The Dubai Fountain can shoot water up to 150 meters high—that's equivalent to a 50-story building! There are scheduled water shows every afternoon, and when night falls, it pairs with the awe-inspiring light show on the Burj Khalifa for a truly breathtaking spectacle.

Besides the must-see light show at the Dubai Fountain, we highly recommend taking some time to stroll around the fountain area to experience the magnificent Burj Khalifa from completely different angles!

Transport Info

Metro: Take the Red Line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. From there, it's about a 15-minute walk through the Dubai Mall to reach the fountain.
Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus: Both the Red and Blue lines stop at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station (Official info).

1. The Dubai Fountain

Located in the outdoor area of the Dubai Mall, right next to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain is an absolute must-visit if you're exploring the mall or the tower. The evening crowds can get pretty dense since the water show pairs with a massive light display, but Cherry personally recommends visiting during the day as well! On a sunny day, the crystal-blue pool contrasting with the bright blue sky, the towering Burj Khalifa, and the surrounding Arabian-style architecture creates a completely different—but equally stunning—vibe compared to the night view.

The Dubai Fountain water shows run every afternoon at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM, with an extra 2:00 PM show on Fridays. In the evening, the show happens every half hour from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Updated Sept 2024). For the latest schedules, be sure to check the official website.

Instead of squeezing through the massive crowds along the promenade, why not hop on a Fountain Lake Ride and watch the water show right on the lake itself! You can book and pick up tickets on the same day. Just collect your tickets at the Burj Khalifa ticketing counter, then head out to the boarding area next to the fountain (you can pick these up at the same place as your Burj Khalifa tickets, making it super convenient). Photo from Klook official website

The entire boat ride takes about 25 minutes. We highly recommend booking a timeslot right on the hour so you can catch both the spectacular Burj Khalifa light show and the dancing fountain simultaneously. Being that close to the performance is an absolute thrill!

2. Souk Al Bahar

Just across the bridge from the Dubai Mall is Souk Al Bahar, a beautiful Arabic-style shopping mall. Near the fountain side, there is an exit featuring an enormous archway. We found that looking at the Burj Khalifa right through the center of this arch creates an incredibly charming, picture-perfect framing!

Even though we visited Dubai during peak season, we were surprised to find the fountain area blissfully empty during the day! 😆

Souk Al Bahar is filled with these gorgeous grand archways inside, and that iconic design language flows seamlessly all the way to the exterior.

At night, however, the crowds really start pouring in~

3. Shakespeare and Co. Restaurant

As you walk toward this restaurant, you'll find a stunning view where traditional Old Dubai-style architecture contrasts perfectly with the modern Burj Khalifa towering in the background.

We even ran into a lovely couple taking their wedding photos!

With scenery like this, there is no doubt those wedding photos turned out absolutely phenomenal~!

Here are a couple of evening shots too—isn't it just gorgeous!?

Since the Dubai Fountain sits perfectly between the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall, it's incredibly easy to weave it into your daily itinerary. Even if you're not planning on heavy shopping or paying to enter the aquarium, Cherry’s top recommendation is to grab a casual lunch at the Dubai Mall food court around noon. Spend the afternoon wandering the mall and taking photos around the fountain. As golden hour approaches, head up the Burj Khalifa to catch the sunset fading into a stunning nightline, and finish your evening back on the ground for the fountain's water and light show. Doesn't that sound like the perfect day? For more tips on how to plan your visit to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, check out our extended reading below!

Dubai Travel Info & Guide

★ 【Transport】Dubai Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus
★ 【Passes】Klook Dubai Attractions Pass
★ 【SIM Cards】UAE 5G eSIM
★ 【Observation Decks】Burj Khalifa | Dubai Frame | The View At The Palm | Sky Views Observatory
★ 【Theme Parks】Legoland Dubai | Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
★ 【Desert Tours】Morning Desert Safari | Evening Desert Safari | Camel Trekking | Hot Air Balloon
★ 【Abu Dhabi】Premium Day Tour | Travel Guide
★ 【Dubai Guides】Complete Travel Guide | Where to Stay | Top Attractions Ranked

For even more must-visit Dubai attractions and everything you need for an amazing trip, check out 👉🏻 【Dubai Travel Guide】30 Attractions Map, Transport, Accommodation, Itineraries & Visas | The Ultimate Cheat Sheet

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Abu Dhabi Attractions & Transport

【Abu Dhabi Travel Guide】Top 10 Attractions ★ Map, Transport & Itinerary Cheat Sheet
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