Located at the foot of the iconic Burj Khalifa and right outside The Dubai Mall, The Dubai Fountain is a world-class engineering marvel and the world’s largest choreographed fountain system.1 Following a major renovation in late 2025, the fountain is currently entering a new phase of upgrades for 2026 with even more advanced lighting and sound technology.2
🕒 Show Timings (2026 Schedule)
The show is free to watch and runs for about 5 minutes every half-hour.3
- Evening Shows: Daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (Every 30 minutes).4
- Afternoon Shows:
- Monday – Thursday: 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM.5
- Friday: 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM.
- Saturday – Sunday: 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM.
Note: During the Ramadan season (expected around February/March 2026), afternoon shows typically stop, and evening shows start later (usually around 7:30 PM).6
🗺️ Best Places to Watch
While the show is free, some spots offer a much better view than others:
| Location | Type | Why it’s great |
| Waterfront Promenade | Free | The most popular spot, directly outside Dubai Mall. Get here 15 mins early. |
| The Apple Store Balcony | Free | Located inside the mall (Level 1); offers an elevated, bird’s-eye view. |
| The Boardwalk | Paid (~AED 20) | A floating platform only 9 meters away from the jets. You will get wet! |
| Abra Lake Ride | Paid (~AED 68) | A traditional boat ride on Burj Lake during the show for the ultimate front-row seat. |
| Souk Al Bahar | Free | Across the bridge from the mall; usually slightly less crowded. |
💡 Key Facts & Figures
- The Height: It shoots water as high as 140 meters (460 feet), which is roughly the height of a 50-story building.7
- The Power: At any given moment, the system can spray over 22,000 gallons of water.8
- The Light: It uses 6,600 “WET Superlights” and 25 color projectors.9 The beam of light from the fountain can be seen from 20 miles away.
- The Music: Performances are set to a wide range of music, from Arabic classics (Sama Dubai)10 and contemporary hits (Michael Jackson’s Thriller) to K-pop and classical opera.11
🍽️ Best Restaurants with a View
If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a meal, these spots offer guaranteed terrace views:
- Thiptara (Palace Downtown):12 High-end Thai food right on the water.13
- Time Out Market (Souk Al Bahar):14 A great budget-friendly option with a public balcony.
- GIA (Fashion Avenue): Modern Italian with a prime terrace overlooking the fountain.15
- Bebabel: Excellent Lebanese cuisine with a massive outdoor seating area.16
🚀 What’s New in 2026?
Emaar is currently undergoing Phase 2 of the renovation (slated for Q2 2026).17 Expect:
- Enhanced Sound: A brand-new surround sound system around the lake.
- Smart Choreography: AI-driven water patterns that react more fluidly to the music.
- Burj Khalifa Integration: Improved synchronization between the fountain and the Burj Khalifa’s LED facade.
Would you like me to help you find the best restaurant table availability or help you book tickets for the Boardwalk?