The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest musical fountain and the city’s most popular free tourist attraction.
It is set on the Burj Khalifa Lake in Downtown Dubai, between the Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, and the Burj Khalifa.
The fountain consists of a 275 metre long central arc of jets, joined to a smaller arc and 5 circles of jets. When the performance begins these powerful jets shoot water sprays to heights of up to 150 metres in harmony with the music and illuminated by over 6,000 powerful lights and 50 colour projectors.
Performances are held daily and last up to 5 minutes. Evening shows begin at 6 pm and are every half hour until 11 pm. There are also 2 performances in the daytime; at 1 pm and 1.30 pm (1.30 pm and 2 pm on Fridays).
Songs and music accompanying the displays range from contemporary pop to classical. The repertoire includes Thriller by Michael Jackson, I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston, All Night Long by Lionel Ritchie, Baba Yetu by Christopher Tin, The Magnificent Seven by Elmer Bernstein, and Time To Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman.
Performances are completely free and can be seen from various locations around Downtown Dubai. The most popular spot is the Waterfront Promenade outside the Dubai Mall. Just before the performance begins, thousands of people pour out from the mall and the area gets extremely busy. Visitors wishing to view it from here should arrive early to ensure a spot at the front.
The walkway around Souk Al Bahar is far less crowded and offers a more pleasant viewing experience. Spectators coming from the Dubai Mall will need to set off around 15 minutes before the performance begins to avoid the crowds at the Dubai Mall exit and the Souk Al Bahar Bridge.
For a really fantastic view, book a table or arrive early at one of the restaurants with outdoor seating areas overlooking the lake and fountain.
Restaurants with good views at the Dubai Mall include TGI Fridays, Wafi Gourmet (Lebanese), Carluccio’s (Italian), Joe’s Café, More (International), Madeleine (French), and Burj Al Hamam (Lebanese). Visitors should note that none of the restaurants at the Dubai Mall serve alcohol.
Several restaurants at Souk Al Bahar also offer fantastic views. These include Dean & Deluca Café, Baker & Spice, Rivington Grill (British), Urbano (Italian – side view of fountain), Margaux Restaurant (French), Mango Tree (Thai), and Bice Mare (Italian). The Rivington Grill, Margaux, Mango Tree, and Bice Mare serve alcohol.
Map
Map showing location of Dubai Fountain.
Click here for a detailed map showing all points of interest.
Details
Dubai Fountain
Address
Dubai Mall
Downtown Dubai
United Arab Emirates
VGPHD says
They should play “The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed. That would make a great addition to the fountain’s playlist.
Nada M says
Hi, can I request a song to be performed in the fountain?
Tod says
Hello, can you please let me know if there is any schedule for the playlist? I’ll propose my girlfriend there and I’d like to do it when it will be a proper song. Thank you in advance.
Max Latvia says
Hello, could you tell me, which music is playing at the fountain area during the day and between fountain shows? It is just amazing!
Julia says
which is the timing for “Time to say goodbye” song now? Thank you
Teresa says
Heello!
Are everyday the same songs?
Ross says
Apart from watching from a restaurant around the water, where are the better places to watch the display ?
sunehra shiraz makani says
I loved the dancing fountain ____ superb!!!!!!!
LEE says
How many songs are played at the fountain each show?
Diane says
There’s one song per show.
LEE says
Could you let me know Dubai Fountain musical cue sheets or music list?
Editor says
There’s a list of the music used in the shows on the Dubai Fountain Wikipedia page. I’ve no idea how accurate it is now.
Mohammad Yousaf says
The dancing fountain played to Arabic music is fantastic and well worth a visit.
annabel bondoc says
Can we ask who was the designer/contractor of the dancing fountain?
Editor says
The Dubai Fountain was designed by WET Design, a California-based design and engineering firm. They also designed the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas.
They were built by Turner Construction.
Jack says
What time are the fountain shows in the daytime?
Editor says
Thanks for asking the question. We had the daytime fountain show times incorrect and have now updated them.
The daytime fountain shows at the Dubai Mall are at 1 pm and 1.30 pm. If you go on a Friday the shows are at 1.30 and 2 pm. Each show lasts about 5 minutes.
Personally I would wait for one of the evening shows. They look much better.
Adrian & Sandra bailey says
Spectacular – probably the best in the world!!