Landmark · Downtown Dubai
The Dubai Fountain
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Set on the 30-acre lake between the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain is the world's largest choreographed fountain system, jets shoot water up to 150 metres, lit by thousands of lights and powerful beams, dancing to everything from Arabic classics to global pop. Against the backdrop of the world's tallest building, the effect after dark is genuinely spectacular, and it's completely free to watch.
Shows run every 30 minutes through the evening. The promenade around the lake gives a head-on view; for a different angle, the waterfront restaurants and the traditional abra (boat) rides on the lake put you right beside the jets. It's the natural finale to a visit up the Burj Khalifa or through Dubai Mall.
Don't miss
- Jets firing up to 150m against the Burj Khalifa backdrop
- Evening shows every 30 minutes, free to watch
- Lake-level views from an abra (traditional boat) ride
- Waterfront dining along the promenade
- Pairing the show with a Burj Khalifa ascent or Dubai Mall visit
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit The Dubai Fountain
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine The Dubai Fountain with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inLake Ride or Walk Bridge at Dubai Fountain Show4★ · 22 travelers~1 hourFrom$28 per personSee dates →
Best full dayAquaventure World: Waterpark Day Pass (with options for Aquarium)4.7★ · 5,667 travelers8–12 hoursFree cancellationFrom$65 per personSee dates →
Top ratedDubai City Tour By Night With Burj Khalifa Ticket4.9★ · 206 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$165 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Free to watch, no ticket needed for the promenade view.
- Evening shows are far more dramatic than daytime; aim for after sunset.
- Arrive a few minutes early for a front-railing spot on busy nights.
- Combine it with the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, which surround the lake.
A bit of history
Designed by WET, the same company behind the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, the Dubai Fountain opened in 2009 as part of the Downtown Dubai development around the Burj Khalifa. It was built on a larger scale than its Las Vegas predecessor.
Common questions
Is it free?
Yes, watching from the lakeside promenade is free. Only the abra boat ride for a closer view costs money.
How often does it run?
Every 30 minutes in the evening, plus a couple of afternoon shows. The after-dark shows are the most spectacular.
Where's the best view?
The promenade railing for the classic head-on view, or an abra boat ride to be right beside the jets. Waterfront restaurants also have great vantage points.
How does it compare to the Bellagio fountains?
Same designer (WET), built later and on a larger scale, with the Burj Khalifa towering behind it, arguably the more dramatic setting.
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