6 Reasons why you should visit the Sky Views Observatory in Dubai, UAE

6 reasons why you should visit Sky Views Observatory, and not the Burj Khalifa (if you have to choose 1 of both). If you can go to both, visit both of course 😉

What to expect in this article:

About Dubai and the Sky Views Observatory

Dubai is one of the big cities in the United Arab Emirates. Originally it was a small fishing village, but now it is growing into a regional trading hub in the early 20th century and grew rapidly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries with a focus on tourism and luxury. Everyone knows about Dubai by now and you either want to go there or not at all.

I wanted to see the luxury and madness myself, of course, so in 2022, after some months in Southeast Asia, I wanted to visit Dubai on my way back home (the Netherlands).

After seeing the fun slide of the Sky Views Observatory often on Instagram, I wanted to go there by myself. Especially for the amazing view of the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building on planet Earth). Here are a few reasons why you should visit as well:

1. 360 degree view

The Sky View, with its dual towers, offers a unique 360-degree view of Dubai’s skyline, providing amazing views in all directions, which is not available in the Burj Khalifa’s single-tower design. This exceptional feature allows you to soak in the entire cityscape without any obstructions.

You can literally see anything, except for what is behind the Burj Khalifa of course.

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2. View over Burj Khalifa

The reason why I did not want to visit the Burj Khalifa, is because, from the Sky Views Observatory, you will have an amazing view over Dubai, including the Burj Khalifa!
If you would go to the Burj, yes, you are in the tallest building in the world (cool!) and you will have a splendid view, but that’s it.

If you can, try to visit both buildings of course!

Make sure to book the Sky Views Observatory here:

3. Glass Slide

”Ride the Glass Slide – a transparent tube that wraps around the tower’s exterior linking level 53 with level 52 below – for a uniquely adrenaline-pumping experience.”

If you have a fear of heights, the glass slide is not something you should do. If you haven’t, it is fun to slide from one level at the Sky Views Observatory! I was scared I would go through the glass at the end, but the adrenaline is the fun part, right?

Next to that, you get to see the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building of Dubai, the whole time on your right hand. This is the perfect spot to take a video for Instagram 😉

4. Glass Floor

Again, if you are afraid of heights, you better skip this part 😉
The Sky Views Observatory has a 46-metre glass floor, to enjoy spectacular views of the city’s fabulous skyline and shining coast.

Sometimes I did get a little dizzy walking over the Glass Floor, but it was super fun and interesting to see everything that happens below you. And that is a lot, as Dubai is not a quiet city!

5. Edge Walk

The Edge Walk is not something I have done, but if you are up for a challenge and an even more adrenaline rush than the Glass Slide, the Edge Walk is perfect for you!

”The Sky Views Observatory Edge Walk is the most thrilling attraction in Dubai, and the first of its kind in region.
It is the city’s highest full circle hands-free walk on a ledge which encircles the top of the Tower’s main pod, over 219.5 above the ground taking thrill seekers to the tippy-top of the skyscraper in Downtown Dubai.
This trek takes visitors along the outside of the building — with no windows or other protective barriers standing between them and sky-high views.”

That sounds cool right!? Scary, but cool!

6. Cheaper

As of my last knowledge update in December 2023, the standard ticket prices for the Burj Khalifa’s At The Top observation deck were generally more expensive than those for the Sky Views Observatory.

However, ticket prices can change over time, so make sure to check the most current pricing information on their official websites.

As Dubai is already super expensive, I would prefer to choose for the cheaper option 😉

One more (secret) tip

Okay, I will give you one more secret tip. If you want the picture below, you have to put up your nicest smile.

I took this picture from the lower floor of the Glass Slide part (my friend was on the other side). This is a very hard place normally, as the queue for the Glass Slide is long and the employees only have a few seconds in between someone who will slide again. So put up your kindest smile and ask the employees if it is possible to take a picture.

With us, they said to come back in 30 minutes when it would be less crowded. We only had 10 seconds (and they will count!) to take this picture, so make sure, you are ready before the picture has been made!
You are welcome 🙂 I think the employees would want to kill me now, whoops!
But common, isn’t this picture awesome!?