Dubai: With the incredible Dubai skyline complete with iconic landmarks that tower over the city, residents and visitors are always on the lookout for the best way to enjoy the sights of the city. And, as always, the city aims to please and just last year a new attraction opened up and this one offers something for every age.
Sky Views Dubai is located on top of the Address Sky View hotel in Dubai. From observing the sights around and below from a distance and gliding down a transparent slide from one floor to the next to taking a walk on the outer ledge of the skyscraper’s highest pod, this #DubaiDestination caters to all levels of thrill seekers.
Panoramic views on the elevator ride
Once you check in and get your tickets, you walk directly to the dedicated elevator after completing a quick security check. You can leave any additional bags or personal belongings at this level before heading up.
The elevator ride offers panoramic views as we ride to the 52nd level of the building. Stepping out, visitors have access to a lounge area, a café/dining area and the Glass Slide waiting area. The lounge features a golden spiral staircase that takes you to the floor above for a walk across a glass pathway that is 25 metres long and connects the two towers of the hotel.
Glass Slide
One of the most Instagrammed experiences from the attraction is its Glass Slide. A transparent glass tube wraps around the tower’s exterior linking level 53 with level 52 below. You are first required to keep your personal belongings safe and then slide down on a mat provided by the instructors. With four glass walls in the tube, it is an exhilarating short ride and is suitable for all ages of visitors (weighing from 30 to 150kg).
A general ticket gives you one chance at the slide per ticket. You can go again at an additional cost of Dh25. When we visited, there were long queues, so ensure you head there well in advance. Your companions can wait below the slide and take pictures while you glide down to get that perfect Instagram shot. Only one person can use the slide at a time.
Visitors are not allowed to wear high heels, shoes, or shoes with sharp metal edges that could damage the glass in the tube and are expected to wear comfortable and modest clothes.
Edge Walk
Not for the faint-hearted, this activity is definitely worth a try for a kick of adrenaline. Attached to ropes, visitors can walk around, and slightly hang off the outer ledge of the highest pod of the building. The scariest part is when the instructor encourages us to let go of the rope and ‘take a seat’ hanging slightly off the ledge, as we found out.
Safety is given paramount importance with safety gear and a fully trained instructor with each batch of visitors. The walk is around half-an-hour long and you are not allowed to have any belongings in your hand. You could carry your phone in a transparent pouch provided by the team.
Observatory and glass walk
The experience of walking over glass as Dubai life and traffic goes on 52 levels below you is quite an experience. The same rule of not wearing heels applies here but otherwise you can walk around the 25-metre pathway and take pictures for as long as you’d like.
You can round off your thrilling day at Sky Views with a visit to the café which also offers beautiful views as you enjoy food and beverages.
Location: Address Sky View hotel, Downtown Dubai; Cost: Dh65 for children (ages 4 to 12) and Dh85 for adults (Observatory and one glass slide); Dh714 for Edge Walk experience