# The Dubai Fountain, Dubai

> The Dubai Fountain is a water, light and music show on Burj Lake at the foot of [Burj Khalifa](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/burj-khalifa). It is free from the [Dubai Mall](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-mall) promenade, and each show lasts a few minutes. Evening shows run every half hour from six to eleven daily, plus two early-afternoon shows. Allow half an hour to see two.

Web page: https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-fountain

- City: [Dubai](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai), United Arab Emirates
- YesGo score: 45/100 (Yes, if nearby)
- Time on site: 30 min
- Opening hours: Daily: two early-afternoon shows, then every half hour from six to eleven in the evening
- With kids: Fine with kids
- Entry: Free from the lake promenade and the mall terrace
- Evening shows: Daily, every half hour from six to eleven pm
- Afternoon shows: Sat–Thu at one and half past one; Fri at two and half past two
- Show length: A few minutes, depending on the track
- The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk: From AED 25, age 3+ — per Visit Dubai
- Abra lake ride: AED 75, 30 minutes, age 3+ — per Visit Dubai
- During Ramadan: No afternoon shows; evening shows start later
- Access: Lower Ground Floor, The Dubai Mall
- Metro: Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, then the link bridge and the mall, ≈ 15–20 min on foot
- Coordinates: 25.19519, 55.27506
- Facts checked: 03.11.2026

## Key facts

- **Free** — to watch from the Burj Lake promenade (source: The Dubai Mall official website; Khaleej Times)
- **About 150 m** — height reached by the most powerful jets (source: English Wikipedia; Gulf News)
- **275 m** — length of the fountain system across the lake (source: English Wikipedia; Gulf News)
- **8 May 2009** — official opening (source: English Wikipedia; Gulf News)
- **WET Design** — the California firm behind it — also creators of the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas (source: English Wikipedia; Gulf News)
- **6,600 lights** — and 25 colour projectors light the jets (source: English Wikipedia; Gulf News)
- **1 October 2025** — reopened after a five-month renovation (source: Emaar press release; English Wikipedia; Gulf News)
- **9–10 m** — from the jets to the floating Boardwalk (source: Visit Dubai; Platinumlist)
- **30 minutes** — for the wooden abra ride around the lake (source: Visit Dubai; Platinumlist; Khaleej Times)
- **2008** — the name was picked in a public contest (source: English Wikipedia; Gulf News)

## Dubai Fountain show times

In the evening the fountain plays **every half hour from six to eleven, every day** — the last show starts at eleven. There are also two afternoon shows: at one and half past one from Saturday to Thursday, and an hour later on Fridays, at two and half past two. That is the schedule on The Dubai Mall’s official website and in Emaar’s announcement.

Each performance is short — a few minutes, depending on the track. The easy plan: arrive ten minutes before a show, watch it, stroll the promenade and catch the next one half an hour later from a different spot.

The afternoon shows are impressive, but there are no lights and summer afternoons are scorching. Don’t make a special trip for them — if you’re in the mall anyway, step outside; otherwise come after sunset. During Ramadan there are no afternoon shows and the evening shows start later, after iftar.

> **Check the schedule on the day** Times shift during Ramadan, and on public holidays or official mourning days shows can be paused or toned down — that happened in September 2026. Before you head out, check The Dubai Mall website or app for the current timings.

## What is the Dubai Fountain?

The Dubai Fountain is a choreographed system of water jets, lights and speakers on the man-made Burj Lake, between Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall. The water moves to Arabic music, classical pieces and pop hits, each with its own routine. You can watch it free from the promenade.

It officially opened on **8 May 2009**. It was designed by WET Design, the California firm behind the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. The system stretches **275 metres** across the lake and its strongest jets shoot about 150 metres high. After dark, 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors light the water.

In 2025 the fountain closed for five months for a refurbishment of the lake floor, waterproofing, lighting and sound. Shows returned on **1 October 2025**, and the owner, Emaar, has announced a second phase of upgrades. If you saw it years ago, it is worth another look.

## Best places to watch the Dubai Fountain for free

- **The Dubai Mall promenade** — the classic spot, out through the mall’s Lower Ground floor to the railings at the water’s edge. Everyone comes here, so it gets packed for evening shows.
- **The bridge to Souk Al Bahar** — a footbridge across the lake towards the Arabian-style souk, with the fountain on one side and the tower on the other. Usually less crowded.
- **The Souk Al Bahar waterfront** — the opposite bank, where the fountain and Burj Khalifa fit into one frame.
- **Mall terrace restaurants** — watch over dinner, but book a waterside table in advance.
- **From the top of Burj Khalifa** — the fountain looks tiny from the observation deck, but you see the whole pattern of the jets.

## Boardwalk and abra lake ride: are tickets worth it?

For most people the free view is enough. Pay only if you want to be right at the water without the crowd. There are two options: the floating Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, from **AED 25**, and a 30-minute ride in a wooden abra boat, **AED 75**. Prices are from Visit Dubai — check before you buy.

**The Boardwalk** juts into the lake so that the jets are only 9–10 metres away: you feel the spray, the sound is louder and nobody’s phone is in your shot. Tickets are for a set time; collect them at the main At The Top counter on the mall’s Lower Ground floor and arrive half an hour early. Children aged 11 and under must be with an adult.

**The abra** is a traditional wooden boat, the kind that still ferries people across [Dubai Creek](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-creek). Here it loops around the lake for half an hour and you watch the show from the water with the tower behind. Life jackets are provided for children under six. It is the priciest option — worth it for a special evening rather than just to tick it off.

## Where to watch: options compared

|  | Price | Distance from the jets | Crowds |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Dubai Mall promenade | Free | Close, behind the railings | Busiest |
| Souk Al Bahar bridge | Free | Side view of the whole system | Fewer people |
| The Boardwalk | From AED 25 | 9–10 m | Ticket holders only |
| Abra lake ride | AED 75 | On the water | A small boat |
| Burj Khalifa observation deck | Ticket | From high above | Timed entry |

Boardwalk and abra prices are from Visit Dubai as of 03.11.2026; crowd levels are YesGo’s estimate for evening shows.

## How long is the Dubai Fountain show?

Each show lasts a few minutes — the length depends on the song. Plan **about half an hour** on site: enough to find a spot, watch one show, walk to the bridge and catch the next one. Two shows back to back give you two different tracks and two different water patterns.

If you combine it with dinner on a terrace, an hour or more goes by easily. On a tight schedule, one evening show from the promenade is the minimum — just don’t arrive at the last minute and end up behind three rows of phones.

## How to get to the Dubai Fountain

1. From Dubai International Airport (DXB), take the Red Line from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 — no change, about 25 minutes. A taxi takes 15–20 minutes — ask for The Dubai Mall.
2. Get off at **Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall** on the Red Line.
3. Follow the covered, air-conditioned link bridge into the mall — 10–15 minutes on foot.
4. Inside, go down to the Lower Ground floor and follow the signs out to the lake promenade — a few more minutes.
5. Head back the same way: after the evening shows the mall taxi queue can be long, and the metro is quicker.

> **Paying for extras** The show itself is free. Shops, restaurants and ticket desks take international bank cards, and there are ATMs and exchange offices in the mall; the currency is the dirham (AED). For the metro you need a Nol card, sold at station machines and ticket offices.

## Is the Dubai Fountain worth it?

Yes, if you have even one evening in Dubai. It is free, next to the metro and takes half an hour, and with the lit-up tower behind it this is the city’s signature night view. It pairs naturally with the mall, the [Dubai Aquarium](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-aquarium) and the Burj Khalifa observation deck, all in one block.

Don’t go out of your way for an afternoon show in the heat, and don’t expect much from a single show seen over other people’s shoulders — the front row is a different experience. Arrive early or book the Boardwalk. If you have seen the fountains at the Bellagio, the difference here is scale: higher jets and the world’s tallest building as the backdrop.

## Before you go: checklist

- [ ] Checked today’s show times on The Dubai Mall website or app
- [ ] Checked whether it’s Ramadan or a public holiday
- [ ] Nol card for the metro, or cash or card for a taxi
- [ ] At the railings ten minutes before the show
- [ ] Boardwalk or abra ticket booked for a set time, if wanted
- [ ] Phone charged — you’ll want to film two or three shows

## Dubai after dark: more to see at night

Dubai places at their best in the evening, rated by YesGo.

- [Burj Khalifa](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/burj-khalifa) — YesGo score 79/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 30 min · from AED 189
- [The Dubai Mall](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-mall) — YesGo score 56/100 (Yes, go) · 2 h · Free entry
- [The Dubai Fountain](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-fountain) — YesGo score 45/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 30 min · Free; Boardwalk and abra ride paid
- [Dubai Creek and the abra crossing](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-creek) — YesGo score 40/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Abra AED 1–2, waterfronts free
- [Dubai Water Canal](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-canal) — YesGo score 39/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Free; abra rides from AED 2
- [Dubai Gold Souk](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-gold-souk) — YesGo score 34/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 45 min · Free entry
- [Dubai Marina](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-marina) — YesGo score 33/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Free; boats and cruises extra
- [Madinat Jumeirah and Souk Madinat](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/madinat-jumeirah) — YesGo score 29/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h 30 min · Free entry; abra ride AED 100
- [JBR Beach and The Walk](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/jbr-beach) — YesGo score 26/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 2 h · Free; sunbed AED 125
- [Global Village](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/global-village-dubai) — YesGo score 20/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 3 h · AED 25–30, under-3s and 65+ free
- [Desert safari from Dubai](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-desert-safari) — YesGo score 16/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 4 h · ≈ AED 140–300; DDCR eco from AED 649

## Downtown Dubai in one evening

The mall and aquarium by day, the observation deck at sunset and the fountain after dark — all within one block. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and walks.

1. [The Dubai Mall](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-mall) — YesGo score 56/100 (Yes, go) · 2 h · Free entry
2. [Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-aquarium) — YesGo score 38/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Free view; tunnel ≈ AED 199
3. [Burj Khalifa](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/burj-khalifa) — YesGo score 79/100 (Yes, go) · 1 h 30 min · from AED 189
4. [The Dubai Fountain](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/dubai-fountain) — YesGo score 45/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 30 min · Free; Boardwalk and abra ride paid

## Don’t mix it up

The Dubai Fountain at Burj Khalifa is not The Palm Fountain at The Pointe on [Palm Jumeirah](https://yesgo.io/united-arab-emirates/dubai/palm-jumeirah) — that is a different fountain in another part of the city. When people say “the Dubai Fountain”, they mean the one on Burj Lake.

## Tips

- The first evening shows, just after six, are the calmest — far fewer people than at nine or ten.
- Watch one show from the mall promenade and the next from the Souk Al Bahar bridge: two different views in half an hour.
- Pair it with Burj Khalifa: go up for sunset, come down and walk straight to the lake for the evening shows.
- Want dinner with a view? Book a waterside terrace table ahead — walk-ins usually end up at the back.
- With children, stick to the mall promenade: wide, buggy-friendly, and the shows are short enough for little ones.
- For a real abra crossing and the old city, head to Dubai Creek — there abras still work as a city ferry.

## Questions

### What time is the Dubai Fountain show?

Every half hour from six to eleven every evening, plus two afternoon shows — at one and half past one Saturday to Thursday, at two and half past two on Fridays.

### Is the Dubai Fountain free?

Yes, watching from the promenade is free. Only the Boardwalk (from AED 25) and the abra lake ride (AED 75) cost money, according to Visit Dubai.

### Where is the best place to watch the Dubai Fountain?

Up close from The Dubai Mall promenade, out through the Lower Ground floor. For fewer people and the tower in the frame, try the bridge to Souk Al Bahar. Closest of all is the paid Boardwalk.

### How long is the Dubai Fountain show?

A few minutes — each track has its own length. Allow half an hour to see two different shows.

### Is the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk worth it?

If you want to be 9–10 metres from the jets and away from the crowd, yes. For a quick look, the free promenade is enough.

### What is the nearest metro station to the Dubai Fountain?

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall on the Red Line. Walk the covered link bridge into the mall and go down to the Lower Ground floor — 15–20 minutes in total.

### Does the Dubai Fountain run during Ramadan?

Yes, but there are no afternoon shows and the evening shows start later, after iftar. Check the exact times on The Dubai Mall website.

### How high does the Dubai Fountain shoot water?

The strongest jets reach about 150 metres. The whole system stretches 275 metres across Burj Lake.

### Is the Dubai Fountain open now?

Yes. It reopened on 1 October 2025 after a five-month renovation, and shows resumed after a short pause in September 2026.

## How we checked

Show times come from The Dubai Mall’s official website and match Emaar’s press release: evening shows run until eleven at night, when the last one starts. The “until half past eleven” seen in some publications matches the Boardwalk and lake-ride booking hours, not the show schedule, so we don’t use it. Jet height, length, lights, designer and dates are checked against Wikipedia and Gulf News. Boardwalk and abra prices are from Visit Dubai and marked as verifying, since resellers and 2025 press quote lower figures. Sources disagree on the length of a single show, so we give no number.

## Sources

- The Dubai Mall official website: fountain show schedule, Lower Ground Floor access, 03.11.2026
- Emaar press release on the 1 October 2025 reopening and show schedule
- English Wikipedia: Dubai Fountain; Wikidata Q2384491
- Gulf News — history, specifications and the 2025 renovation
- Visit Dubai (supplied by At The Top, Burj Khalifa): Boardwalk and abra lake ride, prices and rules
- Platinumlist — Boardwalk and lake ride listings
- Khaleej Times — viewing spots, Ramadan timings, shows resuming in September 2026

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