Dubai Fountain Boardwalk Entry Ticket

The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is the largest choreographed fountain system in the world, set on the lake at the foot of the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai. Opened in 2009, it stretches about 275 metres across the water, and its powerful jets can shoot water as high as a building of 50 storeys. Powerful lights and projectors turn each show into a performance of water, colour and music.

Each show is set to a different piece, from Arabic songs to classical music and international hits, so no two are quite the same. In the evening, shows run every 30 minutes, and in daylight there are also a few afternoon performances. Seen from the promenade it is impressive; seen from the boardwalk, it is overwhelming.

Walking the boardwalk

The boardwalk is a floating walkway about 272 metres long that leads out over the lake, bringing you closer to the jets than any other viewpoint. As the show begins, you feel the deep boom of the water bursts, see the fine spray drifting across and watch the jets swing in rhythm just in front of you, with the Burj Khalifa rising behind.

Your ticket is valid for a timed evening slot, and the visit lasts about 30 minutes, enough to watch a show and enjoy the views over the lake to the skyline and the traditional-style waterfront souk opposite. Is the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk worth it? If you want the best view of the show and some of the best photos in Dubai, it is one of the most memorable things to do in the city.

Downtown Dubai around the lake

The lake sits at the heart of Downtown Dubai, surrounded by some of the city's most famous sights. The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, rises directly above it, while Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping and entertainment centres anywhere, lines one side with its aquarium, ice rink and restaurants. Across the water, a souk-style waterfront complex offers terraces with fountain views.

Nearby, the Dubai Opera, shaped like a traditional dhow, hosts concerts and shows, and the boulevard around the district is lined with cafés and hotels. Many visitors combine the boardwalk with a visit to the Burj Khalifa observation decks or dinner with a view of the fountain, making a full evening in Downtown Dubai.

Tickets, getting there and the best time to visit

How to get to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk? Take the metro to the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall station and follow the covered walkway through the mall to the lake, or take a taxi to the mall entrance on the lakeside. The boardwalk entrance is on the Burj Khalifa Lake promenade; allow time to walk through the mall, which is large and busy in the evening.

The best time to visit the Dubai Fountain is just after sunset, when the sky still has colour and the Burj Khalifa lights up, or later in the evening for a fully illuminated show. From October to April the evenings are pleasant outdoors. Dubai Fountain Boardwalk tickets for popular slots sell out at weekends and holidays, so book ahead. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your slot.