The Dubai Fountain
Water, light and music under the tower. The Dubai Fountain sends water 152 meters high to Arabic and world music. Show facts, the 2025 makeover and tips for a romantic night out.
The Dubai Fountain at dusk: Donaldytong, CC BY-SA 3.0
The world's largest choreographed fountain
Set on the 12-hectare Burj Khalifa Lake, the Dubai Fountain is 275 meters long and can shoot water about 152 meters into the air, roughly the height of a 50-storey building. More than 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors turn each show into a moving painting.
It was designed by WET Design, the California studio behind the famous fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The fountain was officially opened on 8 May 2009, together with the Dubai Mall, and it is described as the world's largest choreographed fountain.
Music that moves the water
Each show is set to a song, from classical pieces to Arabic favourites and world hits, and the jets swing, pulse and burst in time with the music. At any moment the system can hold about 83,000 litres of water in the air.
In 2025 the fountain closed for a major renovation. Work began on 19 April 2025 and it reopened on 1 October 2025 with an upgraded base, lighting and sound.
A date-night classic
Shows run through the evening, so there is no need to rush. Many couples watch one show from the lakeside promenade, have dinner nearby and catch another later from a different angle. A small boat ride on the lake gets you even closer to the spray.
Show times change by season and special events, so check the official schedule before you go.
Little-known fountain facts
The fountain is made of five circles of different sizes and two central arcs, which is why the jets can form curves, rings and sweeping waves rather than just straight lines. Some jets can fire like a burst, giving the loud pops you hear during dramatic songs.
The light is just as carefully planned as the water. Thousands of lights sit under the surface, and colour projectors paint the spray so each show has its own mood, from soft gold to bright white.
The lake itself is artificial, built as part of the Downtown Dubai project that also gave the city the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Together they form one of the most photographed scenes in the Middle East, and one of the easiest date nights to plan.
- The Dubai Fountain at dusk: Donaldytong, CC BY-SA 3.0
- The fountain at night: Amzexplorersfamily, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Show time: Aliosha Bielenberg from Providence, United States, CC BY 2.0
Text written by Hala Habibi.
