Dubai’s dancing fountain have garnered fame among thousands of tourists. Undoubtedly, it stands out as one of the most remarkable and vibrant spectacles in the United Arab Emirates. In this article I want to write a complete guide on how to see this incredible performance.
CONTENTS
😍 What is the optimal viewing spot for enjoying the show?
Based on our experience, I’ve listed the top spots to watch the Dubai dancing fountains below, ranked them from the most to the least favourable.
- Terraces of restaurants around,
- Burj Khalifa observation deck,
- Boats,
- Dubai Mall balcony,
- Bridge,
- Waterfront promenade.
Let’s see the details of each viewpoint.
1. From the restaurants
One of the prime spots to enjoy the dancing fountain show is at Thiptara, located at The Palace Downtown Dubai. This Thai restaurant features a beautiful terrace overlooking the fountains, allowing guests to indulge in authentic Thai flavors while enjoying the enchanting spectacle.
If you prefer a more casual atmosphere, the waterfront restaurants along the promenade near Dubai Mall also offer splendid views of the dancing fountains. Places like Duck, The Lounge Dubai, and Baker & Spice provide a range of culinary delights alongside a front-row seat to the captivating water show.
2. From the boat
We had the most luxurious experience of the fountains by taking a ride on an Abra, a traditional Arabian boat. Departing from the pier in front of the mall, we cruised around the action, surrounded by the soaring jets of fire-lit water.
There are many boat ride tours available on the Klook or Getyourguide website, starting at $18. Or you can by tickets in advance at the ticket office near the pier for 65 dirhams per person.
It’s worth imagining the spectacle, although taking pictures from the boat was challenging due to the proximity of the fountains, as they could potentially damage photographic equipment. But observing from the boat was truly an amazing voyage.
3. From the Burj Khalifa observation deck
The Burj Khalifa observation deck offers an unparalleled experience of being at the top of the world’s tallest building. Located on the 148th floor, the deck provides breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline, the vast desert, and the shimmering coastline.
To truly maximize your visit, make sure to time your visit to the observation deck to coincide with the Dubai dancing fountain show. As the sun begins to set and the city lights up, the fountains come alive in a mesmerizing performance of water, light, and music. The view of the dancing fountains from the Burj Khalifa observation deck is nothing short of extraordinary.
I recommend to book your tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot. Once you reach the observation deck, take your time to soak in the panoramic views, and when the dancing fountain show begins, find a spot near the windows to witness the spectacle unfold before your eyes.
4. From the bridge
A beautiful bridge stretches between the banks of the pond. If you manage to find a point on the bridge, the view of the fountains will be more closer and panoramic. However, due to the large number of people on the bridge, it can be extremely difficult to get a good spot.
So it’s best to arrive early, starting to catch a place from 5:00 pm. We found this experience exhausting, and chose another place for to watch the Dubai fountains show.
5. From the terrace of Dubai Mall
The mall’s balcony-terrace, which can be reached through the Apple store, offers a prime vantage point. And it is absolutely free for all visitors. However, it’s important to know that access to the observation deck is limited and requires passing through strict security checks. At 5:30 pm, a queue usually starts to form, before the fisrt evening show.
The line to the balcony at the Apple store.
The elevated position offers a good viewpoint over the entire waterfront.
The view from the balcony.
The terrace is not crowded, and there are comfortable seats available for those who wish to relax. This point is very convenient for watching the show.
6. From the Waterfront Promenade
While this option is not bad, it ranks last on the list. Because it is very difficult to find a place in the first row. There are many people there, and the view from the second or third row is not so impressive.
Mike is waiting for the show.
However, strolling along the boardwalk can lead you to less crowded areas. There you have a chance to find more favorable viewing spots.
⛲ More words about the fountain show in Dubai
We visited the dancing fountains several times, and each show was a unique experience. The music and water dance varied from day to day, making it even more fascinating. The amazing Burj Khalifa served as the show’s backdrop, enhancing the spectacle and fostering an atmosphere of wonder.
Although it can be challenging, I suggest getting there earlier to find the greatest view. Firstly, we had difficulties choosing the ideal spot amid the crowds, but finally we found it.
The easiest way to get to the dancing fountains is through the Dubai Mall, as there are clear signs guiding visitors to the show.
The playlist of perfomance cannot be obtained in advance, so each fountain show is a real surprise. We have watched the dancing fountains in Dubai accompanied by Arabian tunes, Spanish-language songs, and other world-famous hits. The atmosphere of perpetual celebration around and the extravagant charm of the metropolis was truly captivating ❤️
🕑 Fountain schedule
The starting time of the fountains’ show is not fixed. The first evening show usually begins after 6 pm, but we waited it till 6:40. According the official information evening shows run every half hour from 6 pm to 11 pm, but the intervals and starting times may vary.
During peak hours, from 18:00 to 21:00, it can be problematic to get a good view. However, if you arrive after 21:30, you may be able to catch the later performances.
If you cannot attend the evening show, you may still enjoy the fountains in the afternoon from 1 pm to 2 pm.
Sometimes the fountain show may not take place due to unexpected events, such as mourning periods in the country. While such incidents are rare, but it’s essential to keep this possibility in mind.
🚕 How to get to the Dubai Fountain
There are three main ways to get to Dubai fountain.
Take the Dubai Metro to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and follow the signs to the mall. From there, proceed to the fountains through the mall. Although the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station is slightly far from the shopping centre, it is preferable to walk there using a special bridge that has travelators to shorten the distance. Walking through the skyway took us about 10 minutes.
Another option to reach the fountain show is by taking the bus to Dubai Mall. Buses #27, #28, #29, #81, #F13, and #X22 stop right near the mall’s entrance. If you are arriving from Sharjah by bus 303 you can use the Red metro line from Union Station towards Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. Alternatively, from Union Metro Station (exit by the Bus Stop A), take bus #27 to get to Dubai Mall.
Taxis, Uber, and Careem are popular transportation choices in Dubai, providing convenient and reliable options for getting to the Dubai mall from any part of the city. Whether you prefer traditional taxis or app-based ride-hailing services, these options ensure convenient travel for everyone.
Well, no matter which location you choose to watch the dancing fountain show in Dubai, the performance is absolutely free for everyone. So just take any viewpoint you want and enjoy!
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