Rooftop-Bars: Up on the Roof

 
Rooftop outlets are back in fashion, as modern day cafes and resort restaurants provide a glimpse of bygone days, when relaxing under the stars was a night’s entertainment in itself. Sarah Campbell reports on some of the best rooftop outlets the region has to offer.
 

 
The Middle East and North Africa is traditionally a land of low-rise buildings with flat open roofs that extend to become an extra room. Since bygone times, families and friends have ongregated at the top of their houses, where they can take advantage of cooling winds and look out over the horizon and up at the stars. As the sun sets, the roof top becomes an almost magical place. People would gather to sit on low cushions, watch the sky change colour, and ruminate on the day’s activities. It is also the ideal location to watch the moon wax and wane; giving Muslims guidance on the start of religious events, such as Ramadan or Eid. Being outside, the roof is the perfect place to partake of barbecue, smoke shisha and generally relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the street. This is a scene that would have been played out thousands of years ago. It is also one that is having a resurgence across the region, albeit with a bit of panache thrown in. Rooftop bars and restaurants are fast becoming some of the coolest places to hang out in the Middle East and North Africa, and not just because of a refreshing breeze. Rooftop outlets are chic, exclusive, and almost secretive affairs; hidden away from the main thoroughfares but giving access to fantastic views of city or desert landscapes.
 

 
Al Sarab Rooftop Bar.
Jumeirah Bab Al Shams, Dubai.
Basic points:
Size: 518 sq m. Seats: 250.
Opening times: Sunday to Thursday: 4 pm-1 am, Friday& Saturday: 12 pm- 1 am.
Menu: international beverages, cocktails and mocktails, as well as light snacks and a selection of Shisha and cigars.
Licensed: serves alcohol.
Client portfolio: the majority of the guests at Jumeirah Bab Al Shams come from Europe. However, the outlet has recently experienced an increase from Japanese guests. At weekends, many families and Dubai residents visit the resort to relax and escape from the city.
 
Architectural points: Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is an exclusive low-rise resort, a unique retreat in the desert surrounded by natural desert landscape. The resort is an architectural wonder that seems to come to life in the middle of the shifting sands of ancient Arabia, providing a unique and traditional desert experience that is true to the culture and heritage ofDubai and the UAE. Overlooking the Arabian Desert, Al Sarab Rooftop Bar embraces a breathtaking view that boasts amazing vistas during sunset. The rich Arabian design in soft earth colours, dimmed lanterns for a cosy ambience, and comfortable chairs and cushions, provide a friendly setting for a night to remember. An Arabic majlis is the ideal place for a group of friends to meet and chat over a drink while listening to the mellow sounds of the Oud player. The highlight is the relaxing water feature and open fireplace next to the majlis.
 
www.jumeirah.com
 

 
| 15 April 2008 | Sarah Campbell |