Are you dreaming of attending the Dubai Fountain water show, but drowning in schedules and good deals? No problem!
We'll tell you everything you need to know to make sure you don't miss out on any of the action, including magic slots, secret spots overlooking the Burj Khalifa, and even tips on how to avoid the crowds. And guess what? We reveal why 2025 will be a key year for this choreographed masterpiece...
When can you see the Dubai water show?
| Period | Afternoon shows | Evening shows |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays (excluding Ramadan) | 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. | Every 30 minutes from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| Friday (except Ramadan) | 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. | Every 30 minutes from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
| During Ramadan | Cancelled | From 7:30 pm (post-Iftar) Every 30 minutes |
| Special events (Eid) | Additional performances until midnight | |
Want to know the schedule by heart? The fountain enchants the Burj Khalifa lake with 5 to 8 daily shows. The highlight? The evenings, when the 150-metre jets match the lights of the skyline. Count on 5 minutes of enchantment for each show - ideal for combining shopping at Dubai Mall with aquatic magic!
Fridays are slightly different, with shows starting later in the afternoon to respect local traditions. During Ramadan, the atmosphere changes: night-time shows start after the fast has been broken. A unique moment when culture and modernity meet under the stars.
Our advice? Go around 8:30pm: fewer people, better seats. And don't forget a little wool in winter - Dubai evenings can be chilly. To help you choose the ideal period, consult our guide on when to go to Dubai.
Psst! In 2025, the fountain will take a 5-month summer break for a rejuvenating treatment. Last show on April 19, before even more breathtaking performances. So schedule your visit now!
Where can you enjoy choreographed fountains?
Our selection of unmissable spots to enjoy the experience from every angle:
- Free walk: unobstructed view with the Burj Khalifa in the background
- Dubai Fountain Boardwalk: floating platform 9 metres from the jets for total immersion
- Dubai Mall restaurants: gourmet dining with panoramic views of the water choreography
- Stroll in the abra: a nocturnal experience to the rhythm of emblematic music
- Souk Al Bahar Bridge: the ideal photo spot to capture illuminated fountains and skyscrapers
Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the fountain stretches for 275 metres, facing the Burj Khalifa. Exit LG from the Dubai Mall: you're just 2 steps from the lake, where the water dances with the buildings. Perfect for combining shopping and entertainment!
By metro, get off at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall (red line) or Business Bay. By car, the mall parking lot offers 14,000 spaces with 4 hours free parking. Pro-tip: Zabeel Parking is the least crowded. And if you prefer luxury, some hotels offer valet parking.
Foodies will opt for Thiptara (Asian specialties) or Karma Kafé (lounge atmosphere). Reservations required for terraces facing the jets! Discover other gourmet activities in our complete guide.
Looking for a unique view? Try the modern version ofabra in dubai : 30 minutes on the lake at 73 AED. Departures 15 min before each show - just bring a sweater if the wind picks up!
360° experience
How to prepare your visit
November to April: the ideal time for evenings at 25°C under the stars. Summer? Avoid -40°C at 8pm, it's hot even for the water jets! Bring a light scarf in winter, as the desert cools down at night.
Flat shoes, strollers, power bank.
Combine with a visit to the Dubai Frame during the day. Top tip: book the Burj Khalifa at 5 p.m. for the sunset AND the first show. The Dubai Mall stays open until midnight - express shopping possible after the fountains!
Good to know: access ramps and reserved seating near restaurants. Wheelchairs are available free of charge at the Dubai Mall - please ask at the LG reception desk. PRMs will prefer the Lower Ground exit, which is less busy.
The show's technological secrets
Did you know that the 152 m of jets use the equivalent of 3 Olympic-sized swimming pools per show? 6,600 LEDs and 25 spotlights transform the water into a giant screen. The magic happens thanks to 87 high-pressure pumps hidden beneath the lake.
Every drop is choreographed to the millimetre: 50 computers synchronize Arabic, pop and classical music. A clever blend of Céline Dion and Oum Kalthoum? A choice made by the engineers at WET Design, creators of the Bellagio fountains.
The lights consume less energy than an office building, thanks to latest-generation LEDs. 1400 different patterns flash at 240 km/h - enough to fill 30,000 bathtubs in 5 minutes!
An army of technicians keeps watch every night, cleaning the nozzles and checking the hydraulic circuits... The lake is emptied completely twice a year for maintenance. An invisible ballet as impressive as the show!
Tips from regulars
Avoid the crowds on the Dubai Mall side: head for the Souk Al Bahar bridge. Wind at your back = zero splashes! 7pm and 9:30pm are often less crowded than prime time.
Download the Dubai Calendar app for live alerts. In case of strong winds, some shows are shortened - the app warns you 30 min in advance. Perfect for adjusting your program!
After the show, head to the Address Sky View rooftop for a cocktail overlooking the tranquil lake. Or prolong the aquatic magic with night-time activities at Dubai Creek.
Final tip: tripods and drones are forbidden. Use the burst mode on your smartphone to capture the jet at 150m. And don't forget your Burj Khalifa tickets - some restaurants offer evening discounts!
Now you're ready to experience the magic of dancing jets facing the Burj Khalifa! With clever timetables, strategic spots and tips on how to get close to the lake, all you have to do is plan your evening, synchronizing your watch with your amazement. Tomorrow, you'll be the one to tell the story of this aquatic symphony, illuminating the Dubai skyline like no fireworks display ever has.
