Dubai Fountain Show: Times, Best Viewing Spots & Tips
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (which I’m so thankful for!) at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting me here at Travel Lush!
When it comes to bucket list things to do in Dubai, seeing the Dubai Fountain Show is probably toward the top of your list – as it should be! This is the tallest choreographed fountain show in the world and if you’ve seen the famous fountain show at Las Vegas’ Bellagio Hotel, just know that it pales in comparison!
As someone who has called Dubai home since 2022, this guide has everything you need to know about seeing the Dubai Fountain Show, from how to get there to the best ways to see it (both free and paid), the best restaurants with a view, the different ticket options, the coolest hotels with Burj Khalifa and fountain show views, and, of course, Dubai Fountain Show timings.
Plus, you can take advantage of my insider Dubai Fountain Show tips that only expats know about!
Dubai Fountain Show: Everything You Need to Know
What is the Dubai Fountain Show
Well, it’s the world’s tallest fountain show and it is quite the spectacle. You’ll see choreographed spouts of water (consisting of 22,000 gallons of water!) shoot as high as 140 meters in the air, accompanied by music and a display of 6,000 lights (during the evening showings).
Oh, and did I mention that the show also features the Burj Khalifa as the backdrop? Because it does! Check out one of the evening shows, and you’ll get to see the world’s tallest building all lit up and sparkling. It’s absolutely dazzling.
How to get to the Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain Show takes place on the 30-acre Burj Lake (Google Maps location), which is just outside of the Dubai Mall and right at the base of the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai. You can reach the area by taking the metro, booking a taxi, or driving yourself and parking at the Dubai Mall.
If you take the metro, take the Red Line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. From here, you’ll have to walk a bit to reach the Dubai Mall via an air-conditioned walkway. You’ll then stroll through the mall following the signs for the “Dubai Fountain.”
The mall is huge, so be sure to keep an eye on those signs. You may also want to allot time to check out the many must-do things in the Dubai Mall. Trust me, this mall is an attraction unto itself.
Insider tips: If you’re having trouble navigating the massive mall, make your way to the Apple Store on the First Floor of the mall. There’s a huge balcony outside with killer fountain views. The exit to Burj Lake and the Dubai Fountain Show is on the Ground Floor, just below the Apple Store. If you see Five Guys on the Ground Floor, you’re in the right place!
Dubai Fountain Show timings
The evening shows take place every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm every day of the week. There are afternoon shows at 1 pm and 1:30 pm Saturday through Thursday and at 2 pm and 2:30 pm on Fridays (to accommodate Friday prayers).
Insider tip: The area around Burj Lake gets packed during show times, especially on weekends and holidays. I suggest arriving around 30 minutes ahead of the show to get the best views. That way, you can snag a front row spot when one show ends and get the best views for the next show.
Ways to see the Dubai Fountain Show + ticket options
Luckily, there are a few ways to experience the Dubai Fountain Show that suit all budgets, from absolutely free to VIP.
See it for free
If you’re looking for free things to do in Dubai, you’re in luck because the show is totally free to see. All you have to do is show up! The only downside is that you will have to contend with the massive crowds, so be prepared and arrive early.
Take an abra ride on Burj Lake
One of the most memorable ways to see the Dubai Fountain Show is to board an abra (a traditional wooden boat) and see the show while cruising around Burj Lake. Tickets for the 30-minute abra cruise cost AED 69 (US $18).
Watch from the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
Another option that allows you to escape the crowds and get super close to the water spouts is to get tickets to the new Dubai Fountain Boardwalk on Burj Lake.
Tickets to access the 272-meter floating boardwalk cost AED 20 (US $5.60). In my opinion, it’s one of the best cheap things to do in Dubai because you get to avoid the crowds and get within 9 meters of the fountain.
Go to the 148th Floor of Burj Khalifa
If you’d prefer to get a bird’s-eye view of the fountain show, you should time your visit to the top of the Burj Khalifa with one of the evening fountain shows.
There are quite a few ticket options, but I highly suggest booking the “At the Top SKY” tickets, which allow you to skip the long lines and give you access to the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors of the world’s tallest building. The observation deck on the 148th floor is only accessible to “SKY” ticket holders, so you’ll have fewer people to contend with to enjoy the views.
Book tickets at night so you can get sky-high views of one of the fountain and light shows that take place every night from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Enjoy the view from these restaurants
There are tons of restaurants in both the Dubai Mall and the adjacent Souk Al Bahar that offer amazing views of the Dubai Fountain Show. So if you want to pair the show with lunch or dinner, this is a great way to tick off this bucket list activity.
In Dubai Mall, you’ll have loads of options but a couple of popular places with fountain views are Social House and Joe’s Café. Or, head to the Souk Al Bahar side of Burj Lake (opposite Dubai Mall) and try snagging a seat on the outdoor terrace at Time Out Market (one of my favorite hangouts) or the floating deck at The Taphouse (Souk Al Bahar) (adults only with a minimum spend of AED 250 (US $68) per person). The latter two are excellent options if you’d like to enjoy a boozy beverage with the show!
Hotels with Dubai Fountain Views
Address Downtown: This is easily one of the best luxury hotels in Downtown Dubai, complete with a huge pool area, a world-class spa, and an air-conditioned bridge to the Dubai Mall. Choose a Fountain View Room, and you’ll even get a private furnished balcony with unobstructed views of the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa.
Palace Downtown: Palace Downtown is another 5-star option that puts you right in the heart of Downtown Dubai. For fountain show views, you’ll need to choose either the Deluxe Fountain View Room (King or Twin) or the Palace Suite Fountain View. Because these rooms are on low floors, you’ll be treated to what will feel like private Dubai Fountain Shows from the comfort of your outdoor terrace.
Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai: For something a bit more budget-friendly, Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai is an excellent value hotel that offers rooms with Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain Show views. These rooms will be clearly labeled when you’re searching for different room types. You’ll also get amenities like a huge outdoor pool, a fitness center, and on-site bars and restaurants.
Insider tip: Make sure you book a room with “Fountain Views” to avoid disappointment.
Seeing the Dubai Fountain Show: FAQs
What time is the Fountain Show in Dubai?
The Dubai Fountain Show takes place every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm Monday through Friday. Additionally, there are shows at 1 pm and 1:30 pm Saturday through Thursday and at 2 pm and 2:30 pm on Fridays.
Is it free to watch the Dubai Fountain Show?
Yes, it is absolutely free to watch the Dubai Fountain Show. However, there are options – like taking an abra ride on Burj Lake and accessing the Floating Boardwalk – that you can pay extra for if you’d like.
Do I need tickets to watch the Dubai Fountain Show?
No, you do not need tickets to watch the Dubai Fountain Show. The show is completely free and open to the public. However, it’s best to arrive 20 minutes ahead of the show time to secure the best spot.
Where is the Dubai Fountain Show?
The Dubai Fountain Show takes place on Burj Lake in Downtown Dubai. Burj Lake is located at the base of the Burj Khalifa and right outside of the Dubai Mall. Just put the location into Google Maps and you should be able to find it – just follow the crowds!
