When to Catch the Dubai Fountain Show: A Visitor's Guide
The Dubai Fountain is not only a water feature but also a remarkable and fascinating sight that has had millions of visitors hooked since it first came on display in 2009. Constructed in front of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa & across the 12-hectare Burj Lake in Dubai downtown, the Dubai Fountain is a water feature that improves upon everything else. It is the world's largest fountain.
Important Update: Current Status & Reopening
The Dubai Fountain is currently closed for major renovations and upgrades. The fountain was out of service until April 19, 2025, for a thorough 5 months renovation project. Emaar Properties has announced that it will resume full operations on October 1, 2025. Although the fountain is earmarked for operation by October 1, the property developers have elaborated that the attraction won't start up again until "early October".
Reopening Expectations
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New technology, redesigned choreography, and an amplifier for sound and light
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Robots would be applied to move the water and control the lighting to create the best show possible
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Enriched water displays and the visitor experience in general
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500 metres of advanced digital screens have been installed across the promenade during the closure.
Routine Show Schedule (When Operational)
Evening Shows
The Dubai Fountain, which is the star of the show, plays its performance every 30 minutes, with a magnificent water display composed to music that includes classical, Arabic, and international hits. This is the time when the fountain really comes alive, with a fantastic water choreography themed to the most popular songs.
Evening Show Times:
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6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM
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8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM
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10:00 PM, 10:30 PM, 11:00 PM
Afternoon Shows
The tickets are only available for two afternoon shows at 1 PM and 1:30 PM daily, which are extended to 2 PM on Fridays. The daytime performances offer a different experience as they allow you to see the fountain's impressive water jets without the dramatic nighttime lighting.
Afternoon Show Times:
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Monday to Thursday & Saturday-Sunday: 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM
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Friday: 1:30 PM, 2:00 PM
Best Times to Visit
For Spectacular Views
Sunset Shows (7:00-8:00 PM): The beautiful view of the sun setting in the background and the city changing from day to night is the perfect backdrop for these shows, thus offering wonderful photographs.
Prime Evening Hours (8:00-9:00 PM): These shows feature the full impact of the fountain's lighting system against the dark sky, with the Burj Khalifa often synchronized with its own light displays.
For Smaller Crowds
Afternoon Shows: Arriving early is your best bet, as there are usually fewer crowds. You can walk around before enjoying the show of light and sound. A daytime performance is usually a good choice for families with young children and people who want a relaxed experience.
Weekday Evenings: Monday through Thursday evenings have traditionally been less crowded than weekends.
For Photography Enthusiasts
Blue Hour (Just After Sunset): The 30-minute period right after sunset will be the best time for the photographers to catch both the fountain and the Burj Khalifa, bombarding it with shining lights.
Night Shows: The Dubai Fountain presents endless opportunities to capture beautiful pictures, particularly around sunset or nighttime performances.
Where to Watch
Free Viewing Areas
Waterfront Promenade: The Waterfront Promenade is the best spot to enjoy the fascinating Dubai Fountain Show. It is easily reached by Dubai Mall and, of course, this is the most popular area for viewing directly from it.
Souk Al Bahar Bridge: An elevated view of the fountain is available here, plus you can take some great pictures.
Dubai Mall Terrace Restaurants: A few spaces and dining outlets, particularly those on the roof terrace, are able to offer views of the fountain. Thus, you can relish your dinner along with the show.
Premium Experiences (Paid)
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk: This floating platform within The Dubai Fountain provides interesting new points of view for the show, for only Dhs20 per person. The guest's tour starts either from Burj Park or Fountain promenade along the 272-metre boardwalk. The boardwalk leads to a point nine metres away from the fountain.
Dubai Fountain Lake Ride: An abra will be taken that will sail on the Burj Lake, right in front of the Burj Khalifa. From the time the Dubai Fountain show starts, you will be watching it from the water, should the weather permit. The ticket price is Dh68.25 per person; infants in arms ride free of charge.
Getting There
By Metro
Reach Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station on the Red Line (a 5-minute walk).
By Car
Dubai Mall Parking: Free parking is available, though sometimes it fills up pretty fast. The mall also has valet services for convenience. So rent a car in Dubai or get your car to the venue.
Souk Al Bahar Parking: Dubai Mall also has free parking, but at Souk Al Bahar, it is time-limited with a parking token system.
Walking Directions from Dubai Mall
Walk into Dubai Mall, past Waitros, and turn left. Follow the signs for Dubai Fountain and head straight out the big rotating doors, past Five Guys. This takes you right to The Dubai Fountain and Souk Al Bahar Bridge.
What Makes It Special?
The Dubai Fountain, located on Burj Khalifa Lake, is the largest choreographed fountain in the world. It is a display of height and power as the water jets shoot up to 140 meters in sequence with the music and the lights. The world’s largest choreographed fountain, The Dubai Fountain, ejects water 152m high and features558 blue lights.
Key Facts:
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The fountain jets up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 140 m (459 ft) in the air at any one time
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It cost $218 million to build
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Designed by WET Design, the creators of the famous Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas
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Features performances set to world-famous songs, including Andrea Bocelli's "Time to Say Goodbye," Michael Jackson's "Thriller," and Arabic hits
Visitor Tips
Timing Your Visit
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Come 15-20 minutes early at peak season for a better viewing point
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Charge your devices beforehand - you'll want to capture the best memory
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Check weather conditions - shows may be cancelled in extreme weather
What to Bring
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Comfortable walking shoes
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Light jacket for evening shows (it can get breezy by the water)
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Portable charger for your camera/phone
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Water bottle, especially for afternoon shows
Crowd Management
As someone who has been living in Downtown Dubai for a couple of years and 5 mins away from the Dubai Fountains I will share all the tips I have learned " on the go" by seeing them almost every day. To observe the fountain's different perspectives and get good seats, you just need to come earlier in peak tourist times.
Beyond the Fountain
Nearby Attractions
While waiting between shows, explore:
Burj Khalifa: The world's tallest building offers observation decks
Dubai Mall: One of the world's largest shopping centers
Souk Al Bahar: Traditional Arabian marketplace with dining options
Dining with a View
Time Out Market is a collective of the city’s top food vendors all in one place. Also, the terrace is overlooking the Dubai Fountain directly. Many restaurants on the promenade have zipline-fountain facing terraces for a dining option with a view.
Planning Your Visit
Be it a visitor or a resident, if you are in Dubai you must see the emirate's world-famous dancing fountains at least two times. There's something special magic in the Dubai Fountain that draws you in.
For First-Time Visitors: You will experience the most of it if you plan to spend at least two or three hours in the area.
For Photography: Golden hour and blue hour provide the best lighting conditions.
For Families: Afternoon shows are ideal for young children, while evening shows offer the full spectacle.
The Bottom Line
The dancing waters are well choreographed, with the lights and music perfectly blending in. Unusual beauty, it is definitely not your typical fountain show. The Dubai Fountain is totally free to watch with a performance that mirrors the spirit of Dubai's amalgam of modernity, art, and emulation.
Current Status
Remember, the fountain will be closed until early October 2025 for the refurbishment mentioned above. You can count on a visit to the new and even more majestic show when it opens up again with more fantastic technology and choreography to admire. Set an eye on the official announcements of Emaar for the specific reopening date and any changes in the program.
The Dubai Fountain is more than just a sight - it is a symbol of the spirit and creativity of Dubai. Whether you catch it in a crowded evening or in a quiet afternoon, it will undoubtedly be a spectacular highlight in your Dubai experience.
