Dubai is known for its futuristic skyline and architectural marvels, and at the heart of it all lies the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa Light Show.
These two attractions create a mesmerizing spectacle that draws millions of visitors annually.
The Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the iconic Burj Khalifa, is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system.
Its synchronized water jets, lights, and music capture audiences.
The Burj Khalifa Light Show complements this, illuminating the world’s tallest building with stunning LED displays, transforming the night sky into a canvas.
Together, they offer an unforgettable experience, showcasing the innovation and grandeur that Dubai is celebrated for.
This article explores the details of the Burj Khalifa Fountain and Light Show, ensuring that you do not miss it on your next visit to Dubai.
Burj Khalifa Fountain Show
The Burj Khalifa Fountain Show, also known as the Dubai Fountain Show, is a unique attraction in proximity to the world’s tallest building, making it a popular combination with the Burj Khalifa.
Designed by the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Vegas, it is a choreographed fountain show featuring water, music, and light, spanning over 900 feet in length.
Over 6,600 WET Superlights and 25 color projectors provide a visual spectrum of over 1,000 distinct water expressions.
Meanwhile, 50 color projectors deliver a full spectrum of color with a combined output of 1.5 million lumens.
The fountain shoots water jets up to 500 feet in the air and dances to the beats of the music, ranging from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.
To your surprise, the Burj Khalifa Fountain Show holds the title of the world’s largest choreographed fountain system.
Timings of Burj Khalifa Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain Show runs every day from 6 pm to 11 pm., with performances every 30 minutes.
A typical show lasts five to seven minutes.
The timings for the extra afternoon show at Dubai Fountain are from 1 to 1.30 pm, and the Friday afternoon show runs from 1.30 to 2 pm.
Over holidays and Eid, the fountain show schedule may be extended to run all afternoon through to midnight.
During Ramadan, the fountain show timings may start later, typically around 7.30 pm after Iftar.
Location of Burj Khalifa Fountain Show
The Burj Khalifa Fountain Show takes place on the 30-acre Burj Lake, right at the foot of the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai.
With the iconic Burj Khalifa serving as the backdrop, Burj Lake is the central manmade body of water.
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates. Get Directions.
To get from the Burj Khalifa to the Dubai Fountain, you can simply walk down the promenade or stairs surrounding the Burj Khalifa.
The distance between the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain is less than 500 meters, and it’s an easy 5 to 10-minute walk.
Do I need to buy a ticket?
You don’t need a ticket to watch the Burj Khalifa Fountain Show; it’s free and open to the public.
You can watch this eye-catching view from anywhere near the Burj Lake or Burj Khalifa free of cost.
Visitors also have the option to take a boat ride on the Burj Lake during the fountain show.
This will allow you to witness this wonder from a different angle on a traditional “abra” water taxi and you will need a prior booking for a Burj Lake Abra ride.
Best Spots to Watch Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain show offers a mesmerizing spectacle no matter where you watch it from, but some viewpoints definitely elevate the experience.
Here are some best viewpoints for the best Burj Khalifa Fountain views:
- Burj Khalifa Lake Promenade
This classic viewpoint is one of the best free public viewing areas to enjoy the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain performances, with the iconic Burj Khalifa towering in the background.
The promenade is easily accessible from the Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai area.
However, be prepared for crowds, especially during evenings and weekends.
It is better to arrive early, at least 30 to 45 minutes before, to secure a good spot.
- Burj Khalifa Observation Decks
As the Dubai Fountain is located directly at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the observation decks are an excellent vantage point from which to view the fountain shows.
From the Burj Khalifa observation decks on floors 124 and 125, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Dubai Fountain and the surrounding Burj Khalifa Lake.
The observation decks provide an elevated perspective to witness the full scale and grandeur of the Dubai Fountain’s water, light, and music performances.
You must visit the Burj Khalifa observation decks at night to fully appreciate the illuminated Dubai Fountain shows against the iconic tower’s backdrop.
- Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is a brand-new floating platform located within the Dubai Fountain that allows you to get very close to the fountains, just 9 meters away.
The 272-metre boardwalk is located right on the Burj Khalifa Lake, putting you in the center of the action.
Since you’re on a platform in the middle of the lake, your view isn’t obstructed by crowds or other structures.
You’ll have a clear, panoramic view of the entire fountain choreography, from the synchronized movements to the colorful light displays.
The Boardwalk has a limited capacity to ensure a comfortable experience for everyone; thus, buying a ticket is a must to access this spot.
- Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall offers numerous free vantage points to enjoy the Dubai Fountain shows, providing the best views of this spectacular water, light, and music performance.
The Dubai Fountain is located directly opposite the Dubai Mall, making it easily accessible for viewing from the mall.
The fountains are visible from multiple levels of the Dubai Mall, including the ground floor and upper levels, as the mall surrounds Burj Khalifa Lake.
Many restaurants in the Dubai Mall have balconies or terraces that offer great views of the fountain shows, allowing you to enjoy the performance while dining.
Burj Khalifa Light Show
If you visit Downtown Dubai at night, you should not miss two famous shows: the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa light show.
While the fountain show occurs at the foot of Burj Khalifa, the light show illuminates the entire building.
Burj Khalifa holds the Guinness World Record for the largest laser show on a single structure.
This grand light show is a must-see for all tourists visiting Dubai. Burj Khalifa features 1.2 million LED lights and laser displays to create a fantastic nightly sight.
The light shows are scheduled between the fountain shows to enhance the viewers’ experience.
Fun Fact Dubai’s light show is a major attraction and revenue generator, with advertising spots on the facade costing up to $100,000 for a 3-minute weekend slot.
Burj Khalifa Light Show Schedule
The Burj Khalifa light show runs six times daily, every half an hour between 7.45 pm and 10.45 pm.
The show is separate from the Dubai Fountain shows and happens at 15 and 45 minutes past the hour, in between the scheduled fountain shows.
Burj Khalifa Light Show Cost
The Burj Khalifa light show is free to all viewers.
There is even no need to buy the Burj Khalifa tickets to watch the Burj Khalifa Light Show.
You can watch it for free from the base of the Burj Khalifa or near Dubai Mall.
Best Place to See Burj Khalifa Light Show
The Burj Khalifa light show isn’t a laser display focused on a single spot.
The entire facade of the building lights up, so you actually get a better view of the overall design and effect from a bit further away.
This allows you to appreciate the scale and grandeur of the illuminated skyscraper.
Here are a few spots from where you can capture the unforgettable views of the Burj Khalifa light show:
- Around Burj Khalifa Lake
- Downtown Dubai Streets
- Burj Plaza
- Dubai Mall Terrace
- Souk Al Bahar Bridge
Contents
FAQs
What is special about the Dubai Fountain?
The Dubai Fountain is renowned for its choreographed water, light, and music shows set against the backdrop of Burj Khalifa.
Spanning 900 feet, it uses over 6,600 lights and 25 projectors to create captivating performances synchronized to various musical genres.
Does the Burj Khalifa light up every night?
Yes, the Burj Khalifa lights up every night with its spectacular LED light show.
This display, spanning over 33 kilometers of LED strips, features various visual effects and animations projected onto the tower’s facade, creating a mesmerizing spectacle visible from miles away.
Is the Dubai Fountain Show free?
Yes, the Dubai Fountain Show is free to watch.
Visitors can enjoy the mesmerizing water, light, and music performances without purchasing tickets.
But if you want to witness this magic up close, you can buy a ticket for the Burj Lake boat ride or the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk.
Where does the Burj Khalifa Fountain Show take place?
The Burj Khalifa Fountain Show takes place on Burj Lake, situated at the base of the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai.
This 30-acre man-made lake serves as the stage for the fountain’s elaborate choreography, providing a stunning backdrop to the iconic skyscraper.
What time is the Burj Khalifa light show?
The Burj Khalifa light show runs six times daily, every half hour from 7.45 pm to 10.45 pm.
This free show enhances Dubai’s exciting nightlife by illuminating the highest skyscraper in the world with a stunning display of lights, animations, and projections.
