The Dubai Fountain is a choreographed water, music and light attraction on Burj Lake in Downtown Dubai, beside Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. Developed by Emaar and designed by California-based WET, it combines powerful water jets, changing lights and music in performances visible from the surrounding waterfront.
The fountain opened on 1 October 2025, following five months’ renovation. It has a standard afternoon schedule and an evening schedule, performed every 30 minutes. Tourists have free access to view it from the public promenade or can opt for the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk or the traditional abra ride on Burj Lake to enjoy the fountain from a different perspective.
The Dubai Fountain Timings
Show times are listed for afternoon and evening performances. Evening shows run regularly, so you can see the attraction without scheduling a whole day for it.
| Day | Afternoon shows | Evening shows |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday to Thursday | 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm | 6:00 pm–11:00 pm, every 30 minutes |
| Friday | 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm | 6:00 pm–11:00 pm, every 30 minutes |
These are the published regular timings. Individual performances may be subject to special circumstances, maintenance, or temporary operating alterations: please check the schedule for your visit.
Afternoon and Evening Performances
The water choreography is showcased in the afternoon while the evening shows feature the colorful jets against the backdrop of the Downtown Dubai skyline. Both play music arranged, but with different visual effects depending on the lighting.
The evening programme is especially good for those visitors who like to take pictures of the fountain and Burj Khalifa. By coming before the scheduled performance time, you will have time to come up to the waterfront to watch the show instead of coming up after the show’s time.
Show Duration
The duration of the performance of a fountain is about 5 minutes, but the programme and individual presentations may vary. For those who wish to experience more than one performance, they can stay around Burj Lake and enjoy various musical arrangements.
This is not a full-time “water display” show all day. The jets act in a set sequence, so don’t assume that another show is happening after you arrive between shows.
Location and Access
Located on Burj Lake in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Fountain is next to Dubai Mall and near Burj Khalifa. The waterfront is connected to the rest of the Downtown area, a shopping and dining hub that links to many tourist sites.
The fountain is not an indoor venue, but an outdoor one. People typically arrive at the viewing promenade via Dubai Mall or from the pedestrianised areas around the lake.
Access Through Dubai Mall
The fountain is located on the lower floors of Dubai Mall via its access points. Inside the mall, follow the internal signs to the fountain and promenade along the waterside.
Drivers can use the Cinema parking area of the mall, which falls inside the fountain zone, as a reference point (P1). Any entry/exit point used, parking area and the path walked will vary the distance.
Waterfront Access
The promenade offers the typical public viewing space around Burj Lake. OK, folks, you can stand right on the water’s edge and enjoy the show for free without buying a separate ticket for the fountain.
Individual waterfront access areas may be varied for events and crowd control purposes and for maintenance. Use signs and instructions set up at the site.
Tickets and Entry Fees
The fountain show has been free to the public on the waterfront for ages. There is no need to obtain a Show Ticket to watch from the Promenade.
The paid experiences offer alternate views of the performance. Published rates may vary, so please check prices and availability before booking.
| Experience | Published price | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Public promenade | Free | Standard view from the waterfront |
| Dubai Fountain Boardwalk | AED 25 per person | Floating walkway close to the fountain |
| Dubai Fountain Lake Ride | AED 73.25 per person | Abra ride across Burj Lake |
The two paid prices are published (not guaranteed) prices for booking fees and VAT.
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
The Boardwalk is a floating platform 272 metres long on Burj Lake. It takes visitors about 9 metres away from the fountain, giving them a closer look at the water jets and their dance.
The experience is ideal for those who wish to be closer to the action than the main promenade experience. There is an admission fee and access will be kept to the operator’s availability.
Dubai Fountain Lake Ride
The Lake Ride is a tour on a traditional wooden abra that goes across Burj Lake. The water fountain is visible from another perspective from the water, surrounded by the buildings.
The ride is not part of the free promenade, but a paid event. See what current departures are in place and what the conditions are for obtaining tickets before scheduling a trip around it.
Best Viewing Spots
The viewing position will also determine angle, background and distance from the water. The options are the public promenade, the floating Boardwalk, the lake ride and a handful of restaurants that overlook the Burj and the lake.
Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade
The very simple one for guests who wish to enjoy the show without paying anything is the promenade. It features Burj Khalifa and the Downtown skyline in the background and situates the fountain in the foreground.
This can get crowded in the public space around evening shows. If you prefer a good view during the show, please have your seat booked in advance of the event.
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
The Boardwalk provides a closer look at the water jets than the normal viewing area. Its floating platform is spread throughout the lake and is ideal for those who want to experience the choreography from a more immersive perspective.
This experience is ticketed; please check availability and entry requirements before attending. For some photos, the closest view might not be the best, especially if you’re looking to incorporate a full skyline into the shot.
Restaurants Around Burj Lake
There are specially selected restaurants in Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar, with a view of the fountain. Restaurants with views of the lake are located on a terrace overlooking the lake, which is a combination of the meal and the performance, but without the need to have their own restaurant next to the public promenade.
The overall description of “fountain view” in a restaurant does not imply all tables have a view of the fountain. When reserving a table, ask for a table that is appropriate for your group and also inquire if there is a view for your time of day.
Dubai Fountain Lake Ride
An abra ride is a moving view from Burj Lake instead of the static view from the promenade. It is unique in that the fountain is felt by the riders as water.
The experience is subject to the availability of rides and conditions in which they operate. Check before purchasing tickets for a fountain performance that the lake ride is in operation.
How to Reach The Dubai Fountain
The principal entrance for visitors coming by metro, car, or taxi is Dubai Mall. The most convenient way will vary depending on the location and your preferred travel method, public transport or drop-off.
By Dubai Metro
Get on the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. Take the Metro Link Bridge from the station to Dubai Mall, then go to the fountain.
Getting off the metro is not the end of the walk. Give yourself time to cross the bridge, go into the mall and get to the waterfront, in particular if you’re trying to go to a specific performance.
By Car
Head towards downtown and take instructions for Dubai Mall parking. The mall offers several parking areas such as Cinema, Fashion, Zabeel and Fountain Views as well as Grand Views parking.
Cinema Parking, P1, is the parking reference listed for the fountain. Depending on traffic and the parking area you select and any temporary parking restrictions, your best route of entry to the property might vary.
By Taxi
Passengers can be transferred to designated buildings of the Dubai Mall by taxis or by ride in a ride hailing service. Then head to the mall’s directions to the waterfront.
If returning to the show after an event, make sure to use an authorised pick-up point and do not assume a vehicle will be waiting next to the lake to take you away. Access and pick-up arrangements may be affected by busy periods.
What Makes The Dubai Fountain Special?
The attraction is a coordinated water, sound and light show. It is designed to feature several jets spread out over Burj Lake, with various parts of the fountain moving in sequence to music.
Water Jets and Height
According to published tourist information, the jets are capable of reaching heights of up to 140 metres. The actual height and movement will change during the performance in relation to the choreography.
The jets are positioned on the lake in a cross-lake pattern and the patterns extend beyond the central water column. This will provide the display with a larger visual reach from the promenade, or across the water.
Music and Lighting
There are mixed classical and contemporary/international music pieces. The choreography varies according to the music chosen and the lighting provides colour to the flowing water.
The outcome is not a ‘show and tell’ of the fountain, but rather a performance. The visitors can watch the water jets rising and swinging in time with the music and how they change shapes.
Burj Lake Setting
The fountain is located in Burj Lake facing Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the buildings of Downtown Dubai. The buildings are an important feature of the scene, particularly at night when the performance takes place.
According to Emaar, this lake occupies an area of 23.81 acres, but according to tourism sources, the lake’s area is estimated at 30 acres. The difference is due to the different published values reported by various sources and should not be interpreted as being the same.
The Dubai Fountain After Renovation
This fountain was closed in May 2025 to be restored and re-opened 1st October 2025 for five months. Improvements were made to improve the technology, choreography, sound and lighting systems of the attraction.
The renovation also changed the colour of the lake by placing additional blue tiles, thus altering the look of the water space around the performance area. This was designed to keep the attraction interesting and more presentable for future visitors.
The fountain reopened and its water, music and light shows were returned to their scheduled times. Visitors should not confuse this completed renovation with a temporary suspension or operational change made at later dates: the two are distinct issues.
Nearby Attractions
The fountain’s location makes it possible to combine the performance with other Downtown Dubai destinations. They each have their own admission policies and timings, which should be organised separately.
Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is beside the lake and a big part of the skyline of the fountain. Access to its observation decks is available for visitors to enjoy a high-level view of Dubai.
The observation decks can be enjoyed separately and are on a different ticket and at a different time. A fountain show ticket is not valid for the tower.
Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall provides shopping, restaurants and waterfront indoor entertainment. It is also the primary entrance for visitors coming into the fountain via the mall.
Another option is to go to the mall if you are there outside of the hours of the fountain’s performances. The shops and attractions are open at their own hours.
Souk Al Bahar
Souk Al Bahar is located across the lake and features restaurants and retail shops along with Arabian-inspired architecture. Some of the buildings have views over Burj Lake to the fountain and to the Burj Khalifa.
It has dining options, making it great for those wanting to look out from a restaurant, not from the promenade. Always check table availability and restaurant hours first.
Dubai Opera
Another highlight of Downtown Dubai is Dubai Opera. It has a programme full of scheduled performances and cultural events and provides another activity for visitors with an interest in theatre, music or live entertainment.
Please consult the event schedule and requirements separately. The fountain’s timetable does not determine the timings of Dubai Opera performances.
Practical Details Before Visiting
Some suggestions can make the visit easier, without a lot of planning.
- Check the show schedule: Use the currently published timetable and confirm any changes before travelling.
- Choose your viewing experience: The promenade is free, while the Boardwalk and abra ride require separate tickets.
- Plan the walking route: The Metro Link Bridge and Dubai Mall interior add walking time between the metro station and the waterfront.
- Confirm restaurant seating: Ask for a fountain-facing table rather than assuming every seat has a direct view.
- Check paid activity availability: Boardwalk entry and lake rides have separate operating arrangements.
- Follow waterfront instructions: Temporary crowd management or access restrictions can affect where visitors are permitted to stand.
These checks are particularly important when traveling to Downtown Dubai for the fountain performance.
Conclusion
The Dubai Fountain is an attraction where water, music and light are choreographed on Burj Lake next to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. The public promenade used to be free and the Boardwalk and abra rides were paid.
The published timetable features afternoon and evening performances every 30 minutes between 6 pm and 11 pm. Make sure you know the schedule and availability of tickets before you go and select the viewing spot that best fits your plans.\
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FAQs
Where is The Dubai Fountain?
It’s located on Burj Lake in Downtown Dubai, next to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.
Is The Dubai Fountain free?
Yes, the traditional public promenade viewing area is free.
What time does The Dubai Fountain start?
Evening shows start from 6:00 pm and can be seen every 30 minutes until 11:00 pm.
Are there afternoon shows?
Yes. There are two afternoon performances on Saturday and Thursday and two on Friday as indicated in the published schedule.
How high does the fountain reach?
It has water jets of up to 140 metres.
Is the Boardwalk free?
No. The Boardwalk is an additional fee as per the previously published AED 25 per person.
Can you ride a boat at the fountain?
Yes. This is the Abra Dubai Fountain Lake Ride on Burj Lake, available on a first-come, first-served basis and under the terms of the ticket.
Which metro station serves The Dubai Fountain?
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station on the Red Line is the main metro stop. Walk through the Metro Link Bridge & Dubai Mall to get to the waterfront.
