The Dubai Fountain performs free shows daily: afternoon shows at 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm on weekdays (1:30 pm and 2:00 pm on weekends), and evening shows every 30 minutes from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Each show lasts approximately 5 minutes. The fountain is free to watch from the surrounding promenade, Souk Al Bahar bridge, and Burj Park. The Boardwalk ticket (AED 33, ages 5+) places you within 10 metres of the jets. The Lake Ride ticket (AED 102, ages 3+) takes you across Burj Lake on a traditional abra boat during a performance.
The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system — 274 metres long, with water jets reaching 150 metres in height, illuminated by over 6,600 lights and 25 projectors. It sits at the base of the Burj Khalifa on a 30-acre lake and performs multiple times daily, entirely free. Most Dubai visitors see it from the promenade. Fewer know about the Boardwalk and Lake Ride options that put you within metres of the water, or the fact that watching the fountain from the Burj Khalifa observation deck above is one of the most underrated perspectives available.
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Dubai Fountain Show Timings 2026
The Dubai Fountain is free to watch from three main positions: the Waterfront Promenade along Dubai Mall (full view, most crowded), Souk Al Bahar bridge (excellent framing of fountain and Burj Khalifa together, slightly less crowded than the promenade), and Burj Park island (wide unobstructed view, usually the least crowded of the three). All are public spaces requiring no ticket. Arrive 10–15 minutes before the show for a good position.
Afternoon shows:
- Weekdays (Monday – Friday): 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm
- Weekends (Saturday – Sunday): 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm
Evening shows (daily, same schedule weekdays and weekends):
- 6:00 pm | 6:30 pm | 7:00 pm | 7:30 pm | 8:00 pm | 8:30 pm | 9:00 pm | 9:30 pm | 10:00 pm | 10:30 pm | 11:00 pm
The fountain runs throughout the year, including during Ramadan (evening shows shift to after Iftar). If you’re watching from the Burj Khalifa observation deck, the afternoon shows at 1 pm and 1:30 pm are clearly visible from the outdoor terrace on floor 124 — and you’re looking directly down at the jets from 452 metres above.
About the Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain was designed by WET Design — the company behind the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas — and was inaugurated in 2009 alongside the Burj Khalifa. Key facts:
- Length: 274 metres (900 feet) — the longest musical fountain in the world
- Water jets: Up to 150 metres (500 feet) high — taller than Big Ben
- Water volume: approximately 22,000 gallons airborne during each show
- Lights: 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors
- Location: Burj Lake, Downtown Dubai — at the base of the Burj Khalifa
- Music: Shows are choreographed to a rotating playlist of classical, Arabic, and contemporary music including Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Time to Say Goodbye, and traditional Arabic pieces
Where to Watch for Free
The Dubai Fountain is free to watch from three main positions: the Waterfront Promenade along Dubai Mall (full view, most crowded), Souk Al Bahar bridge (excellent framing of fountain and Burj Khalifa together, slightly less crowded than the promenade), and Burj Park island (wide unobstructed view, usually the least crowded of the three). All are public spaces requiring no ticket. Arrive 10–15 minutes before the show for a good position.
Waterfront Promenade (Dubai Mall Frontage)
The promenade along the eastern waterfront of Dubai Mall offers a full view of the fountain performance with the Burj Khalifa towering behind it. This is the most popular and most crowded free position — particularly during the 6 pm and 6:30 pm shows. Position yourself on the upper terrace level (above the waterfront level) for better sightlines over the crowd.
Souk Al Bahar Bridge
The covered wooden bridge between Souk Al Bahar and the Dubai Mall waterfront is the best photography position for the fountain — the bridge arch frames the Burj Khalifa and fountain together. Slightly less crowded than the promenade. Also the best position for the Burj Khalifa light show that follows each evening from 7:45 pm.
Burj Park Island
The small island park in the middle of Burj Lake, reached via footbridge from the promenade, offers an unobstructed view of the complete fountain and tower. Usually the least crowded of the three positions, with more space to spread out. The best spot for watching both the fountain and the light show together.
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk Ticket
The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is a 272-metre floating platform extending across Burj Lake, placing you within approximately 10 metres of the fountain jets during a performance. Boardwalk ticket: AED 33 per person (ages 5+). The Boardwalk offers a dramatically different perspective to the promenade — you experience the force, sound, and scale of the water jets at close range, with the Burj Khalifa and Downtown skyline as a backdrop. Tickets are time-slotted for specific performances.
- Price: AED 33 per person (ages 5+)
- Distance from jets: Approximately 10 metres
- Length: 272 metres
- Best for: Close-up photography, experiencing the force and sound of the fountain, getting slightly wet
Dubai Fountain Lake Ride Ticket
The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride takes you across Burj Lake on a traditional abra (wooden water taxi) during a fountain performance. Lake Ride ticket: AED 102 per person (ages 3+). The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes and accommodates only 6 passengers per boat — giving an exclusive, close-up view of the fountain jets and lights from the water surface. The boat passes landmarks including the Burj Khalifa, Souk Al Bahar, and The Palace hotel. One of the most unique perspectives of the fountain available.
- Price: AED 102 per person (ages 3+)
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Capacity: 6 passengers per boat — intimate and exclusive
- Includes: Fountain show viewed from the water, views of Burj Khalifa, Souk Al Bahar, The Palace, and surrounding skyline
- Booking note: Collect your ticket from the At the Top Burj Khalifa ticketing counter (LG level, Dubai Mall), then follow signs to the Dubai Fountains and the Lake Ride kiosk near Wafi Gourmet restaurant
Watching the Fountain from Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
The Burj Khalifa observation deck (floor 124, outdoor terrace) provides a completely different perspective on the fountain — you’re looking directly down at the jets from 452 metres above. The 150-metre jets look small from this height, which paradoxically conveys the true scale of the tower better than any other vantage point. The afternoon shows at 1 pm and 1:30 pm are the most convenient to watch from the deck; the 6 pm onwards shows are visible from the outdoor terrace if your visit extends into the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dubai Fountain show free?
Yes. The fountain performs free shows daily from the surrounding public promenades, Souk Al Bahar, and Burj Park. No ticket is required. Paid options (Boardwalk, Lake Ride) offer closer access.
What time is the Dubai Fountain show?
Afternoon shows: 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm weekdays | 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm weekends. Evening shows: every 30 minutes from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm daily.
How long does the Dubai Fountain show last?
Each individual show lasts approximately 5 minutes. There are multiple shows per day — arrive early for a good position at each.
What is the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk?
A 272-metre floating platform that extends across Burj Lake, placing visitors within approximately 10 metres of the fountain jets. Tickets are AED 33 (ages 5+) and are time-slotted for specific performances.
What is the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride?
A 30-minute abra boat ride across Burj Lake during a fountain performance, carrying up to 6 passengers. Tickets are AED 102 (ages 3+). Collect from the At the Top ticketing counter at LG level, Dubai Mall.
Can I see the Dubai Fountain from Burj Khalifa?
Yes. The outdoor terrace on floor 124 provides a bird’s-eye view of the fountain directly below from 452 metres. The afternoon shows at 1 pm and 1:30 pm are particularly convenient to watch from the deck. See our At the Top tickets guide for booking.
