Burj Khalifa
Fountain Show
Things to know before visit the Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain starts its performances daily at 18:00 and continues until 23:00, with shows occurring every 30 minutes. During Ramadan, the shows begin later at 19:30.
Yes, the Dubai Fountain show is free to watch from the surrounding promenade. However, tickets are required for experiences like the lake ride or the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, which allow for closer views.
Each Dubai Fountain show lasts about five minutes, offering a thrilling, tightly choreographed performance of music, lights, and water jets.
The shows run every 30 minutes from 18:00 to 23:00. During the day, additional afternoon shows occur at 13:00 and 13:30 (or at 13:30 and 14:00 on Fridays).
The Dubai Fountain was constructed in just 18 months and completed in 2009. It opened to the public alongside the Burj Khalifa development as part of a grand entertainment experience.
Lake Ride Ticket
View the world's most extensive choreographed fountain system up close from a small boat on Burj Lake. This unique vantage point lets you marvel at leaping fountains illuminated by 6,600 lights and 25 color projectors. The nightly spectacle features perfectly synchronized choreography set to a blend of global music. With just 8 passengers per boat, the unobstructed view promises a memorable, intimate experience at one of Dubai's top attractions. Opening hours: 17:45 - 23:15Boardwalk Ticket
Step onto the floating Boardwalk, which brings you just 10 meters away from the world's most extensive performing fountain system. Cross the 272-meter platform to marvel at the jets as they shoot high into the sky, illuminated by dazzling lights. The elevated position of the Boardwalk gives you a unique perspective on the fountain's nightly performance, blending choreography with global music. Enjoy an exhilarating, up-close experience of the fountain's choreography from this unobstructed platform on the water. Opening hours: 17:45 - 23:15Impressive Facts
- The Dubai Fountain cost around AED 800 million (USD 218 million) to build, reflecting its impressive size and complexity. Spanning 275 meters (900 feet), it was designed by WET Design, the creators of the Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas.
- Although its water jets are advertised to shoot up to 150 meters (500 feet), due to wind and technical limitations, the jets frequently reach between 100 and 150 feet. At any given moment, the jets can launch over 22,000 gallons of water into the air.
- Due to the complex choreography of over 1,000 water combinations, keeping the fountain operational requires regular cleaning and maintenance. Specialized technicians service the system, ensuring the intricate nozzles and lighting function smoothly, though exact personnel numbers remain confidential.
- The cost per show involves significant power and water consumption. However, precise figures vary based on the time of day, frequency of shows, and the length of each performance. With over 6,600 lights and 25 color projectors, the fountain requires substantial electricity to deliver its spectacular light and water displays.
- The Dubai Fountain's playlist is curated to captivate a global audience. It includes powerful ballads like "The Prayer" by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli, "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, and "All Night Long" by Lionel Richie. For diversity, the playlist features "Baba Yetu" by Christopher Tin and traditional Middle Eastern classics like "Sama Dubai," ensuring a blend of Western and Eastern tunes.
- Visitors can get closer to the fountain on the Boardwalk, just 9 meters away from the water jets. Alternatively, they can enjoy an immersive lake ride in a traditional "abra" boat, getting a firsthand view of the spectacle as lights and water jets perform up close.
- The Dubai Fountain uses the unic software to precisely control the water jets and lights. This software synchronizes each jet's movement and timing to perfectly align with the music. It creates over 1,000 different water patterns using five rings of high-powered jets and robotic nozzles that twist and rotate flexibly. The software adjusts the lighting, water height, and movements to match each song's rhythm and mood, providing a seamless transition between diverse musical styles.