The music cuts in and 22,000 water jets launch skyward in a single breath. You are standing on the Burj Lake promenade, the Burj Khalifa glowing above you, and for the next four minutes everything else in Dubai ceases to exist. The Dubai Fountain does not ease you in gently. It hits you immediately, all 275 metres of it, choreographed to a track you did not expect, lit by 6,600 lights that paint the water in shifting colour. Admission is free, which feels almost absurd. Shows run every evening from 6pm, with the 8pm slot on Fridays drawing the biggest crowds. Come on a Wednesday, stand at the Waterfront promenade edge, and arrive 20 minutes early. You will not regret it.
The Dubai Fountain is the centrepiece of Burj Lake, a 12-hectare artificial lake set between Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai. Designed by WET Design - the same company behind the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas - the Dubai Fountain was inaugurated in May 2009 and immediately set world records for its scale and performance. It holds the Guinness World Record for the world's largest choreographed fountain, and the record for the tallest water column produced by a fountain system at 150 metres. Most remarkably, watching the show costs absolutely nothing.
Length of fountain system
Maximum water jet height
Lights illuminating the show
Colour projectors
Cost to watch from promenade
All shows are free to watch from the lakeside promenade. Show times shown below are current standard schedule. During Ramadan and special events, additional daytime shows may be added.
| Day | Show 1 | Show 2 | Show 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 6:00 PM | 8:00 PM | - |
| Tuesday | 6:00 PM | 8:00 PM | - |
| Wednesday | 6:00 PM | 8:00 PM | - |
| Thursday | 6:00 PM | 8:00 PM | - |
| Friday | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 6:00 PM | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 PM | 8:00 PM | - |
The main lakeside promenade on the east side of Burj Lake closest to the Burj Khalifa offers the best free viewing with the tower as backdrop. Arrive 20 minutes early for a front-row spot on busy weekends.
The outdoor terrace at Souk Al Bahar offers an elevated free view with several restaurants available for dinner while watching. The slightly elevated position is ideal for photography with the Burj Khalifa in frame.
The paid Boardwalk extends over the lake itself, putting you right above the water during the show. At AED 25 per person this is exceptional value for the closest possible viewing position. Tickets at Fountain Entrance kiosks.
Take a short ride on a traditional Abra wooden boat during the show for a unique water-level perspective. Rides depart from the Fountain Entrance and cost AED 25 per person. Boats fill up fast - queue before show time.
Several Waterfront restaurants including The Cheesecake Factory, Zuma, and Nobu have direct lakeside terraces overlooking the fountain. Dinner reservations during show time are a popular choice for special occasions. Book well in advance.
The observation decks of Burj Khalifa and Sky Views Observatory provide an aerial view of the entire fountain system during shows. This perspective shows the full 275-metre length of the fountain from above which is invisible from ground level.
Is the Dubai Fountain really free to watch?
Yes, watching the Dubai Fountain from the lakeside promenade is completely free. No ticket, booking, or purchase is required. The promenade is a public walkway open to all. The only paid options are the Boardwalk (AED 25 per person, closest view over the lake) and the traditional Abra boat ride (AED 25 per person).
What time does the Dubai Fountain run?
Monday to Thursday and Sunday: shows at 6pm and 8pm. Friday and Saturday: shows at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. Shows last approximately 3-5 minutes each. During Ramadan, daytime shows are typically added in the afternoon.
How high does the Dubai Fountain shoot water?
At its highest, the Dubai Fountain shoots water 150 metres into the air. This is equivalent to the height of a 50-storey building and is the tallest water jet produced by any fountain in the world, as recognised by the Guinness World Records.
What is the Dubai Fountain Boat Ride?
The Fountain Boat Ride uses traditional Abra wooden boats to take visitors out onto Burj Lake during a fountain show. The ride provides a unique water-level perspective looking up at the water jets. Rides cost AED 25 per person and depart from the Fountain Entrance near Dubai Mall. Boarding is available 30 minutes before show time and boats fill up quickly.
Where is the best free spot to watch the Dubai Fountain?
The Waterfront Promenade on the east side of Burj Lake, closest to the Burj Khalifa, offers the best free views with the tower framing the fountain behind it. For an elevated perspective, the terrace at Souk Al Bahar is excellent. Both are completely free. Arrive 20 minutes before the show on weekends to secure a good spot.
Can SheikhWays arrange a Fountain dinner experience?
Yes. SheikhWays can organise a complete Dubai Fountain evening including restaurant reservations at Waterfront dining venues with Fountain views and coordination with other Downtown Dubai attractions. Contact us on WhatsApp for availability and recommendations for your group size and preferences.
SheikhWays curates complete Downtown Dubai evenings combining the Fountain show with dinner, Burj Khalifa, and beyond. Get in touch for a personalised itinerary.
Chat on WhatsAppPlease log in to add this tour to your wishlist.