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When it comes to bucket list things to do in Dubai, seeing the Dubai Fountain Show is probably toward the top of your list – as it should be! This is the tallest choreographed fountain show in the world and if you’ve seen the famous fountain show at Las Vegas’ Bellagio Hotel, just know that it pales in comparison!
This guide has everything you need to know about seeing the Dubai Fountain Show – from how to get there to the best ways to see it, the different ticket options, and the best hotels with fountain show views. Plus, you’ll find my insider Dubai Fountain Show tips that only expats know about peppered throughout this guide.
A Complete Guide to Seeing the Dubai Fountain Show
What is the Dubai Fountain Show
Well, it’s the world’s tallest fountain show and it is quite the spectacle. You’ll see choreographed spouts of water (consisting of 22,000 gallons of water!) shoot as high as 140 meters in the air, accompanied by music and a display of 6,000 lights.
Oh, and did I mention that the show also features the Burj Khalifa as the backdrop? Because it does!
How to get to the Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain Show takes place on the 30-acre Burj Lake, which is just outside of the Dubai Mall and right at the base of the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai. You can reach the area by taking the metro, booking a taxi, or driving yourself and parking at Dubai Mall.
If you take the metro, take the Red Line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. From here, you’ll have to walk to the Dubai Mall via the air-conditioned walkway and stroll through the mall following the signs for the “Dubai Fountain.”
The mall is huge so be sure to keep an eye on those signs. You may also want to allot time to check out the many things to do in Dubai Mall.
Insider tip: If you’re having trouble navigating the massive mall, make your way to the Apple Store (here’s the Google Maps location). There’s a balcony here with killer fountain views.
The exit to Burj Lake and the Dubai Fountain Show is on the Ground Floor just below the Apple Store. If you see Five Guys on the Ground Floor, you’re in the right place!
Dubai Fountain Show times
The show takes place every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm every day, as well as at 1 pm and 1:30 pm every day except for Fridays and 1:30 pm and 2 pm on Fridays.
Insider tip: The area around Burj Lake gets packed during show times, especially on weekends and holidays, so you will want to arrive around 30 minutes ahead of the show to get the best views. You should definitely expect large crowds!
Ways to see the Dubai Fountain Show + Ticket options
Luckily, there are a few ways to experience the Dubai Fountain Show that suit all budgets – from absolutely free to VIP.
See it for free
If you’re looking for free things to do in Dubai, you’re in luck because the show is totally free to see. All you have to do is show up!
The only downside is that you will have to contend with the crowds, so be prepared and arrive early. If you get there just as one show ends, you’ll be able to snag the best spot around Burj Lake to take in the views.
Take an abra ride on Burj Lake
One of the most memorable ways to see the Dubai Fountain Show is to board an abra (a traditional wooden boat) and see the show while cruising around Burj Lake. Tickets for the 30-minute abra cruise cost AED 69 and you can purchase them here.
Watch from the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
Another option that allows you to escape the crowds and get super close to the water spouts is to get tickets to the new Dubai Fountain Boardwalk on Burj Lake.
Tickets to access the 272-meter floating boardwalk cost AED 20 and, in my opinion, it’s a great deal because you get to avoid the crowds and get within 9 meters of the fountain.
Go to the 148th Floor of Burj Khalifa
If you’d prefer to get a bird’s-eye view of the fountain show, you should time your visit to the top of the Burj Khalifa with one of the evening fountain shows.
There are quite a few ticket options, but I highly suggest booking the “SKY” tickets which allow you to skip the long lines and give you access to the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors of the world’s tallest building. The observation deck on the 148th floor is only accessible to SKY ticket holders, so you’ll have fewer people to contend with to enjoy the views.
Again, book tickets at night so you can get sky-high views of one of the fountain shows that take place every night from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Enjoy the view from these restaurants
There are tons of restaurants in both Dubai Mall and the adjacent Souk Al Bahar that offer amazing views of the Dubai Fountain Show. So if you want to pair the show with lunch or dinner, this is a great way to tick off this bucket list activity.
In Dubai Mall, you’ll have loads of options but a couple popular places with fountain views are Social House and Joe’s Café. Or, head to the Souk Al Bahar side of Burj Lake and try snagging a seat on the outdoor terrace at Time Out Market or the floating deck at The Taphouse (Souk Al Bahar). The latter two are excellent options if you’d like to enjoy a boozy beverage with the show!
Hotels with Dubai Fountain Views
Address Downtown: This is easily one of the best luxury hotels in Downtown Dubai complete with a huge pool area, a world-class spa, and an air-conditioned bridge to Dubai Mall. Choose a Fountain View Room, and you’ll even get a private furnished balcony with unobstructed views of the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa.
Palace Downtown: Palace Downtown is another 5-star option that puts you right in the heart of Downtown Dubai. For fountain show views, you’ll need to choose either the Deluxe Fountain View Room (King or Twin) or the Palace Suite Fountain View.
Because these rooms are on low floors, you’ll be treated to what will feel like private Dubai Fountain Shows from the comfort of your outdoor terrace.
That’s it! My guide to seeing the Dubai Fountain Show. Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!
