After a five-month renovation, the world’s largest choreographed fountain is making its return, ready to resume its spectacular water, light, and music displays. The Dubai Fountain draws significant crowds, making a prime viewing location essential for the best experience. This guide offers options for every visitor, from free public spaces to exclusive dining terraces.
Public Viewing Spots
The promenade surrounding the Burj Lake is the most popular free area to watch the show. However, the sections directly outside the Dubai Mall and on the bridge to Souk Al Bahar become congested very early. For a less crowded vantage point, the walkway on the Souk Al Bahar side of the lake offers excellent sightlines. Similarly, walking along the lakefront towards the Dubai Opera can provide good views away from the main crowds.
For a different perspective, the balcony of the Apple Store inside the Dubai Mall gives an elevated, overhead view of the performance. To get even closer to the action, the Dubai Fountain boardwalk is a floating platform that places you just nine metres from the jets. While this option requires a ticket, it guarantees an unobstructed view away from the crowds on the promenade.
Dining with a View
A restaurant reservation is an excellent way to secure a comfortable seat for several of the half-hourly shows. Souk Al Bahar, located across the bridge from the mall, has venues that serve alcohol and provide some of the best views. Establishments like Time Out Market Dubai, the pan-Asian Karma Kafe, and the traditional Arabic restaurant Abd El Wahab are popular choices, but booking an outdoor table in advance is crucial.
The Dubai Mall also has numerous restaurants with terraces overlooking the fountains, although these venues do not serve alcohol. Italian restaurant GIA and the Lebanese Bebabel, both in the Fashion Avenue extension, offer particularly good views. Mausam provides an authentic Indian dining experience with a clear view of the show. Other notable options in nearby hotels include Thiptara at Palace Downtown for Thai cuisine and Solara at Address Dubai Mall for Mediterranean dishes.
Private and Hotel Views
For a guaranteed private viewing experience, booking a hotel room with a fountain view is the ultimate option. Luxury hotels such as the Palace Downtown, Armani Hotel inside the Burj Khalifa, and The Address Dubai Mall are situated directly on or beside the lake. For those on a different budget, properties like Rove Downtown and Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai are also centrally located and offer good alternatives.
The Dubai Fountain performs daily, with evening shows running every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm. Afternoon shows are also available from Saturday to Thursday at 1pm and 1:30pm, and on Fridays at 2pm and 2:30pm.