The Burj Khalifa Fountain Show is one of Dubai’s most breathtaking attractions, offering a mesmerising spectacle of water, music, and lights. Set against the iconic backdrop of the Burj Khalifa, this stunning performance takes place on the 30-acre Burj Lake, attracting millions of visitors each year. The synchronised display of dancing water jets, choreographed to classical, Arabic, and contemporary music, creates an unforgettable experience. Whether viewed from the Dubai Mall promenade, a traditional Abra boat, or the exclusive boardwalk, the Burj Khalifa Musical Fountain Show is a must-visit attraction that displays Dubai’s artistic and architectural brilliance.
Quick Details
Opening Date: May 8, 2009
Location: Burj Lake, Downtown Dubai, UAE
Entry Fees: N/A
Timings:6 PM- 11 PM
Area: 30 acres
Key Features: Water jets shoot up to 500 feet, LED lighting effects, synchronised music from different genres
Notable Attractions:The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Opera
Cultural Significance: Represents Dubai’s innovation and artistic excellence, combining traditional and modern elements in a grand water show.
Location
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The fountain show is located in Downtown Dubai, right outside the Dubai Mall, on Burj Lake. This prime location offers stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and easy access to several other top attractions in the city. Surrounded by luxury hotels, restaurants, and entertainment hubs, the fountain show is a centrepiece of Dubai’s vibrant nightlife. Downtown Dubai is one of the most visited areas in the world, making it a convenient spot for tourists. The show is easily accessible by various modes of transport, allowing visitors to enjoy this stunning experience effortlessly.
How To Reach
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By Air: Land at Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and take a taxi or metro to Downtown Dubai.
By Rail: Take the Dubai Metro Red Line and get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. From there, use the pedestrian bridge to reach the fountain.
By Road: Taxis, Uber, and Careem services are widely available. Parking is available at the Dubai Mall if travelling by private car.
By Sea: Visitors arriving via cruise can take a taxi or shuttle from Port Rashid to reach Downtown Dubai in about 20 minutes.
Things To Do
Here is a list of things to do at the spectacular Burj Lake:
1. Mesmerise The Beautiful Light And Water Show
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It is an enchanting display of water, lights, and music, where powerful water jets reach up to 500 feet—equivalent to a 50-story building! The fountains are illuminated by 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors, creating a stunning visual spectacle. Each performance lasts around 5 minutes, with shows occurring in the evening every 30 minutes. The fountain is choreographed to a diverse playlist, including Arabic classics, Bollywood hits, and Western pop songs, ensuring a unique experience each time.
2. Lake Ride In A Traditional Abra
Photo: Iwona Rege / Wikimedia Commons
For an immersive experience, take an Abra ride on Burj Lake during the Burj Khalifa Musical Fountain Show. These traditional wooden boats allow visitors to witness the performance up close, offering a surreal view of the towering water jets. The ride lasts approximately 30 minutes and provides an intimate setting to admire the fountain’s synchronised movements. The tickets for the Abra ride (AED 68.25 – ₹1,617) can be booked online or at designated counters near Burj Lake. This experience is perfect for couples, families, or solo travellers looking to enjoy a memorable moment amid Dubai’s nightlife.
3. Stroll By The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
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For an exclusive and up-close view, visitors can walk on the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, a floating platform just 9 meters from the fountains. This vantage point offers a new perspective of the dancing waters, making the show even more mesmerising. The tickets (AED 25 – ₹592) for the boardwalk can be purchased at the entrance near Burj Lake. The boardwalk is an excellent spot for photography and allows visitors to feel the cool mist from the powerful jets, adding to the overall experience.
Places To Visit Near Burj Khalifa Fountain Show
Once you have seen the fountain show, you can explore the various attractions nearby:
1. At The Top
Photo: Guilhem Vellut / Wikimedia Commons
Located on levels 124 and 125, this deck offers breathtaking and stunning views of Dubai’s skyline, including a bird’s-eye view of the Dubai Fountain from above. Visitors can also opt for the At The Top SKY experience, granting access to the 148th floor, the world’s highest observation deck. The experience includes a luxurious lounge, high-powered telescopes, and a stunning sunset view, making it a must-visit attraction.
Timings: 10 AM – 11 PM (Weekdays), 8 AM – 11 PM (Weekends)
2. Dubai Mall
Photo: EditQ / Wikimedia Commons
Adjacent to the Burj Khalifa Fountain Show, Dubai Mall is a paradise for shopping, dining, and entertainment. With over 1,200 retail stores, it houses top global brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Apple. The mall also features exciting attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, offering marine life encounters, the VR Park, for immersive gaming experiences, and the Dubai Ice Rink, perfect for skating enthusiasts. Families can enjoy a day of fun, while food lovers can explore diverse dining options, ranging from high-end restaurants to casual eateries, all within the mall’s lively ambience.
Timings: 10 AM – Midnight
3. Sky Views
Photo: Edgar El / Wikimedia Commons
Sky Views Dubai is a thrilling attraction near the Burj Khalifa Fountain Show, offering incredible views from 219.5 meters above the ground. Located in Address Sky View Hotel, it features three exhilarating experiences: the Sky Observatory, a Glass Slide, and the Edge Walk. The Sky Observatory provides a stunning 360-degree view of Downtown Dubai through a glass floor. The Glass Slide, a transparent tunnel connecting two floors, offers an adrenaline rush, while the Edge Walk lets daredevils walk hands-free along the skyscraper’s edge. This attraction is perfect for adventurers looking to experience Dubai from new heights.
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Where To Stay
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Downtown Dubai offers a wide range of luxury, mid-range, and budget-friendly hotels, making it a convenient place to stay near the Burj Khalifa Fountain Show. Luxury travellers can indulge in the Armani Hotel Dubai, an ultra-luxurious stay inside Burj Khalifa, or opt for Address Downtown, offering breathtaking mountain views. Mid-range options include Rove Downtown and Vida Downtown, providing modern amenities with stylish interiors. Budget-conscious travellers can find comfort at Zabeel House MINI or Gulf Court Hotel, both offering affordability without compromising on location and quality. Staying nearby ensures easy access to Dubai’s top attractions.
Where To Eat
Photo: timsdad / Wikimedia Commons
The Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai offer a diverse selection of fine dining, casual eateries, and cafés, catering to all tastes. For fine dining, At.mosphere, located on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa, provides an elevated dining experience with stunning city views, while Thiptara specialises in Thai cuisine with a scenic setting overlooking the fountains. Casual diners can enjoy flavours from around the world at Din Tai Fung (Taiwanese) or Social House (International). For light bites and coffee, head to Ladurée, known for its French pastries, or grab a refreshing drink at Starbucks with outdoor seating.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Burj Khalifa Fountain Show is during Dubai’s cooler months, from November to March when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. The evening shows, running from 6 PM – 11 PM, provide the most spectacular experience, as the fountains are beautifully illuminated against the night sky. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit on weekdays rather than weekends. Visitors should check updated schedules in advance, as the timings of Ramadan may change, affecting evening plans near the Museum of the Future.
Tips For Travellers
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- Arrive early for the best viewing spots, especially during weekends.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you may need to walk around Downtown Dubai.
- Book Burj Khalifa Fountain Show tickets for the boardwalk or Abra ride in advance.
- Check the Burj Khalifa Fountain Show timings online, as schedules may change.
The Burj Khalifa Fountain Show is a must-visit attraction that embodies Dubai’s grandeur and artistic brilliance. With its dazzling display of water, lights, and music, the show offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether watching from the promenade, riding an Abra, or walking the boardwalk, this event is a highlight. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the fountain show in the most luxurious and hassle-free way.
Cover Photo: snaptheframe / Shutterstock