The Dubai Fountain is the free show everyone plans their Downtown Dubai evening around. Jets of water up to about 140 metres high dance to music on Burj Lake, right at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. This guide gives you the current show times, how long each show lasts, the best places to watch, what the paid options cost, and how to see every show from your own balcony.
Quick answer: evening shows run every 30 minutes from 6:00pm to 11:00pm, every day. There are also two afternoon shows: 1:00pm and 1:30pm Saturday to Thursday, and 2:00pm and 2:30pm on Friday. Each show lasts about five minutes, and watching from the promenade is free.
Dubai Fountain show times
| Show | Days | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon shows | Saturday to Thursday | 1:00pm and 1:30pm |
| Afternoon shows | Friday | 2:00pm and 2:30pm |
| Evening shows | Every day | Every 30 minutes, 6:00pm to 11:00pm (11 shows) |
| During Ramadan | Every day | Usually every 30 minutes from about 7:30pm to 11:00pm |
The fountain reopened on 1 October 2025 after a five-month upgrade by Emaar, with new choreography, lighting and sound. Times can change for public holidays, Ramadan, Eid and special events, so check the official Dubai Mall fountain page on the day you plan to go.
How long is the Dubai Fountain show?
Each show lasts about five to six minutes and is set to one song. Songs change between shows, mixing Arabic music, classical pieces and international hits. If you stay for two or three shows in a row you will usually see completely different routines.
Which show time is best?
- 6:00pm to 6:30pm in winter (November to March): the first evening shows fall close to sunset, so you see the water lit against a pink sky with the Burj Khalifa glowing behind.
- 8:00pm to 9:30pm: the busiest time. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early for a spot on the railing.
- 10:00pm to 11:00pm: quieter crowds, a good choice for families with older children after dinner.
- Afternoon shows: fewer people, but the water and music are harder to appreciate in bright daylight.
Best free places to watch
- Waterfront Promenade outside Dubai Mall: the classic spot, right in front of the lake. Follow signs to "The Dubai Fountain" from the mall's lower ground floor.
- Souk Al Bahar bridge: raised up with a wide view of the whole lake and the tower. It gets crowded on weekends.
- Burj Park and the lakeside near the Opera District: more space for families and strollers, and a side-on view of the Burj Khalifa.
- Restaurant terraces: many Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar restaurants face the lake. Book ahead and ask for a fountain-view table.
Paid ways to see the fountain up close
| Experience | What it is | Price guide |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Fountain Boardwalk | A floating walkway on the lake, metres from the jets | From about AED 20 per person |
| Dubai Fountain Lake Ride | A traditional abra boat ride on Burj Lake during a show | From about AED 65 per person |
| At the Top, Burj Khalifa | Watch from the observation deck high above the lake | Varies by time and level |
Boardwalk and boat tickets sell out on winter evenings and weekends, so book on the day or a day ahead. Prices are a guide only and are set by the operator.
Watch every show from your own balcony
The crowds on the promenade are part of the fun once. But if you are in Dubai for several nights, having the fountain right outside your window is something else. SML Vacation Homes' apartments are at Grande Signature Residences, on level 36 and above, directly overlooking Burj Lake and the Burj Khalifa.
- Watch the evening shows from your balcony or sofa, with the music drifting up from the lake.
- Put the children to bed and still catch the 10:30pm show.
- Walk to the promenade in a few minutes when you want to be right next to the water.
- Space for families and groups: 2 bedroom apartments (about 110 sqm) and 3 bedroom apartments (about 170 sqm), each with a full kitchen and free parking.
Read more about what you see from the apartments in our Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain views guide, or compare the area in where to stay near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
Book direct with SML for our best rate (promo code SMLDXB is applied automatically), or WhatsApp our team with your dates.
Tips for your visit
- Getting there: take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and follow the covered link bridge into the mall.
- Combine it: the Burj Khalifa light show runs on the tower itself on many evenings, often between fountain shows.
- New Year's Eve: the fountain is part of the Burj Khalifa fireworks show and Downtown gets extremely busy. See our New Year's Eve 2026 guide.
- Families: the promenade is stroller-friendly. Keep small children close to you at the railing at busy times.
Live in the UAE? Watch the shows from your own balcony on a Downtown Dubai staycation.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Dubai Fountain show start?
Evening shows start at 6:00pm and run every 30 minutes until 11:00pm. Afternoon shows are at 1:00pm and 1:30pm Saturday to Thursday, and at 2:00pm and 2:30pm on Friday.
Is the Dubai Fountain show free?
Yes. Watching from the Waterfront Promenade, Souk Al Bahar bridge and the lakeside is free. Only the Boardwalk and the Lake Ride boat are paid.
How long does each Dubai Fountain show last?
Each show lasts about five to six minutes, set to a single song.
What is the last Dubai Fountain show?
The last show is normally at 11:00pm. Times can change on public holidays and special events, so check the official Dubai Mall page on the day.
Does the Dubai Fountain run during Ramadan?
Yes, usually with later times, typically every 30 minutes from about 7:30pm to 11:00pm.
Can I see the Dubai Fountain from an apartment?
Yes. Every SML Vacation Homes apartment at Grande Signature Residences in Downtown Dubai is on level 36 or above with direct views of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa.