The deserts of the Middle East have long been a setting for regional folklore that has wooed the world. It is still wondrous as to how an urban haven can develop in the middle of the barren land in a matter of decades. Landmarks from the desert city have now made their way to the “best” lists of the world. The Burj Khalifa, Burj al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, World Island, Marina Walk are all common entries in global bucket lists. One of the greatest and most frequently videographed attractions in Dubai is the Dubai Fountain Show. This performing fountain has set a standard in its field since its inception and it stands today, as famous as the Las Vegas’s Bellagio Fountains.
Here's all you need to know before heading for a Dubai Fountain Show - best spots to watch it from, timings, frequency and a few tips that could come handy. We've also compiled a list of attractions in the vicinity you could hit up, post the show.
The Dubai Fountain Show - What’s The Hype?
The dazzling Dubai Fountain is the tallest performing fountain in the world. Visiting the Dubai Fountain during one of its shows is bound to create a spectacular memory. As the powerful gets sway in tune with the music and in the accompaniment of colorful lights, you would be left awestruck by the sheer scale of the lake and the columns of water. The best part is the synchronized choreography that is updated often to be append tracks like Michael Jackson’s Thriller and EXO’s Power. If you are heading to Downtown Dubai, make sure you look up the showtimes of the Dubai Fountain and make your bookings. The Dubai Fountain is located in the Burj Lake, just overlooking the towering Burj Khalifa.
Fun Facts About the Dubai Fountain
- The Burj Lake that holds the Dubai Fountain is 30-acre in size. It is larger than two soccer fields.
- The length of the fountain is about 900 feet.
- The high-pressure water jets shoot water 500 feet in the air, as high as a 50-story building.
- There are about 6,600 WET lights and 25 colored projectors that are used in the Dubai Fountain.
- The Dubai Fountain can be experienced from the boardwalk as well as from a ride on the lake.
Dubai Fountain Show Tickets
Best Places to View The Dubai Fountain Show
Here are our top 5 picks of places to watch the Dubai Fountain show.
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
This is possibly the closest you can get to one end of the fountain. The boardwalk is just 9 meters from the action of the Dubai Fountain. As the streams of water sway to the music, you will be able to experience its grandeur with the towering Burj Khalifa forming the perfect backdrop for it.
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
Headout Price: AED18
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk + Burj Khalifa
Headout Price:
Abra Lake Ride
If standing and watching this spectacle unfold seems like a counterintuitive plan to you, hop on one of the traditional wooden boats and sail on to the Burj Lake. The boat ride gives you a chance to relax while you enjoy the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain show. The 30-minute cruise is recommended especially on a hot day in Dubai.
Dubai Fountain Show & Traditional Abra Lake Ride
Headout Price: AED72
Aquaventure Waterpark & Traditional Abra Lake Ride
Headout Price:
Atop the Burj Khalifa
If time and budget are of the essence to you, pick this option over the others. This lets you board the fastest elevator in the world to zip to the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Dubai from the vantage point and later on, you may also look directly down as the fountain show gets underway. This package also comes with access to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk.
Check out more Burj Khalifa Experiences
Outside Dubai Mall
If you are in Dubai on a tight schedule and you wish to squeeze the Dubai Fountain into your schedule, this is your best bet. This way you would be able to witness the fountain show free of the entry charge. But be warned that a lot of people try this track, and you are unlikely to get an unobstructed view. The best from inside Dubai Mall would be from the Flagship Apple store.
Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Mall Restaurants
Souk Al Bahar is a small shopping arcade very close to the Dubai Fountain. It has a number of handicraft and antique stores. Most of the people visit Souk Al Bahar and the Dubai Mall for its restaurants, that also claim to offer a view of the Dubai Fountain. However, if dining isn’t your priority, these restaurants should not be a preferred place to witness the fountain. Not only is the view obstructed in most cases, but you also end up spending plenty more than you would have on a boardwalk ticket. Moreover, these restaurants are popular, and chances are you won’t be able to get in without a prior reservation.
Dubai Fountain Show Tickets
Dubai Fountain Timings & Frequency
Dubai Fountain Timings
Here are the Dubai Mall Fountain times
- Afternoon Shows: 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM
- Evening Shows: Sunday to Wednesday 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM, Thursday to Saturday 7:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Dubai Fountain Frequency
Each show lasts for about 5 minutes and starts at an interval of 30 minutes.
Best Time To See The Dubai Fountain Show
The best time to witness the show is definitely late at night. The crowd thins out at this point in time leaving you with a better view. Also, the light show is best observed during night time.
Best Restaurants To View The Dubai Fountain Show
Karma Kafe
Karma Kafe is a well-crafted restaurant that is known for the view of the Dubai Fountain it offers from its terrace. Karma Kafe specializes in pan-Asian cuisine and is a licensed bar in the Souk Al Bahar area. The sushi, tempura shrimp, and the chocolate fondant is quite famous at this restaurant.
Wafi Gourmet
Wafi Gourmet has carved a niche following for itself over the years. It offers Lebanese, Arabic, and Middle Eastern specialty food. The restaurant has two other outlets in the city. The one situated on the Lower Ground level of the Dubai Mall offers a good view of the Dubai Fountain.
Carluccio’s
Italian restaurant Carluccio’s began with just one outlet, but now has five more in Dubai apart from the Dubai Mall outlet. This restaurant has some of the best pizzas, pasta dishes, and Italian novelty desserts in Dubai. You can get a nice view of the Dubai Fountain from this restaurant.
At.Mosphere
Located on the 122nd of Burj Khalifa, this premium restaurant provides one of the best possible views of the Dubai skyline and the Dubai Fountain. The restaurant provides set menus for each meal and you can choose from a number of international cuisines.
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays is an international restaurant chain that has made its way to every corner of the planet. Just like the others, the Dubai Mall outlet of the restaurant also offers Tex Mex cuisine. It is located at the second level of the Dubai Mall and you can get a fairly good view of the Dubai Fountain.
Tips to Enjoy Your Dubai Fountain Show
- Opt for the Burj Khalifa and Boardwalk combo tickets as it will enable you to witness the Dubai Fountain show from two different angles.
- Park your vehicle at the Dubai Mall where there is plenty of free parking space available. Dubai Fountain is quite close to the Dubai Mall parking area.
- Understand that waterproof coats are not included for the boardwalk tickets, and on a windy day, you may get wet from the spray. Carry one if you prefer to stay dry.
- Try to avoid the afternoon show as most of the light and projection work will not be visible in the daylight.
- If you're looking to see the Dubai Fountain show free of cost, stand at the walkway near Souk Al Bahar, which is far less crowded than the Promenade outside the Dubai Mall.
Dubai Fountain Show Tickets
Things To Do Around Dubai Fountain
Burj Khalifa
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Top Attractions in Dubai Mall
Right next to the Burj Khalifa Lake stands the biggest mall in the world, the Dubai Mall. Shop, dine and visit the top attractions inside the mall.
Dubai Opera House
The Dubai Opera House is a hop, skip, jump away from the Burj Khalifa Lake, the first Opera House in the Middle East showing world class shows from across the globe. Grab tickets for the currently running shows.
City Walk Attractions
The City Walk is home to more than 140 outlets, including high-end brands, exciting restaurant concepts and family friendly attractions. Spend a memorable day at the City Walk with your kids.
Other Top Attractions in Dubai
If you're still firming up your Dubai plans, here are a few deals on the top attractions in the city to get you started.
Dubai Fountain Show Reviews
That experience was magnificent! Night lights! Beautiful breeze and amazing view from the terrace on the 27th floor of Ramada hotel, great music and these singing and dancing fountains that you should see! Words are too simple to describe what our eyes can see and our hearts can feel! We watched one of the several shows from the Burj Halifa Tower (the tallest in the world!) from 147th floor! Another one from the ground level, feeling the emotions of the crowd and the third one from our hotel, which was the best experience! Enjoy the magic!
Krassimira L, Tripadvisor 2019
It is probably one of the most elaborate and spectacle fountain shows globally. While it is absolutely awesome, there is lack of viewing space especially for small children as they need to be standing right in the front to see anything at all. I wish we had bought tickets for the Abra ride or the Boardwalk. We saw a show and waited another half and hour to hold the front spot for the children to see the next show.
sandeepkr7, Tripadvisor 2019
FAQS About Dubai Fountain Show
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Still Planning Your Dubai Vacation?
Here are few quick guides that will help you hit up the top attractions in the city. You could also glance through our detailed Dubai itineraries and plan your vacation better!