When I first rode the lift to The View, I expected a standard observation deck. What I got was a 45-second theatrical experience — floor-to-ceiling screens transformed the elevator into an underwater journey, complete with digital sea creatures and Arabian Gulf animations. Then the doors opened on the 52nd floor, and Dubai‘s entire skyline stretched out through panoramic windows.
Below, the Palm Jumeirah’s fronds reached into turquoise water like fingers, and I finally understood why everyone calls it Dubai’s engineering miracle. At 240 metres up, this is the highest observation point on the Palm, and the only place you can see the entire island’s palm-tree shape in one view.
Quick overview
Standard admission to The View at The Palm costs AED 110 for adults and AED 75 for children aged 4-12. “Prime hour” tickets (4:00pm-7:00pm) cost more. Children under 4 enter free. The attraction is open Monday to Thursday from 9:00am to 10:00pm, and Friday to Sunday from 9:00am to midnight. Last admission is one hour before closing. Online booking is essential during peak times. Most visitors spend 45-60 minutes exploring the observation deck, exhibits, and café. The Next Level admission (AED 185) adds access to the 54th-floor VIP deck.
At a glance
| Price | Opening hours | Address | Free for | Last entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AED 110 adults / AED 75 children | Mon-Thu 9:00am – 10:00pm, Fri-Sun 9:00am – midnight | Palm Tower, 52nd Floor, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai | Under 4 | 1 hour before closing |
How much does The View at The Palm cost?
Standard admission costs AED 110 for adults and AED 75 for children (ages 4-12) during “non-prime hours” (9:00am-4:00pm and 7:00pm-close). “Prime hours” (4:00pm-7:00pm) — sunset time — cost more. Children under 4 enter free.
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Adult non-prime | AED 110 | Ages 13+ |
| Child non-prime | AED 75 | Ages 4-12 |
| Adult prime (sunset) | AED 165 | Ages 13+ |
| Child prime | AED 120 | Ages 4-12 |
| Under 4 | Free | Under 4 years |
| Next Level | AED 185 (€46) | Access to 52nd + 54th floors |
The Next Level ticket (AED 185 adults, AED 125 children) includes fast-track entry and access to both the 52nd-floor observation deck and the exclusive 54th-floor VIP deck — the highest point on Palm Jumeirah. Various packages combine admission with coffee, drinks, lunch, or dinner at Lolli restaurant. Prices are in AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham).
Is The View at The Palm free to enter?
No. All visitors aged 4+ must pay admission. Children under 4 enter free. There are no free admission days, reduced-price hours (except non-prime vs prime), or complimentary access programmes.
Combination tickets with other Dubai attractions (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Aquaventure Waterpark) offer modest savings versus separate purchases.
Why book the Dubai City Pass?
- Access more than 20 top attractions: Enjoy free entry to highlights such as The Dubai Frame and IMG Worlds of Adventure as part of your pass.
- Hop-on hop-off sightseeing included: Use the double-decker bus service to explore Dubai’s streets and landmarks at your own pace.
- Speedboat and cruise experiences: Take in the skyline from the water with a 90-minute speedboat tour or a Dubai Marina sunset dinner cruise.
- Fun and family-friendly attractions: Visit immersive experiences like AYA Universe and enjoy adventure and entertainment for all ages.
- Flexible pass length: Choose from 1 to 7 days so you can tailor the pass to how long you are spending in the city.
What time does The View at The Palm open?
The View is open daily from 9:00am. Closing time varies: Monday to Thursday at 10:00pm, Friday to Sunday at midnight. Last admission is one hour before closing (9:00pm Monday-Thursday, 11:00pm Friday-Sunday).
Special hours apply on public holidays: On 31 December, it closes at 5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm) for private events.
Prime hours (4:00pm-7:00pm) coincide with sunset and command higher prices. Non-prime hours (9:00am-4:00pm and 7:00pm-close) are cheaper and less crowded. Early mornings (9:00am-11:00am) offer the quietest experience with clear light perfect for photography. The café and restaurants operate during observation deck hours.
5 great Dubai experiences to book
- 🏜️ Combine ATV dune-bashing, camel riding, stargazing and a desert camp BBQ in one grand adventure.
- 🚙 Take a heritage desert safari in a vintage Land Rover.
- 🏙️ Save money with a Burj Khalifa At The Top and Dubai Aquarium combo ticket.
- 🛍️ Get a taste of Old Dubai on a guided souks and heritage walking tour.
- 🌸 See the floral displays at the Dubai Miracle Garden.
Do I need to book The View at The Palm tickets in advance?
Yes, strongly recommended. Online booking guarantees entry, particularly during prime hours when sunset bookings sell out days ahead. On-site ticket purchases are possible but availability isn’t guaranteed, especially weekends and public holidays.
Book at least 24 hours ahead if visiting during peak season (November-March) or weekends. Tickets are date-specific but not time-specific within your chosen period (prime/non-prime). Refunds and date changes are generally not permitted except in exceptional circumstances.
A brief history
The View opened in 2021 as part of the Palm Tower, a 52-storey mixed-use development on Palm Jumeirah. The tower houses the St Regis Hotel (floors 1-18), luxury residences, and several restaurants including SUSHISAMBA Dubai on the 51st floor.
Palm Jumeirah itself represents one of modern engineering’s most ambitious projects. Conceived in 1993 by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, construction began in 2001. The artificial archipelago required 94 million cubic metres of sand and 7 million tonnes of rock. Viewed from above, it resembles a palm tree with a crescent-shaped breakwater.
The island stretches 5.5 kilometres into the Arabian Gulf, with a 2-kilometre trunk and 17 fronds radiating from a central spine. Nakheel Properties, the developer, used GPS and satellite technology to position every grain of sand precisely. The project was visible from space even during construction.
The View’s observation deck was designed to showcase this engineering marvel from its highest publicly accessible point. Unlike other Dubai landmarks (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame), The View focuses specifically on the Palm, offering the only vantage point where the entire palm-tree shape is visible below.
What you’ll see at The View
The Observation Deck (52nd Floor) — Floor-to-ceiling windows provide 360-degree views. Looking down, the Palm’s fronds extend into the gulf with luxury villas lining each branch. Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal dominate the crescent. Eastward, Dubai Marina’s skyscrapers cluster along the coast. Westward, the Arabian Gulf extends to the horizon. On clear days, you can see the World Islands and Burj Al Arab.
Interactive Exhibits — Before ascending, a ground-floor exhibition explains the Palm’s construction using videos, photographs, and interactive displays. Touchscreens detail the engineering challenges: how sand was dredged, how GPS positioned materials, and how the breakwater protects against gulf currents.
Immersive Theatre — A short film chronicles Dubai’s transformation from fishing village to global metropolis, emphasizing the Palm’s role in that story. The presentation is well-produced but adds 10 minutes to your visit.
The Next Level (54th Floor) — Available only with upgraded tickets. This smaller, exclusive deck offers even higher views and a premium lounge atmosphere. It’s marginally higher than the 52nd floor — the view difference is subtle but the reduced crowds make it worthwhile for some.
Café and Lounge — Madeleine et Marcel café on the 52nd floor serves French-inspired pastries, coffee, and light meals. Prices reflect the location — expect AED 30-50 for coffee and pastries. Lolli restaurant offers full Italian dining with pizza, pasta, and cocktails. Reservations recommended.
Outdoor Terrace — The covered outdoor section lets you step outside (still enclosed by safety glass) for photos without window reflections. Wind can be strong.
What’s included with your ticket?
- Access to 52nd-floor observation deck
- Ground-floor exhibition about Palm Jumeirah
- Immersive theatre presentation
- Elevator with digital sea/sky experience
- 360-degree panoramic views
- Photography throughout (no tripods)
- Air-conditioned indoor and outdoor viewing areas
Next Level ticket adds: 54th-floor exclusive VIP deck, fast-track entry, premium lounge access.
Not included: Food and drinks, professional photography services, guided tours, parking fees.
Things to do near The View at The Palm
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark (2km, 5-minute drive or 2-minute monorail) — World’s largest waterpark with 105+ slides including the near-vertical Leap of Faith. Private beach access.
Lost World Aquarium (2km, 5-minute drive) — Underwater tunnels themed after Atlantis, housing 65,000 marine animals including rays, sharks, and piranhas. Often combined with Aquaventure tickets, and has recently undergone a high-tech redesign by the people behind Aya Universe.
The Pointe (1.5km, 4-minute drive or 15-minute walk) — Waterfront dining and entertainment complex with 80+ restaurants, Palm Fountain (world’s largest fountain), and Atlantis views.
Dubai Marina (5km, 12-minute drive) — Artificial canal city with skyscrapers, waterfront promenade, restaurants, and yacht cruises. Dubai Marina Mall offers shopping. Free to walk; dining and activities priced separately.
Nakheel Mall (adjacent, connected to Palm Tower) — Shopping mall at the base of Palm Tower with 300+ stores, cinema, and dining. Monorail station connects to Gateway and Atlantis.
Practical tips
- Location: Palm Tower, 52nd Floor, Palm Jumeirah Road, Dubai
- Getting there: Taxi most convenient (20 minutes from Dubai Marina, 30 minutes from downtown). Metro to Nakheel station, then monorail to Nakheel Mall. Parking available at Nakheel Mall (fees apply).
- Time needed: 45-60 minutes standard visit. Add 30 minutes for café/restaurant. Budget 90 minutes total if exploring exhibits thoroughly.
- Photography: Permitted throughout. No tripods or professional equipment without permission. Best photos from outdoor terrace. Late afternoon provides golden light.
- Dress code: No specific requirements. Smart casual recommended for restaurants. Comfortable shoes for walking.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with lifts. Wheelchairs available on request. Accessible toilets on 52nd floor.
- Crowds: Weekday mornings quietest. Avoid Friday-Sunday prime hours unless willing to pay premium and tolerate crowds. Sunset (prime hours) busiest but most photogenic.
- Weather: Enclosed and air-conditioned. Dubai’s heat/humidity irrelevant once inside. Clear winter days (November-March) offer best visibility.
FAQs
Is it worth the cost? If you’re interested in the Palm’s engineering or want unique photos, yes. If you’ve visited Burj Khalifa or prefer ground-level experiences, possibly skip.
How does it compare to Burj Khalifa? Different perspectives. Burj Khalifa (828 metres) offers city views; The View (240 metres) showcases the Palm specifically. Both worth visiting if budget allows.
Can I visit sunset during non-prime hours? No. Prime hours (4:00pm-7:00pm) specifically target sunset. If visiting after 7:00pm, you’ll miss it but pay less.
Is Next Level worth the upgrade? Only if you dislike crowds or want guaranteed fast-track entry. The view difference is marginal — standard deck suffices for most visitors.
How long is the monorail journey? Gateway to Nakheel Mall takes approximately 10 minutes with stops. Operates 9:00am-10:00pm daily.
Are there toilets on the observation deck? Yes, full facilities on the 52nd floor including accessible toilets and baby-changing areas.
More UAE travel
Other UAE travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Inside the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.
- A guide to tackling Abu Dhabi in February with children.
- The best day to visit Ferrari World.
- Visitor guide to the Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi.
- Practical guide to visiting Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi.
