Updated: February 2025
One of the most popular sights in Dubai has to be the fountains in Downtown Dubai. And with the title of the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, it’s easy to see why. Set against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa over a 30-acre manmade lake, they are impressive even for a repeat visitor or expat like me.
What time can I watch the Dubai Fountain show?
To see them at their best, it’s worth going in the evening. Although there is a daytime showing at 1.00 – 1.30pm (1.30 – 2.00pm on a Friday), the evening show from 6pm – 11pm daily is even more special. Wait until post-sunset to see the fountains with their atmospheric lighting and the sparkling lights on the Burj Khalifa just behind.
The best places to watch the Dubai Fountain Show
As one of the most popular attractions, getting a prime spot to see the fountains can be challenging. It gets busy! After visiting the show lots of times with visitors, here are some top tips for picking the best spot to watch the Dubai Fountain show…
Best views of the Dubai Fountain Show for free
If you’re just looking to pop along to see the Dubai Fountain Show, but don’t want to make a night of it, then around the lake is the obvious place to watch the fountains. Note though that people get there early! Especially directly outside the Dubai Mall exits and on the bridge that connects Dubai Mall with Souk Al Bahar. You’ll also get some not-so-polite last-minute guests who try and squeeze into the space you’ve been patiently saving for the last 30 minutes! To avoid this, try and move around the lake – either around the Souk Al Bahar walkway that provides great views and is a lot less busy or towards the Dubai Opera. Both options mean you won’t be stuck trying to get a view with the masses.
Other popular options include the Apple Store balcony inside Dubai Mall. People have got savvy to this though and it gets busy so you’d need to get there early and hold your position if you’re looking to take advantage of this elevated view.
Best views of the Dubai Fountain show with food & drink
One of the best ways to see the Dubai Fountain show is to have them as a backdrop for your dinner. This way you get to see the variety of performances (they change every half hour from Michael Jackson through to traditional Arabic tracks), without the chaos that can come with waiting in the crowds.
Where to eat in Souk Al Bahar to see the Dubai Fountain show
Just across from Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar probably provides the best views of the fountains and has a lot of choices. Make sure you book in advance to secure those all-important outdoor tables though. If you don’t get lucky with your table selection you can still pop out on the balconies for the shows and see the amazing view. Some of my favourites for views and food include:
Abd El Wahab Restaurant – a popular choice with visitors who are looking for a traditional Arabic restaurant serving local classics. Although you could find better Arabic food in Dubai, this is an excellent all-rounder and impresses with its views of the fountains (make sure you ask for an outdoor table to make the most of the views).
Address: Downtown Burj Khalifa Souk Al Bahar – 3rd Level – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Time Out Market Dubai – one of my favourite places to visit on return trips to Dubai, the Time Out Market has everyone covered with food options. There is a small balcony area that is in demand, so get there early to snag a seat. Otherwise, eat here before heading downstairs and outside along the front of the Souk Al Bahar restaurants to get a front-row view.
Address: Level 3, Souk Al Bahar – Downtown – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Karma Kafe – slightly further round so not directly on the front, Karma Kafe still offers some excellent views of the fountains from its outdoor terrace. It’s pan-Asian here with great food options (full details here), as well as being a good place for a drink. It’s also on the Fine Dining Entertainer app.
Address: Souk Al Bahar – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Best places to eat in Dubai Mall to see the Dubai Fountain Show
Dubai Mall also has a lot of options itself (bear in mind that there is no alcohol served so you’ll need to go to Souk Al Bahar if you want a drink with your fountains view). For the best views opt for the restaurants closer to the Burj Khalifa and the Fashion Avenue extension. Carluccio’s has great views but at the time of my last visit, you couldn’t pre-book outdoor seating making it first come, first served. Other options nearby include Karam Beirut or Wafi Gourmet for a more relaxed affair with views.
Dubai Mall – Fashion Avenue
Fashion Avenue also has a wide selection of restaurants, which offer a great addition to the Mall food scene. A favourite is GIA – an Italian restaurant with amazing views over the fountains. Bear in mind that you won’t get the Burj Khalifa views with this fountain view because you are pretty much under it! Another popular choice is Bebabel in the Fashion Avenue Extension. This has some spectacular views too and serves Lebanese cuisine (in a pretty setting). You can’t reserve the outdoor tables, so it’s a bit potluck here.
There are also several cafes, such as Joe’s Cafe, on the upper level of Dubai Mall that have great views of the fountains if you don’t fancy a big meal but still want to see the fountains without the crowds.
Best hotel dining and drinks options to see the Dubai Fountains…
The Burj Khalifa – Armani Hotel Dubai
The Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa offers some of the best views with a terrace overlooking the lake. There’s a range of options here with a number available on the Entertainer All, but opt for Armani Amal for the best views from the outdoor terrace. I still think the Souk Al Bahar is better as you get the views of the Burj Khalifa too, but for a special treat, the Armani Hotel is an excellent alternative. If you’re after something extra special, you can have drinks with an impressive view from the Atmosphere Bar – read this guide for all the info. The fountains look very small from up there!
Watching the Dubai Fountain show from The Palace Hotel
Entrance to the very beautiful Palace Hotel, Dubai
Thiptara is an excellent Thai restaurant (see my brunch review here) in its own right and also offers great views of the Dubai fountains. It’s not cheap, so save this one for a special occasion, and bear in mind that you pay a premium if you want to sit outside. If you choose to sit inside you’ll still have some great views though, with the floor-to-ceiling windows. Thiptara is also on the Entertainer.
The Address Downtown
The Address Downtown has to be a close contender for best locations for Burj Khalifa and fountain views. There are lots of restaurants to choose from, but a favourite is The Garden – an outdoor terrace with views over the Burj Khalifa and Souk al Bahar.
Overall: Make the most of your visit to see the fountains by planning and booking in advance especially if you want front-row seats with your dinner. Booking dinner to watch the fountains is the best way to enjoy the experience and avoid the crowds.
