Things to Do at Dubai Mall Fountain: A Spectacular Show
Did you know that amid the scorching Dubai desert, there’s a cool (and eco-friendly) oasis you can explore? This is known as The Dubai Fountain!
Believe it or not, this mall fountain uses recycled water from the air conditioning condensation of the nearby Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on the planet!
If you’re curious to learn more, read on and explore the best of Dubai Mall Fountain’s attractions.
What is the Dubai Mall Fountain?
The Dubai Mall Fountain is the world’s biggest choreographed fountain system, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It features water jets shooting into the air, synchronized with various music genres.
It all started back in 2007, inspired by the famous Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas. In 2009, the same folks who made the Bellagio Fountains, WET Design, let the public in on this spectacular water dance.
The fountain stretches an impressive 900 feet long, with water jets that shoot way up high. It’s got over 6,000 lights, and it boogies to all kinds of music, from classical tunes to today’s hits.
So, every evening, you’ll see a crowd of locals and tourists gathering around the lakefront promenade to catch this fountain show. It’s something else, really, with the water grooving to the music!
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the Dubai Mall Fountain is in the evening, from 6 PM to 11 PM. That’s when you can witness the amazing water displays, music, and lights under the night sky.
If you want to catch a gorgeous sunset while watching the fountain show, aim to be there a little earlier, around 5:30 PM. That way, you can secure a prime spot for the evening spectacle.
To avoid the big crowds, weekdays (Sunday to Wednesday) are your best bet because weekends get pretty busy. Plus, the early fountain shows usually have fewer people than the later ones.
Things to Know
Address: Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 888 8888
Operating hours:
Afternoon Shows
- Sunday to Wednesday: 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM, and 2:00 PM
Evening Shows
- Sunday to Wednesday: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (every 30 minutes)
- Thursday to Saturday: 6:00 PM to 11:30 PM (every 30 minutes)
Admission: This is free for all visitors to watch the fountain shows from the Waterfront Promenade, the walkway around Souk Al Bahar, or Burj Park. But to get closer to the fountain, you can grab tickets for two options:
- Dubai Fountain Lake Ride: This lets you ride a traditional Arabic boat (abra) on the lake and watch the fountain show from a unique angle. Tickets cost AED 270 for adults and AED 183 for children.
- Dubai Fountain Boardwalk: This floating platform gets you within 10 meters of the fountain. It’s just AED 20 per person.
Parking: Dubai Mall has over 10,000 parking spaces on different levels and areas. They even offer valet parking for free!
How to Get Around
Here are various transportation options to get around the Dubai Mall Fountain:
Car: You can drive your car and park it at the Dubai Mall withe ease.
Bus: Catch a bus from different spots in the city. Buses like 27, 29, 50, 81, 88, F13, F16, and F19A stop at the Dubai Mall. You can just walk through the mall from the bus stop to reach the fountain.
Metro: Hop on the Red Line and get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. It’s a 15-minute walk through Dubai Mall to the Dubai Mall Fountain.
Taxi: You can easily grab a taxi from anywhere in the city.
What to Expect to See at Dubai Mall Fountain
Mind-Blowing Shows
The Dubai Mall Fountain is all about its jaw-dropping fountain shows. The water dances gracefully to various music styles, from Arabic tunes to classical and modern jams.
Perfectly Coordinated Performances
The fountain’s water jets, lights, and music come together in a beautifully choreographed display. These shows are meticulously designed to provide you with an immersive and enchanting experience.
Impressive Height and Reach
The Dubai Mall Fountain shoots water jets soaring as high as 150 meters (that’s a whopping 492 feet!), and it’s an awe-inspiring sight. The water bends and swirls to create intricate patterns, showing off the fountain’s precision and grandeur.
Evening Illumination
As the sun sets, the Dubai Mall Fountain turns on its dazzling lights, making the water jets look even more magical. The blend of colorful lights and water displays adds a layer of beauty to the entire experience.
Massive Scale
This ain’t your regular backyard fountain. The Dubai Mall Fountain spreads across more than 30 acres, making it one of the world’s biggest choreographed fountain systems!
Its immense size and detailed design make it a genuine spectacle.
Where to Eat near Dubai Mall Fountain
Social House
Address: Financial Center Road, Downtown Dubai
Phone: +971 52 972 5541
Pricing: $$
Website
Social House is a good dining place if you want a chill and fun international meal near Dubai Mall Fountain with your buddies or family.
They’ve got a menu like a culinary world tour, with dishes from Asia, Europe, America, and beyond. Think salads, soups, burgers, pasta, sushi, dim sum, and lots more!
The place is also modern and spacious, with incredible art and comfy seats. You’ll also be able to catch the fantastic view of the fountain and the Burj Khalifa from their outdoor terrace.
Carluccio’s
Address: Dubai Mall, Lower Ground Floor, Downtown Dubai
Phone: +971 4 330 5990
Pricing: $$
Website
Carluccio’s is an excellent place for a romantic dinner with your partner or a relaxed lunch with your coworkers near Dubai Mall Fountain. They’re all about genuine Italian food, made with fresh ingredients.
Here, you can enjoy the flavors of Italy in their pasta, pizza, salads, and sweet treats.
And guess what? They even have a little store where you can grab Italian goodies like cheese, olive oil, bread, and coffee.
The restaurant itself is cozy and rustic, with wooden tables and chairs and lovely, warm lighting—perfect for a satisfying meal!
Wafi Gourmet
Address: Dubai Mall
Phone: +971 4 330 8297
Pricing: $$$
Website
Wafi Gourmet is a fantastic place to dive into Lebanese food, and it’s super close to Dubai Mall Fountain, just 0.2 km away.
They bring all the yummy tastes of Lebanon right here to the UAE. You’ll find lots of goodies on their menu—salads, soups, cold mezze, hot mezze, grills, sandwiches, desserts, and more.
But that’s not all! Wafi Gourmet also has a little market (a souq) where you can buy fresh and natural ingredients from Lebanon.
Where to Stay near Dubai Mall Fountain
Palace Downtown
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai
Phone: +971 4 428 7888
Pricing: $$$
Book now
Palace Downtown is a fancy hotel that beautifully mixes tradition and modern luxury. It’s close to the Dubai Fountain, just a 2-minute stroll away.
As you enter, you’ll likely be amazed by the Arabian design and serene vibes. Here, spacious rooms offer a choice of Dubai Fountain or city skyline views for an enchanting stay.
And if you’re up for it, don’t miss the award-winning Thiptara for delicious Thai cuisine with a Burj Lake view. Later, you can also enjoy the infinity pool or spa treatments inspired by ancient rituals.
Address Dubai Mall
Address: Downtown Dubai
Phone: +971 4 438 8888
Pricing: $$
Book now
Nestled in one of Dubai’s poshest spots, Address Dubai Mall offers a perfect mix of comfort, style, and convenience. It’s right next to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall Fountain.
After a day of exploring, it’s great to treat yourself to a relaxing massage or rejuvenating treatment at The Spa at Address.
Foodies might love it here because the mall has several dining options. Whether you crave mouth watering steaks at CUT by Wolfgang Puck or authentic Turkish dishes at the stylish Karat, they’ve got something for every taste bud.
Manzil Downtown by Vida
Address: Downtown Dubai
Phone: +971 4 428 5888
Pricing: $$
Book now
For a cool experience in Dubai, Manzil Downtown by Vida is worth a shot! Just a quick 10-minute walk from the Dubai Fountain, this boutique hotel brings together Arabian warmth and modern style.
The rooms are super stylish with fancy furniture and offer awesome views of the city skyline. When you’re done with a busy day of exploring or meetings, take a break at the hotel’s rooftop pool to enjoy breathtaking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa.
And when your stomach starts growling, head over to Boulevard Kitchen. They serve up a modern twist on Middle Eastern cuisine with live cooking stations.
Other Things to Do near the Dubai Fountain
Visit Burj Khalifa
Right by the Dubai Mall Fountain, you can soak in magnificent views from the observation decks of the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa. It’s a symbol of Dubai’s modernity and its important location in the Middle East.
Explore Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Inside the Dubai Mall, you can dive into an underwater world, meet various sea creatures, and even stroll through a tunnel with sharks all around you.
The aquarium here is no small deal; it holds a whopping 10 million liters of water and more than 140 types of marine animals, including sharks, rays, and loads of colorful fish.
You can also mosey through the “Aquarium Tunnel,” which wraps around you by 270 degrees. It’s a chance to see these incredible marine creatures up close as they glide around you!
Shop at The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is among the world’s biggest and most famous shopping spots. The mall covers over 1.1 million square meters and has various shopping, entertainment, and dining choices.
With over 1,200 stores, you’ll find everything from luxury brands to fashion shops and electronics. The mall is also known for its cool activities, like a massive ice rink, a virtual reality park, and a movie theater.
Dine at Souk Al Bahar
Connected to the Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar is a traditional Arabian marketplace with many restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. You can enjoy a meal while taking in the view of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall Fountain show.
This market mixes Middle Eastern architectural style with a modern touch. Here, you can explore lots of shops, boutiques, and galleries. They have all sorts of stuff, from handmade crafts and jewelry to fashion, accessories, and home decorations.
Enjoy Dubai Opera
Just a quick stroll from Dubai Mall Fountain, Dubai Opera hosts top-notch shows like concerts, plays, and ballets.
The main hall at the opera house can fit up to 2,000 people! It’s got a stage that can be adjusted for different setups too.
Plus, the acoustics in the venue are well-known for being top-notch, making sure the audience can have an amazing experience.