Dubai · Attraction
The Dubai Fountain: how to plan your evening
Emaar describes the Dubai Fountain as the world's largest performing fountain. It sits on the 23.81-acre Burj Lake in Downtown Dubai, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa and next to The Dubai Mall, and brings together water, light and music.
Essential information
- Opening hours
- Evening shows every 30 minutes, 6pm to 11pm daily; afternoon at 1pm and 1:30pm (Fridays 2pm and 2:30pm).
- Tickets
- Free from the promenade; the Boardwalk and Lake Ride are paid, sold at the fountain or online.
- Getting there
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station, then the Metro Link Bridge; parking at P1 and Cinema Parking.
- Time to allow
- About an hour for two or three shows and a lake walk; longer with dinner or the Boardwalk.
What you will see
Designed by the California-based firm WET, the fountain sends water jets dancing in sync with music and coloured light. The Dubai Mall says the soundtrack moves between classical melodies and contemporary hits, and Emaar notes that it spans cultures and languages.
Show times
The lights show best after dark, so High Class usually plans the fountain for the evening, ideally after sunset at the top of the Burj Khalifa. The official timetable:
- Afternoon, Saturday to Thursday: 1pm and 1:30pm.
- Afternoon, Friday: 2pm and 2:30pm.
- Evening, every day: every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm.
Ways to watch
Watching from the promenade around the lake is free. For a closer view, Emaar offers two paid experiences, with tickets sold at the fountain or online in advance:
- Dubai Fountain Boardwalk: a floating walkway at the base of the Burj Khalifa that brings you within 9 metres of the show.
- Dubai Fountain Lake Ride: a traditional wooden abra that glides across Burj Lake while the fountain performs.
Getting there and combining
Access is from the Lower Ground level of The Dubai Mall or from the promenade, and the mall lists parking at P1 and Cinema Parking. By metro, get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station and walk through the Metro Link Bridge; taxis and ride-hailing are easy to find. A High Class private driver can also drop you nearby.
The High Class team confirms everything for your date on WhatsApp before the programme is booked.
For dinner with a view, Emaar lists Thiptara at Palace Downtown, Mausam in The Dubai Mall and Time Out Market Dubai at Souk Al Bahar, with its open-air terrace. Dubai Opera and Burj Park are also within walking distance, and the rest of the city is in our Dubai guide, including the Dubai Frame.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dubai Fountain free?
Yes, watching from the promenade is free. The Boardwalk and the abra Lake Ride are paid, with tickets at the fountain or online.
When does the first evening show start?
At 6pm. Evening shows then follow every 30 minutes until 11pm, every day of the week.
Which metro station is closest?
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. From there, walk through the Metro Link Bridge into the mall and on to the lake.
Official sources consulted (2)
- Emaar, Dubai Fountain. https://www.emaar.com/en/dubai-fountain Consulted on .
- The Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain. https://thedubaimall.com/en/entertain-detail/dubai-fountain Consulted on .
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