Perched at the top of the Dubai Creek Yacht Club and offering arguably unparalleled views of the city skyline, Cielo has – in our view – been something of a hidden gem on the local nightlife scene since its opening last year.
Its location down by Dubai Creek – relatively off the beaten track by urban, slightly lazy Dubai standards – might mean that Cielo doesn’t enjoy quite the same levels of weeknight footfall as some of the haunts in the more bustling downtown and marina districts, but we think that’s no bad thing.
There’s very few drinking spots in Dubai that give you a perspective of the city viewed from afar, so get down there for the five pm opening time and you’ll be able to see this jungle of skyscrapers from the top to bottom bathed in the pinkish sunset glow in front of the creek waters.
And while Cielo’s trendy oval shaped space does, of course, actively aim to cater to the plentiful partying types in the region with a regular DJ line-up – it’s as an early evening lounge spot that we feel this sky-bar really comes to the furore.
With Spanish restaurant Casa de Tapas underneath providing a more comprehensive dining experience, Cielo has kept its cuisine offerings relatively simple. A selection of hot and cold tapas ranging from garlic prawns to a Spanish cheese platter (none priced over more than Dhs60) provide a solid, unpretentious accompaniment to an extensive wine and cocktail list.