Dubai Fountain: The World’s Tallest Performing Fountain Show

As your tour guide, let me welcome you to one of Dubai’s most enchanting attractions — the Dubai Fountain. Nestled at the foot of the Burj Khalifa and flanked by the luxurious Dubai Mall, this world-renowned fountain is not just a spectacle; it’s a symphony of water, light, and music that draws millions of visitors annually.
 

With jets that shoot up to 150 meters (500 feet) into the air, perfectly synchronized with classical, Arabic, and contemporary music, the Dubai Fountain is a modern marvel of design, engineering, and artistry.

📍 Quick Facts About Dubai Fountain

🏙️ Location: Burj Lake, Downtown Dubai (between Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall)

💧 Opened: May 2009

🎶 Music: Arabic, classical, world, and pop

🌊 Length: 275 meters (902 feet)

🚿 Height of Jets: Up to 150 meters

💡 Lights: Over 6,600 WET Superlights and 50 color projectors

🕰️ Showtimes:

Day Shows: 1:00 PM & 1:30 PM (Fridays: 1:30 PM & 2:00 PM)

Evening Shows: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, every 30 minutes

💵 Price: Free for general viewing; paid options available (boardwalk, boat rides)

🌟 What Makes the Dubai Fountain So Special?

Imagine standing next to a tranquil lake when suddenly, hundreds of water jets leap into the sky, moving in perfect harmony with Andrea Bocelli’s voice or a pulsating Bollywood hit. Add in dazzling colored lights, a dramatic backdrop of Burj Khalifa, and a cool desert breeze — and you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Key Highlights:

World’s tallest choreographed fountain

Technologically advanced system by WET Design (same creators of Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas)

Can shoot 22,000 gallons of water into the air at any moment

A visual masterpiece of music, engineering, and motion

🎵 Music That Moves the Sky

The Dubai Fountain’s repertoire is global and diverse, including:

Arabic classics like “Baba Yetu” and “Sama Dubai”

Western pop like “Thriller” by Michael Jackson or “Power” by Kanye West

Opera and instrumental pieces such as Andrea Bocelli’s “Con Te Partirò”

K-pop, Bollywood, and more — the playlist is constantly updated!

Every 30-minute show features a different track, so staying longer lets you experience multiple performances.

📸 Best Spots to Watch the Dubai Fountain

1. Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade (Free)

Stand just outside the mall on the promenade — it’s the most popular and accessible viewing point.

2. Dubai Fountain Boardwalk (Paid – AED 20)

A floating platform that brings you just 9 meters from the fountains, offering an incredibly close and immersive view.

3. Burj Park

Quieter and less crowded. Great for photographers and families.

4. Souk Al Bahar Bridge

This pedestrian bridge offers a panoramic side view of the fountains with the Burj Khalifa as a stunning backdrop.

5. At.mosphere (Burj Khalifa, Level 122)

For a luxury experience, book a window table at this fine-dining restaurant for a sky-high view of the show.

🚤 Add-On Experiences to Enhance Your Visit

🔹 1. Dubai Fountain Lake Ride

Board a traditional abra (wooden boat) and float on the Burj Lake during the fountain show.

Price: AED 68 per person

Duration: ~30 minutes

🔹 2. Dubai Fountain Walk Bridge

Floating bridge brings you within arm’s reach of the performance.

Great for photographers and those wanting a more immersive feel.

🔹 3. Dining With a View

Restaurants like Thiptara (Thai), Serafina (Italian), and Social House (International) offer fountain-side terraces.

Tip: Reserve outdoor tables in advance for dinner and show combo.

📅 Best Time to Visit the Dubai Fountain

🌤️ Weather-wise:

October to April: Ideal — pleasant evenings, perfect for outdoor viewing

May to September: Hotter months, but late evening shows remain comfortable

🕖 Time-wise:

Evenings after 6:00 PM: Lights + music make it more magical

Best shows often occur after sunset (7:30 PM – 9:30 PM)

📷 Photography Tips

Use a tripod or steady surface for night shots

Set your camera or phone to night mode or low ISO

Shoot from Souk Al Bahar bridge for wide-angle compositions

Capture the reflection on the lake for dramatic effects

For social media: Try slow-motion or time-lapse videos

🛍️ What Else to Do Nearby

Since you’re already in Downtown Dubai, pair your fountain visit with:

🏙️ Burj Khalifa – At the Top

Go up to the 124th or 148th floor for sky-high views of Dubai

🛍️ Dubai Mall

One of the largest malls in the world

Features an aquarium, ice rink, virtual reality park, and luxury shopping

🖼️ Dubai Opera

Located nearby; check for performances or guided tours

🧭 How to Get to Dubai Fountain

🚇 By Metro

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station (Red Line)

Walk via climate-controlled bridge to Dubai Mall (10-15 minutes)

🚕 By Taxi

Just say “Dubai Mall Fountain” — most drivers know it instantly

🚗 By Car

Park at Dubai Mall (Cinema Parking gives quickest access to promenade)

🍴 Food Options Near Dubai Fountain

Some of the best dining spots with direct fountain views:

🥘 Thiptara – Upscale Thai, perfect for date nights

🍕 Serafina – Italian cuisine with waterfront terrace

🍣 Zuma – Contemporary Japanese, a few minutes away

🍔 Five Guys or PF Chang’s – Casual options with fountain-facing seating

♿ Accessibility & Family Info

✅ Wheelchair accessible paths along the promenade

✅ Stroller friendly

✅ Kids will love the music and water choreography

✅ Plenty of nearby public toilets and baby changing rooms (inside Dubai Mall)

💡 Insider Tips

Arrive 15–20 minutes before showtime to get a good spot

Combine with sunset at Burj Khalifa’s observation deck

Visit on a weekday to avoid large weekend crowds

Bring noise-canceling headphones if visiting with infants or toddlers (shows can get loud)

🌍 Why the Dubai Fountain Is a Must-See

The Dubai Fountain represents more than just a water show — it’s a celebration of creativity and technology, a symbol of Dubai’s ambition to captivate the world. It’s free, family-friendly, centrally located, and incredibly photogenic.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to relive the magic, every show feels different — and just as breathtaking.

🧳 Final Thoughts: Experience the Heartbeat of Dubai

There are few places in the world where you can enjoy a choreographed aquatic concert beneath the world’s tallest tower, surrounded by futuristic architecture, luxury shopping, and world-class dining — all within walking distance.

Make sure the Dubai Fountain is on your Dubai itinerary. It’s more than a show — it’s an experience you won’t forget.