The Dubai Fountain is one of the most iconic attractions in Dubai and a must-see for first-time visitors. Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, right next to the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, this spectacular water show features powerful jets dancing in perfect sync with music and lights.
Table of contents
Definition and information
Location
Show times
Ticket Info
Photography
The Dubai Fountains are a world-famous choreographed water show located on the Burj Khalifa Lake in Downtown Dubai. Set directly between the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and The Dubai Mall, the fountains are one of Dubai’s most popular free attractions and draw millions of visitors every year.
Designed by WET Design, the same company behind the iconic Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, the Dubai Fountain system features powerful water jets, colorful lights, and carefully synchronized music. During each performance, more than 22,000 gallons of water shoot into the air, reaching heights of up to 500 feet and creating dramatic patterns that dance across the lake.
What makes the Dubai Fountains especially unique is their diverse music selection. Each show is choreographed to a different soundtrack, ranging from international pop songs and classical music to traditional Arabic melodies. Combined with over 6,600 lights and advanced projection technology, the fountains deliver a breathtaking experience that changes with every performance.
The Dubai Fountains are located in Downtown Dubai, one of the city’s most vibrant and popular districts. They are set on the Burj Khalifa Lake, a large artificial lake directly in front of the Burj Khalifa and next to The Dubai Mall, making them extremely easy to visit for tourists and locals alike.
Thanks to this central location, the Dubai Fountain is surrounded by some of Dubai’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can enjoy the fountain show while walking along the lake promenade, shopping at The Dubai Mall, dining at waterfront restaurants, or exploring nearby attractions such as Souk Al Bahar. The area is especially lively in the evening when the fountain shows begin and the skyline lights up.
The Dubai Fountain shows run daily and are one of the most popular evening attractions in Downtown Dubai. Visitors can enjoy both daytime and nighttime performances, with the evening shows being the most impressive due to the lighting effects and illuminated skyline.
Daytime Dubai Fountain shows usually take place in the afternoon and offer a shorter but entertaining preview of the fountains in action. These performances are ideal for visitors who prefer fewer crowds or are already exploring The Dubai Mall during the day.
Nighttime Dubai Fountain shows begin after sunset and run throughout the evening. Shows typically start around 6:00 PM and repeat every 30 minutes until late evening. Each performance lasts approximately 5 minutes and features a different song and choreography, so no two shows are exactly the same.
During the evening, the Dubai Fountain performs every 30 minutes, starting after sunset and continuing until late at night. Each show lasts around 5 minutes, followed by a short break before the next performance begins. Because every show features a different song and choreography, many visitors choose to stay and watch more than one performance.
Seeing the Dubai Fountain from the shore is completely free, making it one of the most popular budget-friendly attractions in Downtown Dubai. You can enjoy the synchronized water, music, and light show from the promenade around Burj Khalifa Lake without paying anything — perfect for casual visitors and photographers alike.
However, if you want a more immersive experience with better views or closer proximity to the water, there are two main ticketed options:
1. Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
This experience lets you walk on a floating platform right along the edge of the lake, bringing you within just a few meters of the fountain jets. Tickets for the Boardwalk typically cost around AED 25 per person (about US $7) including booking fees and taxes, though prices may vary slightly depending on how and where you book.
2. Dubai Fountain Lake Ride
For an even more unique perspective, the Lake Ride takes you out on a traditional abra boat across Burj Khalifa Lake during the fountain show. These tickets are generally in the range of AED 70–85 per person (around US $19–$23), depending on the provider and time of year. The ride lasts about 30 minutes and offers unbeatable front-row views of the dancing water and lights.
Quick Summary:
- Free viewing: from the promenade around Burj Khalifa Lake — no ticket required.
- Boardwalk tickets: around AED 25 per person.
Lake Ride tickets: typically AED 70–85 per person.
Capturing the Dubai Fountain on camera can be just as memorable as seeing it in person. With powerful water jets, dramatic lighting, and the Burj Khalifa as a backdrop, the fountain show offers incredible photo and video opportunities — especially at night.
For the best results, arrive early to secure a good position along the Burj Khalifa Lake promenade. Shooting from a slightly elevated angle or from the side allows you to capture both the fountains and the surrounding skyline. Night shows are ideal for photography, as the lights enhance the movement of the water and create strong contrast against the dark sky.
If you’re using a DSLR or mirrorless camera, try a fast shutter speed to freeze the water jets, or experiment with slower shutter speeds for a smooth, flowing effect. A tripod can be helpful for low-light shots, but be mindful of crowds and local rules. Smartphone users can also get great results by switching to night mode and using burst or video features to capture the movement.
For social media content, vertical videos work especially well for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Filming short clips of different shows allows you to highlight the variety of music and choreography. Including the Burj Khalifa or reflections in the water can make your shots even more eye-catching.