A Guide to the Dubai Fountain Show
In Dubai, everything is made to wow its audience, and the Dubai Fountain Show is no exception.
One of the most spectacular attractions in the city, thousands of tourists flock to Burj Khalifa Lake every year hoping to get the best spot to watch the dancing fountains.
So, if you’re due for a trip to Dubai soon, here’s everything you need to learn about the famous Dubai Fountain Show.
What Is the Dubai Fountain Show?
The Dubai Fountain is a 275-meter long fountain system submerged on the 12-hectare Burj Khalifa Lake in Downtown Dubai.
The prestigious AED 800 million project by Emaar Properties is designed to be the tallest fountain system in the world.
It’s made by the California-based WET Design, the same company behind the Bellagio Hotel fountain system in Las Vegas.
The Dubai Fountain is composed of 50 colored projectors and 6,600 LED lights that can shoot water by up to 500 feet to the tune of different musical arrangements.
Every day, the Dubai Fountain lights up from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM with shows every 30 minutes. It’s one of the must-see attractions in Downtown Dubai and the rest of the city.
Best Time to Go
The Dubai Fountain Show runs for 5 minutes on a 30-minute interval throughout the evening.
You can also watch the afternoon shows at 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM from Saturday to Thursday.
However, it’s best to go at night to fully appreciate the lighting system that goes with the fountain show and see all the buildings in Downtown Dubai, especially Burj Khalifa fully lit up.
You should also come early if you want to get a good spot since the crowd can easily build up on the free viewing deck and the surrounding areas near the show.
These schedules may change during public days when extra shows are added. However, the show will only run in the evenings after Iftar during the Ramadan season.
Things to Know
To make sure that you get the most of your experience at the Dubai Fountain Show, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Parking is free.
If you’re renting a car for your trip to Dubai and you’re planning to see the fountain show, you can park at the Dubai Mall for free.
But while this space can fit up to 16,000 cars at a time, parking may also be full in the afternoon to the evening. So, it’s best to be in the area early.
- The show is free.
Watching the Dubai Fountain Show is free for everyone.
The waterfront promenade outside the Dubai Mall is considered the best spot to watch the show for free. But since it can easily get busy, it’s best to head to the location early.
Another option would be the outdoor viewing balcony under the Apple Store. Use the central exit of the Dubai Mall to reach this spot.
You can also take the Lower Ground floor exit near “At the Top” in Fashion Avenue where you can watch the show on the balcony.
Some people also choose to dine al fresco in restaurants near the fountain for a better view of the show while eating.
Others also go to the walkway at Souk Al Bahar, although this can get crowded and not recommended if you have children.
How to Get Around
Trains: If you’re taking the Metro to reach the Dubai Fountain, stop at the World Trade Center Metro Station where the fountain will just be a five-minute walk away.
Buses: Buses are the easiest form of public transport to reach the Dubai Fountain since several bus lines run through the area and there are plenty of bus stations nearby.
Taxis: If you prefer to take a cab, you can book one through Uber, Careem or S’hail.
Car service: There are different chauffeured and self-drive car rentals around the city that you can book for your trip.
Where to Stay Near the Dubai Fountain Show
Palace Downtown
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 428 7888
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
If you’re all about the royal experience where your stay is customized according to your preferences, Palace Downtown has you covered.
This five-star hotel doesn’t only offer the most stunning views of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa, but you also get to enjoy staying in a palace-like accommodation fit for royalty.
Being at the heart of Downtown Dubai, Palace Downtown is also just a few minutes away from the Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar.
Address Downtown
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 436 8888
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
Most people who stay in Address Downtown choose it for the views. Being located opposite Burj Khalifa, this is one of the best spots to see the landmark and the Dubai Fountain Show
Book a room with the Burj Khalifa view to make sure you have front row seats to the show from your private balcony.
The hotel also gives you easy access to the Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar where you can shop and dine to your heart’s content.
The Address Dubai Mall
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Duba – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 438 8888
Pricing: $$$
Book Now
With sweeping views of the Dubai skyline, Jumeirah Towers, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, the Address Dubai Mall is one of the most coveted addresses in the city.
You can also make the experience more special by asking the hotel staff to set up a romantic dinner by your balcony just in time for the show.
Or if you’re traveling alone, there’s always the option to enjoy a long, hot bath while watching the show from the tub.
Where to Eat Near the Dubai Fountain Show
Open Flame Kitchen
Address: Unit FF – 3-4 – Financial Center Road – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 386 3599
Pricing: $$$
Website
Open Flame Kitchen is a designer restaurant concept that combines modern minimalist interiors with an upscale international menu.
Here, you get to dine on the outdoor terrace to get excellent views of the Dubai Fountain Show.
Thiptara Asian Restaurant Dubai
Address: Ground Level – Palace Downtown 9770 – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 428 7961
Pricing: $$$
Website
Located by the Burj Khalifa Lake in Palace Downtown, Thiptara lets you see the Dubai Fountain Show right where you’re eating.
But more than the spectacular views, this award-winning restaurant also offers one of the best Thai cuisine in the area, especially focusing on Bangkok-style seafood dishes.
BiCE Mare
Address: Souk Al Bahar – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 432 0982
Pricing: $$
Website
Are you craving for good Italian fare? BiCE Mare has become an institution in the Downtown Dubai area.
The award-winning restaurant is known for its authentic Italian menu using only the freshest ingredients. It also serves vegan-friendly dishes to cater to everyone.
And because it’s located right at the waterfront, you get to enjoy the famous Dubai Fountain Show while savoring your antipasti or dessert.
Asado
Address: Palace Downtown 9770 – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 428 7961
Pricing: $$$
Website
A restaurant that pays homage to Argentinian cuisine, Asado is a favorite among many diners who are looking for the best steak in town.
But what really makes this restaurant different from other steakhouses in the area is that all the steaks are cooked in an open grill called a “parrilla.”
This means that you get to smell and see steak being cooked while also enjoying the Dubai Fountain Show in the background.
CLAW Bbq
Address: Souk Al Bahar – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 577 4357
Pricing: $$
Website
Another great spot to enjoy the Dubai Fountain Show while eating American street food is CLAW Bbq,
The restaurant barbeque eatery and restaurant is known for its humongous servings of American classic food like burgers and wings.
If you need an adventure, you can also try the restaurant’s famous inferno wings challenge.
What to Do at the Dubai Fountain Show
See the Show from the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 567 2030
Website
If you want to secure a good spot to watch the Dubai Fountain Show and get as close as 9 meters from the fountain, you can book tickets to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk.
Here, you’ll be granted access to a 272-meter boardwalk right in front of the fountain show for AED 20 per person.
Just make sure to bring extra clothes since water can sprinkle on you.
Go on the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 567 2030
Website
For the ultimate Dubai Fountain Show experience, you can ride a traditional “abra” or Arabian boat and sail on the Burj Khalifa Lake during the show.
Just imagine the magic of being under powerful fountains shooting water up to the tune of classic Arabian and international music.
You can take this magical ride for AED 65 per person and the last boat ride departs 30 minutes before the last show.
Where to Shop Near the Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Mall
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 800 382 246255
Website
While waiting or after the show, you can enjoy some retail therapy at the largest mall in Dubai.
The massive Dubai Mall complex is the largest mall by total land area, so you can guarantee a huge range of options for shopping, dining and entertainment.
In fact, most tourists start their day experiencing all the attractions at the Dubai Mall and capp their day off at the Dubai Fountain Show.
Souk Al Bahar
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 4 362 7011
Website
If you’re on the hunt for local products but don’t want to go far from the city center, you can shop at the beautiful Souk Al Bahar.
This marketplace on the Burj Khalifa Lake is designed to look and feel like a local Arabic market.
It also hosts different restaurants offering al fresco dining that lets you enjoy the Dubai Fountain Show over dinner.
What to Expect from Weather at the Dubai Fountain Show
Winter: Winter in Dubai lasts from December to March and this is the best time to go around the city since the temperatures can reach between 16 to 24 degrees Celsius.
Summer: Summer in Dubai lasts from June to September, during which time temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius. Most tourists prefer to stay indoors during this time, although some afternoons and evenings can be cooler.
Transition months: In between two seasons, Dubai goes through two transition periods: April to May and October to November. During this time, the weather can be more unpredictable than other days.
Apps to Download for a Visit to the Dubai Fountain Show
Careem: The Middle Eastern counterpart of Uber for booking a private car service
iOs | Android
RTA Dubai Drive: Offers useful information to help you Navigate around Dubai, finding parking, paying for parking and other related services when you’re driving your own car
iOs | Android
Wojhati: Useful tool in helping to navigate through Dubai’s public transport system including buses, trains and water buses
iOs | Android