The Dubai Fountain Show is a sparkling fusion of water, light, and music, transforming Burj Lake in Downtown Dubai into a stage for pure magic.
It’s one of the most visited and enjoyed entertainment venues that you can find near Burj Khalifa.
But there are a few things you need to know about the Dubai Fountain to get the most out of your time.
Here’s a detailed guide that will provide all the details, from timings and tickets to the best spots to view the show.
Choosing your vantage point: Prime viewing locations
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The beauty of the Dubai Fountain is that it can be enjoyed from various locations, each offering a unique perspective.
The show can even be seen from as far as 20 miles away when the water jets reach their highest point.
The following sections detail the available options, their associated costs, and insights into the experience they provide.
Free viewing options
You can watch the Dubai Fountain show completely free from various public areas around Burj Lake. However, if you choose to enhance your experience with a lake ride or the boardwalk, you must purchase tickets.

1. The Waterfront Promenade
This bustling promenade at the foot of the Burj Khalifa and extending along the Dubai Mall offers unobstructed panoramic views of the fountain. It’s the most popular viewing spot, especially during the evenings, so expect crowds. Arrive early to secure a prime location.
Pro Tip: Enhance your experience by enjoying a stroll along the promenade or indulging in a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants.
2. Souk Al Bahar
For a slightly less crowded experience with a unique perspective, head to Souk Al Bahar, a modern Arabian souk situated across the lake from the Dubai Mall. This location offers slightly elevated views of the dancing waters, providing a different visual experience.
Pro Tip: Combine fountain viewing with a meal at one of Souk Al Bahar’s restaurants with outdoor seating. Unlike the Dubai Mall, restaurants in Souk Al Bahar serve alcohol, adding to the ambiance of your evening.
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Paid viewing options

1. The Dubai Fountain Lake ride
Embark on a traditional “abra” boat ride on Burj Lake for an up-close and personal encounter with the fountain. These 30-minute rides offer front-row seats to the captivating show while cruising past iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, Souk Al Bahar, and the Palace.
Details
- Abra capacity: 6 people per boat
- Ticket price: AED 69 (for ages three and above)
- Departure time: Every 30 minutes from 5.45 pm to 11.30 pm
To avoid disappointment, arrive at least 20 minutes before the show to purchase tickets and secure your place on the abra.
2. The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
For a closer look at the magic, walk along the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, a 272-meter floating platform that takes you just 9 meters from the spectacular water jets. Here, you’ll not only witness the fountain’s dazzling choreography up close but also feel the refreshing mist as the jets soar skyward.
Details
- Boardwalk length: 272 meters (892 feet)
- Closest point to fountains: 9 meters (30 feet)
- Ticket price: AED 20 (for ages five and above)
3. Burj Khalifa observation decks
Ascend to the dizzying heights of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and witness the Dubai Fountain show from a breathtaking bird’s-eye perspective. The observation decks offer unparalleled panoramic views of the city, transforming the fountain into a miniature spectacle of light and water dancing below.
Details
- At the Top Observation Deck: Situated on the 124th and 125th floors. Get ticket.
- SKY Observation Deck: Located on the 148th floor. Get ticket.
Pro tip: For the best experience, plan your visit after 6 pm to witness the fountain show illuminated against the backdrop of the city lights.
Also, check out the best experience of Burj Khalifa at night.
4. Restaurant Dining
Another option for an exceptional experience is dining at a restaurant with fountain views. Many restaurants around Burj Lake offer outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy a meal while taking in the mesmerizing fountain show.
It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially for dinner during peak times.
Some of the best restaurants with Dubai Fountain views include:
The Dubai Mall has numerous restaurants, but it’s important to note that none of them serve alcohol. If you’d like to enjoy the show with alcoholic beverages, restaurants at Souk Al Bahar, such as Margaux, Mango Tree, or The Rivington Grill, offer a selection of drinks.
But why is the Dubai Fountain worth a visit?
There’s no doubt that the Dubai Fountain is magic in itself and leaves its viewers in awe, but there are some facts that will impress you even more:
- The Dubai Fountain is the largest choreographed fountain system in the world.
- The fountain shoots water up to 500 feet in the air, equivalent to a 50-story building.
- Over 6,600 WET Superlights and 25 color projectors create a mesmerizing visual display.
- The fountain uses 22,000 gallons of water at any given moment during a show.
- The fountain features shooters that can launch water in different patterns, including arcs, circles, and bursts.
- The fountain uses two types of jets – “oarsmen” that make the water seem to dance and “super shooters” that propel water to record-breaking heights.
- Unlike most fountains, the Dubai Fountain is designed to be viewed from all angles, offering an equally spectacular show no matter where you stand.
- Each performance has unique choreography, ensuring no two shows feel exactly the same.
Dubai Fountain Show songs are a global sensation
Did you know the Dubai Fountain dances to an incredible mix of iconic tunes from around the world? Its playlist features everything from Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and even Andrea Bocelli’s “Time to Say Goodbye.”
You’ll also hear the UAE National Anthem daily and tracks like EXO’s “Power” and Vishal-Shekhar’s Bollywood hit “Dhoom Tana.”
With every performance, the fountain perfectly syncs its dazzling water jets and lights to the rhythm, creating a mesmerizing show that leaves visitors spellbound. It’s a playlist you’ll never forget!
Plan your visit!
Reaching the Dubai Fountain
This mesmerizing spectacle takes place on the Burj Lake, a man-made lake spanning an impressive 30 acres, nestled in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
The fountain is conveniently located right next to the iconic Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, making it easily accessible to visitors.
If you use the Dubai Metro, take the Red Line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station.
From there, a walkway connects you to the Dubai Mall.
Once inside, follow the signs to the Dubai Fountain area, located outside near the waterfront promenade.
You can also simply reach the Burj Khalifa and find the Dubai Fountain near you.
Show times: When to catch the spectacle?
The Dubai Fountain operates daily, offering afternoon and evening shows. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the show timings:
- Afternoon shows: Run from 1 pm to 1.30 pm, with an extended schedule on Fridays from 1.30 pm to 2 pm.
- Evening shows: Commence at 6 pm and continue until 11 pm, occurring every 30 minutes.
Each show lasts approximately 5 minutes, so make sure to plan your time accordingly.
Tip: The evening shows are much more popular due to the dramatic effect of the lights against the night sky. Arriving 15 to 30 minutes before the show will help you snag a good viewing spot, especially during peak hours.
Ramadan timings
During the holy month of Ramadan, afternoon shows at Dubai Fountains get canceled, and the evening show timings change.
From Sunday to Wednesday, it happens every 30 minutes from 7.30 pm to 11 pm, and from Thursday to Saturday, from 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm.
Best time to See the Dubai Fountain Show: Day or Night?
The best time to visit the Dubai Fountain Show is in the evening, especially after 6 PM, when the dazzling lights enhance the magical experience.
Cooler evening temperatures make it more comfortable, and the vibrant display against the night sky is truly breathtaking.
To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, as weekends (Thursday and Friday in Dubai) are busier.
Arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot, particularly near the Dubai Mall or Burj Khalifa.
If you prefer daytime shows, they offer a quieter atmosphere and the chance to explore nearby attractions afterward, but the night show’s colorful spectacle is unmatched.
Beyond the fountain: What else to see and do

The Dubai Fountain is just one of the many attractions that Downtown Dubai has to offer. Here are a few more must-sees:
- The Dubai Mall: Shopaholics and entertainment enthusiasts rejoice! This sprawling mall is a world unto itself, housing over 1,200 shops, 200 restaurants, an aquarium, an ice rink, and much more.
- Burj Khalifa: You can’t miss the opportunity to ascend the world’s tallest building for unparalleled views of the city. Read more.
- City Tours: Explore the vibrant metropolis of Dubai with a guided city tour, taking in historical landmarks and modern marvels.