Dubai’s hospitality sector is entering a phase where visual access is becoming an important part of guest value. The ability to view the city’s most recognisable structures, without obstruction or noise, is influencing the way new destinations are planned and established venues are evaluated.
It’s not just about offering a rooftop or a view; it’s about curating how, when, and under what conditions that view is experienced. So, rather than relying solely on exclusivity for luxury, more venues are focusing on the way space and time interact, creating visual moments that are both accessible and scheduled.
Skyline interaction, time-led experiences, and environmental atmosphere are becoming central to how leisure is delivered.
In this context, poolside venues have taken on a new role: not just for relaxation, but for spatial engagement. It is influencing design choices and programming across the UAE’s hospitality model while giving rise to places that operate as much through timing as through aesthetics.
| AURA Skypool has met this demand and earned the title of ‘Most Outstanding Scenic Pool Views UAE 2025‘ from International Business Magazine for specially designing guest access to uninterrupted city views throughout the day. |
Recognising AURA’s Role in View-Based Hospitality
At 210 metres above ground, AURA’s pool deck wraps around the full perimeter of the Palm Tower. It gives guests spectacular views in all directions, including key city attractions such as Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab, and the open Gulf.
However, it’s not the height that defines the experience. It is the way the design team has managed height to create an enticing one for visitors. AURA runs on time-based access blocks, allowing guests to book specific sunrise, morning, afternoon, or evening sessions in advance. Seating is organised by row and view angle, with clear allocation systems that prevent overcrowding and protect the visibility guests have paid for.
Structuring the Guest Experience Through Time-Based Access
With a 360-degree infinity pool located 210 meters above the ground, and a circular guest flow format that ensures clarity in every direction, AURA has set a new operational benchmark for view-led hospitality.
Rather than defaulting to full-day entry, AURA operates in controlled blocks. The Skypool deck features a circular layout, providing uninterrupted sightlines in all directions.
Seating is tiered and booked in advance, with each guest assigned a specific row and slot to make sure that capacity remains balanced and movement stays fluid.
This format allows AURA to offer every guest one of the most memorable experiences at each point in the day. Morning sessions draw wellness-focused or early-rising guests, afternoons invite relaxed lounging and warm hospitality, and evenings settle into a calm, elegant ambience as Dubai’s skyline shifts into night.
A Consistent Approach to Scenic Value Delivery
What defines AURA’s success is not a single design feature, but a system-wide approach to how visual access is delivered. The brand doesn’t rely on grand gestures or thematic gimmicks; instead, it prioritizes clarity of sightlines, well-paced timing, and intuitive guest movement.
From the circular deck layout to the session calendar and curated event programming, every element is engineered to protect and elevate the viewing experience.
Special events such as The AURA Sleepover, the 360 Pool Party, and an expanding lineup of AURA Art activations – including Comedy in the Sky, live music, and brands collaborations – add variety while staying firmly within the same operational guardrails.
This consistency, paired with thoughtful innovation, is a major reason AURA has become a regional reference point for view-based leisure.
Contributing to the UAE’s Broader Hospitality Strategy
UAE’s tourism and city-planning goals are deeply linked to how its most photographed areas are experienced. Venues like AURA contribute to this direction by offering guests not just a place to visit, but a way to navigate the day, with skyline interaction as a continuous theme.
By receiving the title of ‘Most Outstanding Scenic Pool Views UAE 2025‘ from International Business Magazine for this year, AURA is not only being recognised for what guests see, but for how it ensures they see it with space, time, and intentionality. It demonstrates that scenic experiences, when properly structured, can support both short-term enjoyment and long-term reputation.
“A breathtaking view may bring guests to AURA once, but what keeps them connected is how we make them feel. From the beginning, my vision has been to evolve AURA beyond being the world’s highest 360° infinity pool into a brand that lives in people’s minds and hearts and signifies a true aspirational lifestyle. The true strength of a hospitality brand lies in how it diversifies and deepens its relevance through creativity, innovation, and meaningful connection. Whether guests experience AURA in person, through our boutique collections, podcast, or artistic collaborations, each touchpoint is designed to extend the spirit of AURA far beyond the venue itself.” Says Dean Stuart Jarvis, Director of Operations – Daylife Division at Sunset Hospitality Group.
Clearly, AURA’s approach has set an example for view-based destinations in urban settings. Its operations are shaped by scheduling, guest clarity, and protection of sightlines. These three factors will likely define the next wave of urban hospitality across the region.
Article received on Mail
