Dubai's dancing fountain, wonder and magic guaranteed

The Dubai Fountain offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a captivating experience of water, music and light.

Immersed in the 12-hectare Burj Lake; at the foot of the Dubai Mall, powerful jets of water are strategically placed over an area the length of two football pitches. The fountain shoots up to 22,000 gallons of water up to 140m into the air at any one time.

Designed by the creators of the legendary "Bellagio Fountains" in Las Vegas, the Dubai Fountain is a star attraction in downtown Dubai.

It is perfectly located near the Burj Khalifa, adjacent to Souk Al Bahar and the Dubai Mall.

The Dubai Fountain, also known as the Dancing Fountain, covers an area of 30 acres. It is therefore visible from a distance. Many restaurateurs have designed their outlets to take advantage of the picturesque setting and give customers a great view of the amazing performances.

If you're not sure where to eat and watch the incredible dance of the Dubai Fountain, our list of downtown Dubai restaurants with a view of the fountain is here to help.

Extraordinary features of the Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain will be finally opened in May 2009. Bright enough with 6,600 major illuminations, the Dubai Fountain will be ready to shoot water up to five hundred feet, as high as a fifty-story building.

It can spray twenty-two thousand gallons of water observable all around at any one time. It can make different patterns and mixtures all approximately recognizable, which are greatly appreciated by the spectators.

The persuasive irrigation shooters featured in the spring make the water move. The super shooters can discharge under a pressure gradually equal to 250 feet observable all around.

The exceptional shooters can project the water to about 150 perceptible meters. They are not used as often during the shows, as it takes tons of effort to develop enough traction to discharge the water at such a height.

Attractions at the Dubai Fountain

Those visiting the Dubai Fountain can enjoy the Lake Ride and the Boardwalk.

Lake ride

Times: 5.45pm - 11.30pm

Ticket price: 17 euros per person

In case standing and seeing the spring is not enough, the best activity at the Dubai Fountain is probably the Lake Ride.

You can book the first column pass to enjoy the show from the best view around.

Board a regular Abra for an essential ride on the Burj Khalifa lake and enjoy the mesmerising sounds and incredible views. The last pontoon ride leaves 30 minutes before closing time.

If you want to know more about what to do in Dubai read: Dubai Museum of the Future, immersing yourself in 5 floors of innovation.

Dubai Fountain Walk

The promenade is a drifting stage located inside the Dubai Fountain. It gives you a totally different view of the captivating exhibits.

Guests can start their tour from Burj Park or the promenade and meander along the 272-metre path.

It is just 9 metres from the Dubai Fountains.

• There are two exhibitions during the day; at 13:00 and 13:30.

• Dubai Springs times on Fridays are 1:30pm and 2pm.

• Dubai Springs night time: 6pm - 11pm.

The Dubai Fountain plays an assortment of melodies ranging from traditional to Arabic and world music.

The shows take place daily and last up to five minutes. The Dubai Fountain shows are free of charge and are evident from every point on the lake from the surrounding areas.

The most famous location is the Waterfront Boardwalk outside the Dubai Mall. Before each display, individuals from the mall and surrounding areas gather in huge numbers.

Observers ready to watch from this location should visit the area before checking out the best seats. The area around Souk AI Bahar offers a charming understanding as it is less crowded.

Activities to do near Dubai Fountain

There are a few nearby attractions and things you can do to get closer to the fountain at Dubai Mall.

The Burj Khalifa observation deck is 300 metres away. You can enjoy the upper deck with your family or companions.

The Dubai Opera House, a showplace of entertainment, is 300 metres from the spring. If you have children in mind, then visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, 0.3 km away, is a good decision.

Focus on fun entertainment KidZania at Dubai Mall is another place to visit.

The Dubai Ice Rink is the perfect place to go ice skating at Dubai Mall.

If you are near the Dubai Fountain, then you can go out on the town to shop in the world's largest shopping mall which is located within a pedestrian divide.

There are a few cafes in Mohammed Rashid Boulevard, Souk Al Bahar and The Dubai Mall from where you can admire the springs while enjoying a tasty feast.

Continue reading with : Souk in Dubai: Top 6 and how to get there

How to get there

By metro, go to Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall station (red line). By car, go to Dubai Fountain Street via the main Sheikh Zayed Road

Dubai Fountain timetable and ticket information

The fountains come alive every 30 minutes from 6pm daily.

The colourful, illuminated jets sway to the rhythm of a range of melodies that will leave you spellbound.

Some popular tunes include Michael Jackson's Thriller, Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman's Time to Say Goodbye, and Power by Korean pop group EXO.

Located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk allows visitors to get even closer to the show by walking on the 272m floating platform - just nine metres from the fountains.

You can experience this wonder even closer with the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride; riding gentle waves during the water show. These are truly the best seats in the house.

Although all are free to watch the show, tickets for the 'front row' water experiences start from €11. Visit the official website to choose your options and book in advance.

Best restaurants in Dubai with fountain views

Do you want to experience dining amidst a beautiful water, music and light show in downtown Dubai?

The Dubai Fountain! This is one of the tallest fountains in the world, immensely popular with tourists and visitors to the Dubai Mall.

People come to enjoy the fountain's exhilarating musical performances. Many tourists even prefer to dine at restaurants overlooking the Dubai Fountain to spice up the experience.

If you are also planning to dine out while enjoying a beautiful view of the waterfront; we have just the thing for you. Here's a list of downtown Dubai restaurants that can make your experience truly memorable; with delicious food and brilliant fountain choreography!

• Average cost for two €130 or more

At.mosphere Restaurant

There is only one starting point to list the best restaurants in downtown Dubai with a view of the fountain; Atmosphere.

Located on the 122nd floor of the world's tallest building; Burj Khalifa , the restaurant offers a bird's eye view of the dancing fountain performances.

Add their awesome menu to the experience and you have a winner on your hands. In addition to the benefits mentioned; At.mosphere is among the best restaurants in Dubai with private dining.

Average cost for two: €235 (with alcohol)

Opening hours:

• 07:00 - 11:00 (Breakfast)

• 13:00 - 16:00 (Lunch)

• 17:00 - 02:00 (Dinner)

Location: 122nd floor, Burj Khalifa

The meat co.

The Meat Co. is known for its signature style steaks and fabulous views of the dancing fountain.

It's a hard combination to beat, isn't it?

Incredible views, delicious food and some great places to take selfies... are we defining the perfect restaurant or what?

For all you meat lovers out there, The Meat Co should definitely be at the top of your list of restaurants with a view of Dubai's fountain.

• Average cost for two: €132 (without alcohol)

• Opening hours: 12pm to 12am

• Location: Level 2, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai

Thiptara

Looking for a place to enjoy a romantic dinner in Dubai?

Look no further than Thiptara. With subtle lighting, stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere, this incredible Thai restaurant in Dubai ticks all the boxes for an intimate dinner.

If you are planning a visit for a big personal occasion/celebration, it may be best to make a reservation well in advance to get the best seats in the house.

Thiptara is also among the best fine dining restaurants in downtown Dubai.

So be prepared for an upscale dining experience.

Average cost for two: €136 (without alcohol)

• Opening hours:

• Dinner: 6pm to 11:30pm

• Friday Brunch: 12:30 to 16:00

• Location: Lobby Level, Armani Hotel Dubai, The Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai

Armani/Amal

Armani is another restaurant overlooking the Dubai Fountain.

It is nestled in the majestic Burj Khalifa. Armani/Amal is perched on levels 8, 38 and 39 and offers sumptuous Indian cuisine with a modern twist.

Guests love most of their dishes, especially the dal makhni, gajar halwa, aloo bukhara kofta and kiwi martini.

A delicious Indian meal combined with a sophisticated ambience and a captivating display of water, music and light - who wouldn't love it!

• Average cost for two: €197 (without alcohol)

• Opening hours: 6.30pm to 11.30pm | Sunday: closed

• Location: Armani Hotel Dubai,3rd floor, Burj Khalifa

Al Hallab

Would you like to enjoy a Lebanese feast while marvelling at the magnificence of the dancing fountains?

Al Hallab is one of the best Lebanese restaurants in downtown Dubai and has four branches across the city.

If you book a table at the Dubai Mall branch, especially on the outdoor terrace; you are guaranteed a memorable evening and one of the best experiences Dubai Mall has to offer.

Of the restaurants overlooking the Dubai Fountain, Al Hallab is a relatively affordable option.

• Average cost for two: €45

• Opening hours: 12am to 12am | 10am to 1am (Friday) | 10am to 12pm (Saturday)

• Location: Level 2, The Dubai Mall

HUQQA

HuQQa is a relaxing and fun shisha place in The Dubai Mall.

Their balcony terrace is by far the most popular lounge area of the restaurant.

Why? Yes, you guessed it. It's because of the stunning view of the Dubai Fountain. From tender steaks and spicy kebabs to gluten-free starters, HuQQa offers a wide range of delicious Turkish dishes.

What's more, you can also order a chicha. Relax with your favourite flavour of shisha and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful space.

• Average cost for two: €112

• Opening hours: 10am to 12am | 10am to 1am (Thursday to Saturday)

• Location: The New Extension, Level 3, The Dubai Mall

Carluccio's Italian Restaurant

Carluccio's is one of the best restaurants overlooking the fountain at The Dubai Mall. From scrumptious breakfasts to royal dinners, you can have it all here.

The best dishes at the restaurant are undoubtedly the wide range of pastas. The lively atmosphere and unique decor add a lot to the whole.

If you are looking for authentic Italian flavours, this is one of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai.

• Average cost for two €70

• Opening hours: 09:00 to 23:00 | 09:00 to 23:30 (Thursday to Saturday)

• Location: Lower Ground Floor Promenade, The Dubai Mall

Asado

Asado offers fine dining in an authentic Argentinean style.

It's a tribute to old school cooking with age-old South American recipes.

Combined with a vibrant atmosphere, this restaurant is a fantastic place to visit with family and friends.

There is indoor and outdoor seating, so choose what suits you.

As far as restaurants with a view of the Dubai Fountain are concerned, Asado is one of the standouts.

It is also considered one of the best outdoor restaurants in Dubai.

• Average cost for two: €150 without alcohol

• Opening hours:

• Dinner: 6pm to 11:30pm

• Parrilla Brunch - Argentina Trip: Every Saturday, 12pm to 4pm

• Location: Ground Floor, Palace Downtown, Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai

Armani/Mediterraneo

With picture windows and elegant decor, this is another great option for those looking for downtown Dubai restaurants with a view of the dancing fountain.

This is a casual restaurant located in Burj Khalifa, so you can be sure of the quality of its service and food.

This buffet-only restaurant offers a royal feast that cannot be missed.

• Average cost for two: €118 (without alcohol)

• Opening hours: 07:00 to 11:00 | 18:30 to 22:00

• Location: Lobby Level, Armani Hotel Dubai, The Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai

Karma Kafe

A superb pan-Asian and international menu, exhilarating views of the dancing fountains and the Burj Khalifa, eclectic rhythms playing in the background - add all these tantalising elements together and this is exactly what your dinner at Karma Kafe will be like.

Karma Kafe is among the best restaurants in Souk Al Bahar. Sounds like good karma for your past actions, doesn't it?

• Average cost for two: €125 (with alcohol)

Opening hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 17:00 to 01:00

• Friday: 1pm to 1am

• Saturday: 16:00 to 01:00

• Location: Palace Downtown, Ground Floor, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Boulevard, Downtown Dubai

Do I need to make reservations at these restaurants?

Each restaurant has its own reservation policy. But it is always best to call well in advance and confirm with the restaurant of your choice about the availability of the space.

This concludes our list of the best fountain view restaurants in downtown Dubai.

All of these restaurants are exceptional and if you are a true foodie, they are worth trying.

Apart from these restaurants, you can also consider some of the rooftop restaurants in Dubai for the amazing view. Also, some of the best beachfront restaurants in Dubai offer the quintessential beachfront dining experience!

Dubai is truly a melting pot of cultures, which means you can sample cuisines from so many different regions. From street food to Michelin-starred chefs' restaurants, Dubai has so much to offer.

FAQ

How often does the Dubai Fountain go off?

The Dubai Fountain show runs every 30 minutes every night. From 6pm to 11pm, visitors can come and marvel at the spectacular choreographed water show; lit by 6,600 lights and 50 colourful spotlights. The fountain is 275m long and shoots water up to 152.4m vertically into the air.

What time is the Dubai Fountain show?

The Dubai Fountain show runs every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm every day. The world's largest choreographed fountain is located in the 30-acre Burj Khalifa artificial lake, which is directly adjacent to the Dubai Mall.

Is the Dubai Fountain show free?

Yes, the show is free. The Dubai Fountain Walk allows visitors to get even closer to the show by walking on the 272m floating platform; just nine metres from the fountains. You can experience this wonder even closer with the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride; navigating the lake itself during the water show.

Where are the fountains in Dubai?

Immersed in the 12-hectare Burj Lake, at the foot of the Dubai Mall; the Dubai Fountain is located between the mall and the Burj Khalifa. There is another fountain at the Point, on the Palm Jumeirah, called The Palm Fountain.

Read also:

• Burj Al Arab, Dubai: The World's Most Luxurious Hotel