The Dubai Fountain

As the world’s tallest performing fountain, this mesmerizing aquatic choreography turns the Burj Lake into a global stage where water, light, and sound collide against the glittering backdrop of the Burj Khalifa.

What to expect

The Dubai Fountain is a high-octane spectacle of precision engineering. Spanning over 900 feet in length, it features five circles of varying sizes and two central arcs. When the music begins, high-pressure nozzles blast water up to 140 meters (450 feet) into the air—roughly the height of a 45-story building. The visual display is illuminated by 6,600 powerful WET Superlights and 25 color projectors that create a spectrum of over 1,000 distinct water expressions. You will feel the percussive thrum of the music in your chest and feel the fine, cooling mist on your skin if you are positioned near the waterfront railings along the Dubai Mall promenade.

History & significance

Unveiled in 2009, the fountain was designed by the California-based WET Design, the same firm responsible for the iconic Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas. It was built as the aquatic centerpiece of the Downtown Dubai development by Emaar Properties. Beyond its role as a tourist draw, it serves as an engineering marvel capable of shooting 22,000 gallons of water into the air at any given moment, utilizing a sophisticated system that balances water pressure to create complex, undulating "dances" that range from classical Arabic compositions to contemporary pop hits.

Practical tips

Schedule: Performances occur daily every 30 minutes between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Afternoon shows usually run at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM (1:30 PM and 2:00 PM on Fridays).
The Crowd: The waterfront at the Dubai Mall is perpetually packed. For a stress-free experience, book a terrace table at restaurants like Abd el Wahab or Karma Kafe in Souk Al Bahar at least a week in advance.
The Boardwalk: If you prefer to be closer to the action, buy a ticket for the "Dubai Fountain Boardwalk," a floating platform that puts you within 9 meters (30 feet) of the water. Avoid the crowds by arriving 20 minutes before a showtime.
Dress: While there is no strict dress code, Downtown Dubai is a cosmopolitan area; modest business-casual attire is the local norm.

Getting there

The fountain is located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, directly outside the Dubai Mall.

Metro: Take the Red Line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. From there, follow the air-conditioned overhead walkway (a 10-15 minute walk) directly into the mall.
Taxi/Rideshare: Use the "Lower Level" drop-off points at Dubai Mall or the main entrance of Souk Al Bahar.

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