When the night falls in Dubai, the city lights up, and the Burj Khalifa transforms into a beacon of brilliance and steals the show.
From 828 meters (2716 feet), the world’s tallest building offers an unparalleled view of the city’s glittering skyline.
From the shimmering lights of the Dubai Fountain to the dazzling roads and skyscrapers stretching to the horizon, the nighttime panorama from Burj Khalifa is nothing short of magical.
But is visiting the Burj Khalifa at night worth it?
This article shares everything you need to know about experiencing the Burj Khalifa after dark, from breathtaking views and tickets required to practical tips.
Top Burj Khalifa Tickets
# General admission ticket
# VIP ticketWhether you visit during the day or at night, booking your Burj Khalifa tickets in advance is strongly recommended. These tickets sell out quickly, so to get your preferred time slots book early.
How Burj Khalifa transforms at night
As the sun sets and darkness blankets the city, the Burj Khalifa transforms into a luminous masterpiece, a radiant beacon against the night sky.
Its mesmerizing nightly illumination is powered by a network of 1.2 million LED lights, seamlessly integrated into slim plastic strips along the tower’s windows.
The Burj Khalifa light show happens daily. It dazzles visitors six times a day, and on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it happens every half an hour between 7.45 pm and 10.45 pm.
This breathtaking spectacle alone makes a nighttime visit to the Burj Khalifa an unforgettable experience.
Nighttime views from Burj Khalifa
From the observation decks on the 124th, 125th, or 148th floor, visitors are treated to an unparalleled panorama of the illuminated Dubai at night.
The city transforms into a sea of sparkling lights, with major landmarks like the Dubai Fountain and the Palm Jumeirah standing out against the darkened landscape.
The cooler night temperatures also make for a more comfortable viewing experience on the open-air terraces.
Burj Khalifa night tickets
Burj Khalifa does not offer separate tickets specifically for nighttime visits.
The tickets are categorized based on the level of access (e.g., At the Top for Levels 124 and 125 or At the Top SKY for Level 148 as well), and the pricing may vary depending on the time slot you choose.
There are four ways to experience Burj Khalifa at night:
Observation decks experience
Experience the magic of Dubai after dark from the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors of the Burj Khalifa. These vantage points offer breathtaking nighttime views of the illuminated cityscape
Premium Observation deck experience
Enhance your visit with the exclusive At the Top Sky experience, which includes access to the premium observation deck on the 148th floor, in addition to the 124th and 125th floors.
From this extraordinary height, the glittering lights of Dubai create an even more mesmerizing spectacle.
Observation decks & dinner
This is a luxury experience that combines access to the 124th and 125th floor observation decks with a delectable dinner at the elegant Burj Club restaurant, offering the perfect blend of stunning views and fine dining.
Guided tour of Dubai & observation decks
This is our favorite tour, for it takes you to all the major attractions of Dubai in just four hours.
For just AED 607, this tour showcases Dubai’s iconic landmarks and vibrant nightlife. After exploring the Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Madinat Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain Show, you will visit Burj Khalifa’s observation decks to see city views after dark.
Ticket inclusions
- Water during the tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional tour guide
- Entrance tickets to the Burj Khalifa (124th and 125th floors)
Ticket prices
Adult (11+ years): AED 607
Child (4 to 10 years): AED 497
Infant (up to 3 years): Free
Note: Many top attractions are right next to Burj Khalifa, so many tourists opt for combo tickets. Some of the popular combos combine a visit to Burj Khalifa with the Dubai Aquarium, Sky Views Dubai, or the Dubai Fountain Show.
Recommended reading:
# Exhibits at Burj Khalifa
# Fireworks at Burj Khalifa
# Floor map
# Inside the world’s tallest tower
Day or night? The best time to visit
While a visit during the day offers breathtaking cityscape views, a nighttime ascent unveils a magical transformation as the city lights twinkle below.
During the day, visibility from Burj Khalifa is usually at its best. This allows for sweeping views of the cityscape and the desert. You can catch the “golden hour” glow if you visit between 4 pm and 6 pm. Keep in mind that this is also the time when the attraction will be most crowded.
While daytime offers clear views, Dubai’s skyline is most impressive at night, when thousands of lights create a sparkling scene.
The Dubai Fountain, located at the bottom of the Burj Khalifa, performs choreographed water shows every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm. This show is best seen from the observation decks.
Yet another advantage of visiting Burj Khalifa at night is the less crowded experience.
Practical tips for night time visit
If you plan to visit Burj Khalifa at night, please keep the following in mind:
Book in advance: Secure your Burj Khalifa tickets online to avoid long queues at the venue, especially for popular nighttime slots.
Arrive early: Factor in time for security checks and potential wait times, especially if you aim to catch the sunset.
Bring Identification: Bring your ID or passport, as you’ll need it to enter the observation decks.
Dress comfortably: While there’s no strict dress code, opt for comfortable attire suitable for cooler evening temperatures.
Pack light: Large bags and luggage are not permitted inside the Burj Khalifa. Utilize the secured baggage area near the entrance if needed.
Capture the memories: Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning nighttime views and the dazzling Dubai Fountain show.
Here are some fantastic dining options to explore during your visit to the Burj Khalifa:
# At.mosphere
# The Lounge
# Nearby restaurants
Is it worth visiting Burj Khalifa at night?
Visiting Burj Khalifa at night is worth it for five reasons: the sparkling city views from the deck, the building’s light show, the colorful Dubai fountain from above, cooler temperatures, and the thinning crowd.
Every night from 6 pm to 11 pm, the Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, performs a choreographed water show every 30 minutes. You can get a stunning aerial view of the entire show from the Burj Khalifa’s observation decks.
The building itself comes alive with a synchronized display of LED lights, lasers, and music at night. Did you know Burj Khalifa’s LED facade is the world’s largest LED screen?
Dubai’s heat can be intense during the day, but the temperature drops significantly at night, making it much more comfortable to enjoy the outdoor observation decks.
The Burj Khalifa sees a decrease in visitors after sunset, providing a more peaceful setting to enjoy the views.
In addition to the spectacle of the city lights and fountain shows, you can also opt for a premium experience by dining at At.mosphere. Located on the 122nd floor, this world-renowned restaurant offers an elegant fine dining experience with panoramic city views.
However, remember that the best time to visit Burj Khalifa for the best views is around sunset.
Recommended reading:
# Ways to reach Burj Khalifa
# Interseting facts about Burj Khalifa
# Nearby attractions to explore
# Tips for visiting the Khalifa Tower
Sunset timings in Dubai
If you plan to catch the golden hour and watch the sunset from the Burj Khalifa, book your ticket at least an hour before sunset.
This will allow enough time to collect your tickets, take the elevator, and capture photos from the observation decks on levels 124 and 125. Sunrise timing in Dubai
Depending on the lines, the entire experience typically takes about 90 minutes to two hours.
In Dubai, the sun sets between 5:28 pm and 7:37 pm, depending on the time of year.
The best time to watch the sunset is between 4 pm and 5:30 pm, but this can vary monthly.
Sunset tickets to the Burj Khalifa are highly sought after and sell out quickly, so it’s wise to book early.
