The Complete Dubai Fountain Visitor Guide 2026

1. Why Visit Dubai Fountain?

Dubai Fountain is the world's largest choreographed fountain system and one of the most mesmerizing free attractions anywhere on the planet. Located on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake in the heart of Downtown Dubai, this spectacular water, light, and music show draws millions of visitors each year.

The fountain spans 275 meters (900 feet) in length, equivalent to two football fields. Water jets shoot up to 152 meters (500 feet) into the air, as high as a 50-story building. Each 5-minute performance combines synchronized water patterns with 6,600 lights and 25 color projectors, all choreographed to music ranging from classical symphonies to contemporary Arabic and world pop.

Designed by WET Design, the California-based company that created the famous Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, Dubai Fountain opened on May 8, 2009. The show is completely free to watch and has become an iconic symbol of Dubai's ambition and grandeur.

2. Key Facts & Specifications

Fountain Technology

The Dubai Fountain uses several types of water jets:

The Extreme Shooters create a loud "boom" sound when activated and are used sparingly because significant time is needed to build sufficient pressure.

3. Show Times

Regular Show Schedule

Each show lasts approximately 5 minutes.

Evening Show Schedule (Every 30 Minutes)

6:00 PM → 6:30 PM → 7:00 PM → 7:30 PM → 8:00 PM → 8:30 PM → 9:00 PM → 9:30 PM → 10:00 PM → 10:30 PM → 11:00 PM

Total: 11 evening shows daily plus 2 afternoon shows = 13 shows per day

Special Timing Notes

• Ramadan: Shows typically begin after Iftar (around 7:00–7:30 PM)
• Eid & Public Holidays: Additional shows may run throughout the afternoon to midnight
• New Year's Eve: Extended schedule with spectacular fireworks from Burj Khalifa

4. Best Time to Visit

Best Time of Day

Best Days

• Weekdays (Sunday–Wednesday): Less crowded, easier to find viewing spots
• Weekends (Thursday–Saturday): Busiest, especially after 7:00 PM

Best Months

• November–March: Comfortable weather (20–28°C), perfect for outdoor viewing
• April–May, September–October: Warm but manageable
• June–August: Very hot (40°C+), stick to evening shows only

Pro Tips for Timing

1. First Evening Show (6:00 PM): Catch sunset colors with the fountain
2. Multiple Shows: Plan to see at least 2–3 shows from different spots
3. Arrive 15 Minutes Early: Secure a good viewing position before crowds arrive
4. Wind Direction: Stand upwind to avoid spray and capture clearer photos

5. How to Get There

Location

Dubai Fountain is located on Burj Khalifa Lake, at the foot of the world's tallest building, between Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai.

Address: Burj Khalifa Lake, Downtown Dubai, UAE

By Metro (Recommended)

Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. Walk through the air-conditioned Metro Link Bridge (820 meters, 10–15 minutes) into Dubai Mall. Follow signs to "Dubai Fountain" and exit from the Ground Floor near the Apple Store.

By Taxi

Tell the driver "Dubai Mall main entrance" or "Souk Al Bahar" for the closest drop-off points to the fountain.

By Car

Park at Dubai Mall (see parking section). Walk to the Waterfront Promenade exit on the Ground Floor.

On Foot

If staying at nearby hotels (Address Downtown, Palace Downtown, Armani Hotel), the fountain is within a 5-minute walk.

6. Parking

Dubai Mall offers the closest parking to Dubai Fountain.

Best Option: Park at Fountain Views Parking for free, unlimited parking with direct access to the fountain viewing area.

7. Free Viewing Spots

The Dubai Fountain show is completely FREE to watch from public areas around Burj Lake.

Best Free Viewing Locations

Viewing Tips

1. Arrive 15 minutes before show time – The water starts to twinkle 10 minutes before, and promenade lights dim in preparation
2. Exit from Fashion Avenue – Less crowded than the main Dubai Mall exit
3. Avoid the central bridge – This gets extremely congested, especially with strollers or wheelchairs
4. Check wind direction – Stand upwind to stay dry and get clearer photos

8. Paid Experiences

For a more intimate fountain experience, two paid options bring you closer to the action.

Dubai Fountain Boardwalk

Walk on a 272-meter floating platform extending over Burj Lake, bringing you within 9 meters of the fountain jets.

Tip: The boardwalk may be closed during peak periods (December–January for New Year's arrangements). Check availability before visiting.

Dubai Fountain Lake Ride (Abra Boat)

Cruise Burj Lake on a traditional wooden abra boat and watch the fountain show from the water.

What's Included:

• 30-minute boat ride on Burj Lake
• Close-up fountain views from the water
• Views of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, and Palace Downtown

Rules:

• No outside food or drink allowed
• Cannot reschedule if late
• Large bags must be stored at the counter
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Boat Options:

• Classic Abra (traditional wooden boat)
• Swan/Duck boats (fun for families)
• Water bikes
• Flamingo boats

Where to Book:

• Official website: www.burjkhalifa.ae
• At The Top counter, Dubai Mall Lower Ground Floor

9. Music & Songs

The Dubai Fountain performs to a diverse playlist of over 48 songs, ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary hits and traditional Arabic music.

Popular Songs in the Repertoire

Song Selection: WET Design selects songs that suit the choreography and respect the fountain as a cultural landmark. Some songs (like PSY's "Gangnam Style") have been rejected as inappropriate.

First Song Ever Played: "Sama Dubai" by Emirati singer Mehad Hamad on May 8, 2009.

Tip: The specific song schedule is not publicly available and changes regularly. Each visit may feature different songs.

10. Photography Guide

Best Photography Times

Best Photo Spots

1. Souk Al Bahar Bridge – Unobstructed view with Burj Khalifa as backdrop
2. Dubai Fountain Boardwalk – Closest shots, feel the mist (paid)
3. Burj Park – Wide-angle shots with greenery
4. At The Top (Burj Khalifa) – Aerial view from observation deck (paid)
5. Fashion Avenue Exit – Less crowded promenade angle

Camera Settings (DSLR/Mirrorless)

Smartphone Tips

1. Use night mode for evening shows
2. Disable flash – it won't help and reflects off water
3. Hold steady – use both hands or prop against a railing
4. Burst mode – capture multiple frames of water action
5. HDR mode – balances bright lights and dark sky
6. Video mode – capture the full show experience
7. Clean your lens – water mist can splash

Pro Tips

• Arrive early to secure your spot before crowds block your view
• Capture reflections in the lake for dramatic symmetry
• Include Burj Khalifa in frame for context and scale
• Try different angles – move between shows to new locations
• Portrait orientation – captures the height of water jets
• Don't use digital zoom – it reduces quality

11. Dining with Fountain Views

Combine dinner with the fountain show for an unforgettable experience. These restaurants offer terrace seating with direct fountain views.

Fine Dining (AED 400–1,000+ for two)

Upscale Casual (AED 200–500 for two)

Mid-Range (AED 100–250 for two)

Cafés with Views

Booking Tips

1. Reserve in advance – fountain-view tables book quickly
2. Request outdoor terrace – indoor tables may not have views
3. Arrive before 6:00 PM – secure your spot before first evening show
4. Minimum spend – some restaurants require minimum spend for terrace seating
5. Licensed vs. Non-licensed – Dubai Mall restaurants don't serve alcohol; Souk Al Bahar does

12. Nearby Attractions

Combine your fountain visit with these nearby attractions.

13. Sample Itineraries

Quick Visit (1–2 Hours)

• 5:45 PM: Arrive at Dubai Mall, park at Fountain Views (FREE)
• 6:00 PM: Watch first evening show from Waterfront Promenade
• 6:30 PM: Watch second show from Souk Al Bahar Bridge
• 7:00 PM: Optional third show, then depart

Estimated Cost: FREE

Sunset Experience (3–4 Hours)

• 5:00 PM: Arrive, explore Souk Al Bahar
• 5:30 PM: Coffee at a café with fountain views
• 6:00 PM: First evening show (catch sunset colors)
• 6:30 PM: Walk to Dubai Fountain Boardwalk (AED 20)
• 7:00 PM: Watch show from boardwalk
• 7:30 PM: Dinner at Time Out Market or Abd El Wahab
• 8:30 PM: Final show from restaurant terrace

Estimated Cost: AED 150–300 (~$41–82) per person

Romantic Evening (4–5 Hours)

• 5:00 PM: Book At The Top (Burj Khalifa) for 5:30 PM
• 5:30 PM: Sunset views from Level 124/125
• 6:00 PM: Watch fountain from above
• 6:30 PM: Descend, walk to restaurant
• 7:00 PM: Dinner at Thiptara or GIA (reserve fountain view)
• 8:00–9:30 PM: Multiple shows during dinner
• 10:00 PM: Optional Dubai Fountain Lake Ride (AED 68.25)

Estimated Cost: AED 800–1,500 (~$218–408) for two

Family Day Out (6+ Hours)

• 10:00 AM: Arrive at Dubai Mall
• 10:30 AM: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
• 12:30 PM: Lunch at Food Court
• 1:00 PM: Watch afternoon fountain show
• 2:00 PM: Explore Dubai Mall (Candylicious, Dubai Dino)
• 4:00 PM: Dubai Ice Rink or KidZania
• 6:00 PM: First evening fountain show
• 6:30 PM: Dubai Fountain Lake Ride (AED 68.25 per person)
• 7:30 PM: Dinner at PF Chang's or Nando's with fountain views
• 9:00 PM: Final fountain show, depart

Estimated Cost: AED 600–1,000 (~$163–272) for family of 4

14. Practical Tips

What to Bring

• Camera or smartphone (fully charged)
• Light jacket (evenings can be cool November–March)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Portable charger
• Water bottle (stay hydrated)

What to Wear

• Casual, comfortable clothing
• Modest dress recommended (cover shoulders, knees)
• Light layers for air-conditioned mall and outdoor viewing
• No specific dress code for fountain viewing

Accessibility

• All viewing areas are wheelchair accessible
• Dubai Mall has accessible restrooms and elevators
• Boardwalk accessible for wheelchairs
• Lake Ride boats can accommodate wheelchairs with advance notice

Safety

• Guard rails along the promenade protect viewers
• Stay behind barriers
• Supervise children near the water's edge
• Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas

Weather Considerations

• Summer (June–August): Extremely hot; attend evening shows only
• Winter (December–February): Comfortable; evenings can be cool
• Ramadan: Reduced afternoon crowds; shows begin after Iftar
• Sandstorms: Rare but reduce visibility; check weather forecasts

15. History & Renovations

Timeline

2025 Renovation Upgrades

The fountain underwent its most extensive renovation since opening:

• New flooring system with advanced waterproofing
• Glowing blue tiles beneath water surface for enhanced visual effect
• Upgraded lighting for greater clarity and contrast
• Enhanced sound system for tighter music synchronization
• Improved choreography with new robotic jet controls
• Digital installations around waterfront synchronized with shows

Phase Two (Q2 2026): Expected to introduce innovative new features and further technology enhancements.

16. Common Questions

Is the Dubai Fountain free to watch? Yes, watching from public areas (Waterfront Promenade, Souk Al Bahar, Burj Park) is completely free.

How long is each show? Approximately 5 minutes.

How many shows are there per day? 13 shows: 2 afternoon shows + 11 evening shows (every 30 minutes from 6:00–11:00 PM).

Can I watch from Burj Khalifa? Yes, the observation decks (Levels 124, 125, 148) offer aerial views of the fountain. Book a ticket timed for 6:00 PM or later.

What songs are played? A mix of classical, Arabic, and contemporary music. The playlist includes over 48 songs and rotates regularly.

Is it worth paying for the Lake Ride or Boardwalk? Yes, if you want close-up views without crowds. The Lake Ride (AED 68.25) is especially memorable.

What if it rains? The show continues in light rain but may be cancelled in severe weather or high winds.

Can I reserve fountain-view restaurant tables? Yes, book in advance and specifically request outdoor terrace seating.

Is the fountain operating during Ramadan? Yes, but shows typically begin later (after 7:00–7:30 PM Iftar).

17. Useful Information

Official Website

• Dubai Fountain: https://www.burjkhalifa.ae
• Dubai Mall: https://thedubaimall.com
• Visit Dubai: https://www.visitdubai.com

Contact

• Customer Service: 800 28843867 (800 ATTHETOP)

Ticket Booking (Paid Experiences)

• Lake Ride and Boardwalk: www.burjkhalifa.ae or At The Top counter (LG Floor, Dubai Mall)

Best Times to Visit

• Least Crowded: Weekday afternoons (1:00–1:30 PM shows)
• Most Atmospheric: Weekday evenings (6:00–7:30 PM)
• Most Crowded: Weekend evenings (Thursday–Saturday, 8:00–11:00 PM)

Annual Events

• New Year's Eve: Extended shows, fireworks from Burj Khalifa (76 million lumens)
• UAE National Day (December 2): Special patriotic programming
• Dubai Shopping Festival (December–January): Extended evening hours
• Ramadan: Shows begin after Iftar

18. Common Mistakes to Avoid