The Dubai Fountain is definitely the most captivating and mesmerizing show you can see in Downtown Dubai! Dubai is a city that is known for its grand and impressive attractions, and one of the most famous is the Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and right next to the Dubai Mall.
The Dubai Fountain is an awe-inspiring sight that is not to be missed: is the largest choreographed fountain system in the world and features an array of stunning water jets that shoot up to 500 feet (150 meters) in the air, creating an awesome dance of water and light. With over 6,600 lights and 25 colored projectors, the Dubai Fountain offers a captivating spectacle that is accompanied by a range of popular music from around the world, including Arabic, classical, and contemporary songs.
The Dubai Fountain is undoubtedly one of the top must-sees in Dubai and offers a truly unforgettable experience, whether you choose to watch it from the surrounding waterfront promenade or take a traditional abra ride on the Burj Lake.
Dubai Fountain Show: What is it?
If you’ve ever seen a dancing fountain, you can already imagine a fountain whose jets move to the beat of the music. Okay, now imagine a fountain that is nearly 300 meters (900 feet) long and that is capable of spraying water up to the height of a 50-story building. This is something similar to the Dubai Fountain. A huge, impressive, incredible dancing fountain. One of the most amazing in the world.
The Dubai Fountain is an incredible sight to behold! Located adjacent to the magnificent Dubai Mall, in the heart of Burj Khalifa Lake, this stunning masterpiece was designed by none other than WET Design – the same brilliant minds behind the iconic Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas.
After completing construction in 2009, the fountain has continued to captivate visitors from all around the world with its awe-inspiring spectacles. It’s a truly unforgettable experience to witness the synchronized dance of water, light, and music as it reaches heights of over 150 meters. The Dubai Fountain is a true masterpiece of engineering and technology. The fountain’s complex system of high-pressure jets and underwater lighting is controlled by a state-of-the-art computer system that allows the fountain to perform its unique choreography in perfect sync with the music.
The fountain’s jets are capable of spraying over 83,000 liters (22,000 gallons) and reaching up to 150 meters (500 feet) in height, making it one of the tallest fountains in the world. The fountain’s 25 color projectors and 6,600 lights create a stunning visual display. But perhaps the most impressive feature of the Dubai Fountain is its water supply system. The fountain is filled with water that comes from a system that recycles condensation from the air conditioning systems of the nearby Burj Khalifa.
The Dubai Fountain has become a major tourist attraction in Dubai, with thousands of people flocking to see the fountain’s spectacular shows every night. Interestingly, the Dubai Fountain has also been featured in a number of popular films and television shows, including Mission Impossible.
The Dubai Fountain Show features a diverse range of music, ranging from classical Arabic tunes to contemporary international hits. A team of skilled musicians and engineers work together to transform these popular hits into spectacular light and water displays that are performed by the fountain.
Also known as the Dubai Mall Fountain, this attraction comprises of five circular formations and two arches, featuring thousands of water jets. Spanning a length of approximately 280 meters (900 feet), it covers an area of over 2 hectares (30 acres).
The best way to see the Dubai Fountain Show is to take an abra for a lake ride. The view from the Burj Khalifa Lake is truly stunning! Otherwise, if you want to get really close to the Dubai Fountain and enjoy the show to the fullest, consider booking a ticket for the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk! Here, you will be only 9 meters away from the fountain, providing an absolutely breathtaking view.
Dubai Fountain Timings
Dubai Fountain Shows are held at set times:
AFTERNOON SHOWS:
- Saturday to Thursday: 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM
- Friday: 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM
EVENING SHOWS:
- The Dubai Fountain Evening Show is held every day, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, every 30 minutes.
Each Dubai Fountain Show lasts approximately 5 minutes.
During Public Holidays, extra shows usually take place, while during Ramadan shows are only held in the evening, after Iftar.
Best Time To See The Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain shows its best when the sun goes down. Compared to the afternoon shows, the evening ones allow you to enjoy the incredible light show to the fullest!
The best time to see the Dubai Fountain Show is late at night, when the crowds begin to thin out. Your best bet is to see the show on a lake ride, so you can enjoy the show without having to elbow through the crowd.
Where is the best place to see the Dubai Fountain Show?
The Dubai Fountain is located on Burj Khalifa Lake, overlooked by the Burj Khalifa, with its terraces and exclusive restaurants, and the Dubai Mall. From the Dubai Mall, there is easy (and free) access to the waterfront promenade where most people go to see the dancing fountains of Dubai. Another very popular spot is the balcony of the mega Apple Store in the Dubai Mall, from which you have a good view. These spots are usually very crowded, especially in the evening.
A better (and slightly less crowded) place is the one that is reached from the Lower Ground Floor, following the exit at the end of Fashion Avenue (near “At the Top”). Many choose to dine in one of the Dubai Mall restaurants that have tables on the terrace overlooking Burj Khalifa Lake. From there, the view of the show is not that great, but it is certainly a pleasant way to spend the evening. Here is my guide to the Best Restaurants in the Dubai Mall.
The best places to see the Dubai Fountain Show are definitely two:
- Taking a Dubai Fountain Lake Ride, aboard one of the typical boats called abra;
- Enjoying a pleasant walk on the Dubai Fountain Walkaway.
Dubai Fountain Lake Ride: the most scenic way to enjoy the show!
This is, in my opinion, the most beautiful way to experience the Dubai Fountain Show. You’ll board one of the small, traditional wooden boats called abras, taking a delightful ride on the lake. From here, you’ll be immersed in the heart of the performance, enjoying an unforgettable view of the dancing fountain against the surreal backdrop of the sparkling Burj Khalifa. Dubai Fountain Lake Rides depart 15 minutes before each show and last approximately 30 minutes.
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk: right in the heart of the show!
The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is a floating walkway that extends from Burj Park, allowing you to reach the heart of the Dubai Fountain. At its closest point, you are just 9 meters away! From here, the view is jaw-dropping, and you can also capture amazing photos of the fountain and Burj Khalifa with its famous LED Lights Show. The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is open every day from 5 PM to 11 PM, and the ticket allows you to stay on the boardwalk for as long as you want.
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Burj Khalifa LED Light Show: Timings & Info
No less famous than Dubai’s dancing fountain, the Burj Khalifa’s LED Light Show is capable of thrilling and impressing visitors, even those who see it every night! Indeed, the theme changes quite frequently and is often used to celebrate national and international events, special occasions, or celebrations.
You can watch the Burj Khalifa LED Light Show every evening, starting at 7:45 PM. The show runs every hour on weekdays and every half-hour from Thursday to Saturday. You can view it from the same spot you chose to see the fountain show.
Admission to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is included in the Dubai Unlimited Pass which allows you to enter all of Dubai’s most exciting attractions and save up to 60%!
How to get to the Dubai Fountain
You can reach Dubai Fountain by metro, getting off at Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall Metro Station, on the Red Line. From the station follow the directions to the Dubai Mall, it’s about 15 minutes walk. The bus stop is also located near the metro station.
The double-decker Hop On Hop Off buses stop right outside the entrance to the Dubai Mall, and all routes connecting all of Dubai’s main attractions depart from here.
Don’t miss the chance to see the magic of Dubai at night, you can take part in a guided night tour to discover the wonders of the city and its sparkling skyscrapers!
Nearby Attractions
The Dubai Fountain is located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, right next to the Dubai Mall. Here you will find my definitive guide to the Dubai Mall! You cannot miss the visit to “At The Top” Burj Khalifa, the observation deck on the tallest skyscraper in the world. In the same area you can check out the Dubai Opera and the famous Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
If you’re traveling with kids, you can spend an afternoon full of fun in the theme parks of the Dubai Mall: don’t miss KidZania, the VR Park and the Ice Rink!
Planning your trip to Dubai? Then you should check out the GUIDE TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN DUBAI.