The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is the world's largest choreographed fountain system, set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake in Downtown Dubai. Shooting water up to 150 m high in sync with music and lights, it performs daily — free from the promenade — and is Dubai's single most-visited nightly spectacle.
Key facts
| Hours | Sat–Thu 13:00–23:00 Fri–Fri 14:00–23:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station (Red Line) — follow the air-conditioned Metro Link Bridge directly to Dubai Mall, then signs to the fountain promenade |
| Time needed | 30–60 minutes for a single show from the free promenade; allow 90+ minutes if combining a boardwalk ticket or abra ride |
| Best time to go | The 19:00 or 20:00 evening show, when darkness maximises the light display and the Burj Khalifa illuminations are at their most dramatic |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value9.5
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level6.0
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility9.0
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Dubai Fountain currently open and running shows?
- As of 22 September 2026, shows are suspended during Dubai's official 10-day mourning period for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Shows are expected to resume after 30 September 2026. Always check official Emaar channels before visiting, as closures can occur without advance notice.
- What is the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk and how do I book it?
- The Boardwalk is a 272-metre floating platform on Burj Lake that places you roughly 10 metres from the fountain jets. Tickets (AED 25 per person per Visit Dubai) are sold at the Dubai Mall Emaar attractions counter (LG Level) or online via the Visit Dubai / Emaar experiences portal. Children under 4 are not permitted.
- What are the best free spots to watch the Dubai Fountain?
- The Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade offers a wide, direct lakeside view. Souk Al Bahar's bridge and terrace restaurants provide a slightly elevated, less-crowded angle. The Burj Park island gives an unobstructed 360° perspective. All three are free to access and within a short walk of each other.
- How do I get to the Dubai Fountain by metro?
- Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station and walk through the air-conditioned Metro Link Bridge into Dubai Mall. Follow the in-mall signage for 'Dubai Fountain' to reach the ground-floor promenade exit onto Burj Lake.
- Can I take an abra (boat) ride during the fountain show?
- Yes. Traditional wooden abras depart from the Burj Lake jetty every 30 minutes from approximately 17:45 to 22:45. Prices vary by operator but are typically AED 65–100 per adult; children under 3 are usually free. Book in advance on weekends and holidays as rides sell out quickly.
- How much does it cost to watch the Dubai Fountain?
- Watching from the Dubai Mall Promenade or Souk Al Bahar is completely free. The Fountain Boardwalk (a floating platform roughly 10 m from the jets) costs AED 25 per person according to Visit Dubai's official listing. A traditional abra lake ride costs approximately AED 68–100 per person depending on the operator.
- Was the Dubai Fountain recently renovated?
- Yes. Phase 1 (April–September 2025) involved draining Burj Lake entirely to replace tiling, apply water insulation, and repaint the basin. The fountain reopened on 1 October 2025 with enhanced sound and lighting. Phase 2, introducing new technology and choreography, was scheduled for Q2 2026 per Emaar's official announcement.
- What are the Dubai Fountain show times?
- During normal operation, afternoon shows run at 13:00 and 13:30 Saturday–Thursday, and at 14:00 and 14:30 on Fridays. Evening shows run every 30 minutes from 18:00 to 23:00 daily. Schedules may change on public holidays and during official mourning periods.
Nearby in Ask Dubai
- The Dubai FountainAttraction0.02 km · 0 min walk
- Time Out Market DubaiMarket0.17 km · 2 min walk
- Downtown DubaiNeighborhood0.22 km · 3 min walk
- Burj KhalifaAttraction0.22 km · 3 min walk
- The Dubai MallAttraction0.52 km · 7 min walk
Where to stay near The Dubai Fountain
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