeemable Fri–Sun). Open daily 7am–9pm.
raffles.com / (04 324 8888)

SĀN Beach, Palm West Beach
Designer sunnies? Check. Sushi platter? Check. This chic beach club serves up coastal cool with a side of sandy toes. The swim-up bar is the icing on the (very photogenic) cake.


From AED 200 (Mon–Thu), from AED 300 (Fri–Sun). Open daily 9am–sunset. sanbeachdubai.com / (04 458 0499)

Soleil Pool at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Wafi City
Slip into something chic and sink into the water at this luxe rooftop pool, where Art Deco meets après soleil. The Obelisk’s swim-up bar is a hidden gem, perfect for sipping bubbly or signature cocktails between sun-drenched dips.

AED 200 (fully redeemable weekdays), AED 300 (AED 200 redeemable weekends). Open daily 9am–7pm. sofitel-dubai-theobelisk.com / (04 324 9999)

ABU DHABI & BEYOND

Alma Leisure Pool, Emirates Palace
The name says leisure, and they mean it. This chilled-out pool bar is flanked by hammocks, palm trees, and serious sunset energy. Sip a mocktail in the Jacuzzi or float between bubbly plunge pools.


From AED 400 (AED 125 redeemable, weekdays), AED 450 (weekends). Open daily 7am–7pm. emiratespalace.ae / (02 690 7999)

Poolside, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Olympic-sized pool? Check. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque views? Check. This swim-up bar makes a strong case for pool days with style and sliders.


AED 149 (AED 100 redeemable weekdays), AED 199 (AED 100 redeemable weekends). Open daily 8am–6pm. fairmont.com / (02 654 3333)

Bayshore Beach Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Private beach, infinity pool, waterslide, and of course, a swim-up bar. This place ticks all the boxes for a solid sun-soaked escape.


From AED 100 (weekdays), AED 150 (weekends). Couples rates available. Open daily 8am–8pm. abudhabi.intercontinental.com / (02 697 2317)

Tamr Pool Bar, Bab Al Shams
Golden-hour glows and date-palm dreams await in this desert oasis. Sip a signature spritz or spiced mocktail while you gaze across the dunes.


AED 275 (weekdays), AED 190 (weekends). Al Qudra.
babalshams.com / (04 809 6167)

Azure Pool & Beach Bar, Waldorf Astoria RAK
RAK’s answer to Riviera chic. This stylish swim-up bar is all about beachy vibes and Med bites. Book the adults-only Sunset Club for max chill.


AED 200 (AED150 redeemable weekdays), AED 250 (AED 150 redeemable weekends). Open daily 8am–sunset.
hilton.com / (07 203 5555)

Whether you’re soaking in rooftop views or lounging in a luxe desert oasis, these floating watering holes are where pool-day-turns-party. Loved this? Check out our Ladies Pool Day listing. 

The Final Float

Think of these spots as the VIP lounges of the water world: no dry feet, no dress code, just sun, swim, and something delicious in hand. If your summer plans didn’t include floating up to a bar for a frosty drink, they do now. 

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