Evening shows run every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and watching the show is completely free from the waterfront promenade.
The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. It sits on a 30-acre lake directly in front of the Burj Khalifa and shoots water jets up to 150 metres into the air. Every show is set to music, lit by 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors, and runs for about five minutes.
Most people see it for free from the waterfront. But there are also paid options that get you closer to the water, and restaurants where you can watch the whole thing over a meal. This guide covers everything you need to know for 2026, including the full schedule, ticket prices, best spots, and the current Phase 2 upgrade status.
The Dubai Fountain — Location & Contact Info
| 📍 Address | Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| 🏙️ Located In | Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai |
| ⭐ Google Rating | |
| 📝 Description | Massive fountain with water jets reaching 140 m, set to a music & light show |
| 🕐 Opening Hours | ✅ Open 24 Hours |
| 🌐 Website | burjkhalifa.ae |
| 📞 Phone | +971 4 888 8888 |
| 🗺️ Plus Code | 57WG+33 Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
What Is the Dubai Fountain Show?
The Dubai Fountain opened in 2009 as part of the Downtown Dubai development by Emaar Properties. It was designed by WET Design, the same company behind the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. The fountain sits on Burj Lake, which is surrounded by Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, and the Burj Khalifa.
Each performance uses 22,000 gallons of water per show. The jets can reach up to 150 metres high, which is roughly as tall as a 50-storey building. The show alternates between classic Arabic music and international pop songs, and the choreography is different for each track.
The whole thing cost approximately AED 800 million to build. It remains one of Dubai’s most visited free attractions. For background on the building it sits in front of, read our full guide to Burj Khalifa: The World’s Tallest Building.
Why Was the Dubai Fountain Closed and When Did It Reopen?
The Dubai Fountain closed on April 19, 2025 for a planned renovation. The closure lasted five months and covered Phase 1 of a multi-phase upgrade project. Emaar completed the work ahead of schedule and the fountain officially reopened on October 1, 2025.
Phase 1 covered essential maintenance including new floor tiling, water insulation, fresh paintwork, and a fully upgraded sound and lighting system. The choreography system was also improved to deliver smoother and sharper water movements. The result is a brighter, more precise show than what visitors saw before the closure.
Is the Dubai Fountain Closed Right Now?
No. As of March 2026, the Dubai Fountain is open and running its full daily schedule. Phase 2 of the renovation is scheduled for completion in Q2 2026 and will introduce new technological features and creative enhancements. Emaar has confirmed the fountain will stay open during Phase 2 work, so shows will not be interrupted.
If you are visiting between April and June 2026, check Emaar’s official website or the Dubai Mall social media pages for any short-notice schedule changes related to the Phase 2 installation work.
Dubai Fountain Show Timings Today: Full 2026 Schedule
Here is the current daily show schedule, confirmed by Emaar after the October 2025 reopening.
Dubai Fountain — Afternoon Show Times
| 📅 Day | 🕐 Show Times |
|---|---|
| Saturday to Thursday | 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM |
| Friday | 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM |
Friday shows start one hour later than other days. This is because of Friday prayer timings. The Dubai Mall and surrounding area are quieter in the early afternoon on Fridays, so Emaar shifts the afternoon shows to after the prayer window.
Evening Shows
Evening shows run every day from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM with a show starting every 30 minutes. That gives you 11 evening shows to choose from each night. Each show lasts around five minutes and features different music.
Total Shows Per Day
On a typical weekday you get 13 shows in total: 2 afternoon shows and 11 evening shows. That is more than any other major fountain show in the world. If you miss one, another is only 30 minutes away.
Ramadan Timings
During Ramadan, the afternoon shows are suspended. Evening shows begin later, usually around 7:00 PM after Iftar. The atmosphere around the fountain during Ramadan evenings is particularly special, with large crowds gathering after breaking their fast. Always confirm timings through Emaar during Ramadan since the schedule shifts each year based on the lunar calendar.
Best Time of Day to Visit
The best time to visit is the first evening show after sunset, which falls around 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM depending on the time of year. You get golden reflections on the water at this hour and the Burj Khalifa starts to light up in the background. Stay for two consecutive shows because the music and water choreography are different each time.
Burj Khalifa Light Show Timings
The Burj Khalifa light show is a separate attraction from the fountain. It runs on the outer facade of the building itself, using the building’s built-in LED lighting system. On weekends, the light show runs every 30 minutes until 10:45 PM. On weekdays, it runs every hour starting from 7:45 PM.
The best way to experience both in one visit is to arrive at around 7:00 PM. You catch the early fountain show, then watch the Burj Khalifa light up behind it as the evening progresses. The combination of the fountain and the lit-up building at night is the most photographed scene in all of Dubai.
For the full story on the building’s structure and measurements, check out our Burj Khalifa height guide.
Best Free Viewing Spots for the Dubai Fountain Show
You do not need to spend a single dirham to watch the Dubai Fountain. All of these spots are free and give you a great view.
Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade
This is the most popular and closest viewing point. You walk out from the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall and you are immediately on the promenade right at the edge of Burj Lake. The view is direct and unobstructed. It gets very crowded for evening shows, especially on weekends, so arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes early to get a good position at the railing.
Souk Al Bahar Bridge
The bridge connecting Dubai Mall to Souk Al Bahar is slightly elevated above the waterfront. It gives you a wider angle that captures both the fountain and the Burj Khalifa in the same frame. It is also less crowded than the main promenade exit, which makes it a better option for families with children or strollers.
Fashion Avenue Exit (Lower Ground Floor)
This is the most underrated spot and very few tourists know about it. Exit from the lower ground floor near the At The Top entrance on the Fashion Avenue side of Dubai Mall. The area is less crowded, you have more space to move around, and you can see both the fountain and the Burj Khalifa light show clearly. This exit is especially recommended for visitors with pushchairs, elderly guests, or anyone who dislikes large crowds.
Palace Downtown Hotel Promenade
The Palace Downtown Hotel has a promenade on the waterfront that gives you a quieter, more relaxed viewing experience. You do not need to be a hotel guest to stand on the public promenade area. The view from here is unobstructed and the crowd is much smaller than the Dubai Mall side.
For a full breakdown of the building floors and which levels face the fountain, see our Burj Khalifa floors guide.
Paid Viewing Options and Ticket Prices
If the free spots feel too crowded or you want a closer look at the fountain, there are two paid options worth considering.
Dubai Fountain Boat Ride (Abra)
The boat ride takes you out onto Burj Lake on a traditional wooden abra. The ride lasts 30 minutes and circles the lake so you watch the full show from the water. Tickets cost AED 68.25 per person. Boats depart 15 minutes before each show, so if a show starts at 7:00 PM, the boat leaves at 6:45 PM.
You collect tickets from the At The Top counter on the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall. Book online in advance for evening and weekend slots because they sell out. Being on the water with the fountain going off around you while the Burj Khalifa towers above is a genuinely different experience from standing on the promenade.
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
The boardwalk is a 272-metre floating walkway that stretches out over Burj Lake, putting you just 9 metres away from the fountain itself. Tickets cost AED 20 per person. It is the closest you can get to the water jets without being on a boat.
The boardwalk is better for photography than the boat ride because you are stationary and can frame your shots carefully. The boat ride gives you a longer, more immersive experience. Both options are worth doing at least once.
Burj Khalifa Combo Tickets
Some ticket packages combine the At The Top observation deck with access to the fountain area. Watching the fountain from 452 metres above it is a completely different perspective and makes for interesting comparison photos. Check our Burj Khalifa Tickets page for the latest combo deals and prices.
Boat Ride vs Boardwalk — Quick Comparison
| Feature | 🚤 Boat Ride (Abra) | 🚶 Boardwalk |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Price | AED 68.25 | AED 20 |
| ⏱️ Duration | 30 minutes | Stay as long as you like |
| 📏 Distance from Fountain | Moving, varies | 9 metres (fixed) |
| 🎯 Best For | Full experience, special occasion | Close-up photography |
| 🪑 Capacity | Limited — book ahead | Walk-up available |
Best Restaurants with Dubai Fountain Views
Sitting at a restaurant table with the fountain show playing in front of you is one of the best ways to experience it. You get a guaranteed front-row seat, a meal, and you can catch multiple shows without moving. Book a table in advance for any evening slot, especially on weekends.
Best Restaurants to Watch the Dubai Fountain
| 🍴 Restaurant | 📍 Location | 🌍 Cuisine | 🌅 View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thiptara | Palace Downtown Hotel | Thai & seafood | Front-row waterfront |
| Armani/Hashi | Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa | Japanese | Panoramic terrace |
| Armani/Amal | Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa | Indian regional | Full fountain view |
| Time Out Market Dubai | Souk Al Bahar | International, casual | Outdoor terrace |
| Mausam | Dubai Mall | Indian | Scenic fountain view |
For fine dining inside the Burj Khalifa with fountain views, visit our Atmosphere Burj Khalifa guide. If you are considering staying in the building overnight, check our Burj Khalifa Hotel page for everything about the Armani Hotel.
How to Get to the Dubai Fountain
By Metro
Take the Red Line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. From the station, follow the air-conditioned covered walkway directly into Dubai Mall. Once inside, follow the signs for the Dubai Fountain or Burj Lake exit. The whole walk from the metro platform to the waterfront promenade takes around 10 to 15 minutes. For detailed metro directions, read our Burj Khalifa Metro Station guide.
By Taxi or Rideshare
Ask to be dropped at Dubai Mall and enter through the Financial Centre Road entrance. Tell the driver you want the Dubai Fountain entrance. From the drop-off point, walk toward the lower ground floor and follow the fountain signs.
By Car
Dubai Mall has paid parking on multiple levels. Enter from Financial Centre Road and use the lower ground floor exits to get to the waterfront fastest. Parking fills up fast during evening shows, especially on weekends, so arrive early or use a rideshare to avoid the hunt for a space.
One useful landmark tip: if you see a Five Guys outlet on the ground floor, you are near the right exit. Walk toward the Apple Store on the same level and the outdoor waterfront is right outside it.
Photography Tips for the Dubai Fountain Show
Best Time for Photos
The golden hour just before sunset gives you warm light on the water and soft reflections across the lake. The first show after sunset, around 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM, is when most photographers choose to shoot. Night shows from 9:00 PM onwards give you a fully lit Burj Khalifa as a backdrop, which adds a completely different dimension to the composition.
Spot-by-Spot Photography Guide
From the Souk Al Bahar bridge, you can frame both the fountain and the full height of the Burj Khalifa in one wide shot. This is the best spot for landscape-style photography. From the boardwalk, you get up-close shots of the water jets and the light patterns in the spray, which look spectacular with a slower shutter speed.
From the main promenade, shoot from a low angle to capture the reflection of the Burj Khalifa and fountain lights in the lake surface. For night shots, use a tripod or brace your phone against the railing to avoid blur. A slow shutter speed of 1/15 to 1/30 second captures the light trails in the water beautifully.
Viewing from At The Top
If you visit the At The Top Burj Khalifa observation deck during an evening show, you can look straight down at the fountain from 452 metres above it. The geometry of the water choreography is only visible from above, and the full circular pattern of the jets is something you simply cannot see from ground level.
Practical Tips Before You Visit
Arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before your preferred evening show during peak season, which runs from October to April. The promenade fills up fast, especially for the 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM shows on Fridays and Saturdays. In summer months from June to August, afternoon shows are not comfortable in the heat, so stick to evening shows after 6:00 PM when temperatures drop.
Each show is only five minutes long, so plan to watch two in a row. The music track changes for every show, so the second performance feels completely fresh even if you just watched the first one. Staying for the Burj Khalifa light show between fountain performances gives you a full evening’s worth of entertainment without spending anything.
If you are visiting during Ramadan, the atmosphere around the fountain after Iftar is unique. The crowd is large and the energy is different from a regular evening. Check Emaar’s website for the exact Ramadan schedule each year before you go.
The Dubai Fountain has featured in several films over the years. If you are a fan of Mission Impossible, read our Tom Cruise Burj Khalifa article to see how this area was used in filming. Residents of the building can enjoy the fountain view from their apartments every single night as part of daily life there.
Read more about what it is like to live there in our Burj Khalifa Residence guide. And if you are curious about the person behind the building, our Burj Khalifa Owner page covers the full story.
The Bottom Line
The Dubai Fountain is one of the few truly great free things to do in Dubai. You get a world-class show, a stunning backdrop, and 13 chances to see it every single day. The fountain is back to full operation after its 2025 renovation, and Phase 2 upgrades are coming in mid-2026 that will make it even better.
The best visit plan is simple. Get there at around 7:00 PM, find a spot on the Fashion Avenue side of the promenade for more space, watch two consecutive shows, then stay on for the Burj Khalifa light show. If you want to make it a full evening, book a waterfront table at one of the restaurants or grab a boardwalk ticket for a close-up view. Either way, do not leave Dubai without seeing it at least once.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What time is the Burj Khalifa fountain show?
Afternoon shows run at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM from Saturday to Thursday, and at 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM on Fridays. Evening shows run every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily. That gives you 13 shows to choose from each day.
2. How long is the Dubai Fountain show?
Each performance lasts approximately five minutes. The music changes for every show, so the choreography and water movements are different each time. Most visitors watch two consecutive shows back to back to get the full range of what the fountain can do.
3. Why was the Dubai Fountain closed?
The Dubai Fountain closed on April 19, 2025 for Phase 1 of a planned renovation. The work included new floor tiling, water insulation, fresh paintwork, and a fully upgraded sound and lighting system. Phase 1 was completed ahead of schedule and the fountain reopened on October 1, 2025.
4. When is the Dubai Fountain reopening date?
The Dubai Fountain already reopened on October 1, 2025. It is currently open and running its full daily schedule as of March 2026. Phase 2 upgrades are scheduled for completion in Q2 2026, but the fountain will stay open throughout that work.
5. How much does the Dubai Fountain boat ride cost?
The Dubai Fountain boat ride on a traditional wooden abra costs AED 68.25 per person. The ride lasts 30 minutes and takes you around Burj Lake while the fountain show plays. Boats depart 15 minutes before each show, and booking in advance is recommended for evening and weekend slots.
6. Is the Dubai Fountain show free?
Yes, watching the Dubai Fountain show from the waterfront promenade is completely free. You do not need a ticket to stand on the Dubai Mall promenade, Souk Al Bahar bridge, or any of the other public viewing areas around Burj Lake. The only paid options are the boat ride at AED 68.25 and the boardwalk at AED 20.
7. What is the best spot to watch the Dubai Fountain show?
For a free view, the Fashion Avenue exit on the lower ground floor of Dubai Mall gives you more space and less crowding than the main promenade exit. For the best photography, the Souk Al Bahar bridge gives you the fountain and the full Burj Khalifa in one frame. For the most immersive experience, the boat ride on Burj Lake puts you right in the middle of it all.
