Dubai’s world-famous Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island created with a design, the palm tree, that evokes the emirate’s culture. The island is fantastic to visit and see from the ground, but the real highlight is the view from the top where you can see its shape clearly.

There’s a new tall tower on the Palm Jumeirah block called The Palm Tower. At 240m high and 52 storeys, it’s the tallest building on the island. Like the Burj Khalifa, it’s also a ‘vertical city’ albeit shorter and is home to the Nakheel Mall at its base, followed by the St. Regis Hotel, the Palm Tower Residences, Starbucks café, yet-to-open Sushisamba restaurant, a skypool, and the Level 52 observation deck. Here’s a guide to visiting The View at The Palm.

HOW TO GET THERE

Via the Nakheel Mall which is located on the trunk part of the island. The Nakheel Mall is a stop on the Palm Jumeirah’s monorail, so if you’re staying on the island, you can opt to use that. Otherwise, the best way to reach the mall is by car. Inside the mall, there are signs in several places signaling the way to The View. If in doubt, ask security or anyone at the information desks.

Right next to the Ebarza Furniture store on the Ground Floor are elevators that will take you up to the Nakheel Mall Rooftop on Level 2. From here, you’ll find the ticket desk where you can buy your tickets over-the-counter, or if already purchased online in advance (recommended), you can make your way to the entrance of the The View where you can present your digital ticket(s). Here, visitors have the option of posing for a souvenir photo that they can buy later at the gift shop.

THE EXPERIENCE

You begin the exciting journey by entering a path designed to look like an aquarium tunnel with a video showing marine life. Then, you’re invited to sit down and watch a short intro video about how the Palm Jumeirah idea came to life.

You hear the architects talking about what their initial plan was, and Sheikh Mohammed’s (Dubai’s ruler) reaction when they first proposed it. It’s fascinating to learn how they had a different shape in mind and how it was only meant to add 7KM to the coastline.

Afterwards, you enter a museum-like room which explains the early history of Dubai and how they actually went about building the Palm from scratch, scooping up large amounts of sea sand and pouring it into specific locations to create its shape.

Once you learn all the fun facts, you jet up to the 52nd floor in just 45 seconds. The moment you step foot outside, you’re standing on a 360 degree viewing deck and can see the city from a jaw-dropping angle. The Palm Jumeirah with its 17 fronds and crescent which acts as a defense wall, is spectacular to see from the top. There’s so much to gaze at, including the luxury homes and hotels such as the Atlantis and Royal Atlantis that you can’t help but be impressed. The other side of the deck facing the Marina is equally striking and you can spot a few other architectural marvels such as the twisted Cayan Tower, Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai, the Ferris wheel. Another surprising bonus is that you can also see the Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa from afar.

Now for those who are not faint-hearted, The View has glass steps where you can stand and look down to see the city under you. They’ve also got telescopes so you can zoom in to see the Palm up close and magnified.

Verdict: Stunning and incredibly worthwhile. I think this has to be one of the best new additions to Dubai’s long list of attractions. All what’s missing is a lounge or café to sit back and soak in the views, but then again I might never leave!

As of May 2021, there are no cafés currently open on the observation deck, but there is an indoor space with a few benches to sit on. VIP ticket holders do have access to a private indoor lounge, where they receive one complimentary drink with Arabic sweets & snacks included as part of their ticket price, and can order additional beverages.

Website: https://www.theviewpalm.ae. Operating hours are from 10AM to 11PM from Sundays to Wednesdays and from 10AM to 12AM from Thursdays to Saturdays. Ticket prices vary during non-prime vs prime hours and ticket type, general or VIP.  Duration of visit: 1 to 1.5 hours.

Note: Strollers are not allowed on the observation decks, so if arriving with one, the staff will allow you to check the stroller in, to be picked up on the way out. Also, the observation deck is outdoors so if you’re visiting during summer, I would recommend wearing something lightweight (read no jeans).