Tim and I met in Las Vegas. I was living there to attend college at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Tim got stationed at Nellis Air Force Base as his first base. My apartment was located just one street over from Las Vegas Boulevard and both being pretty poor in those days, free shows on The Strip were a regular source of entertainment. We’d visit the lions at MGM Grand, see the volcano erupt at The Mirage, watch the pirates battle it out at Treasure Island, and of course be mesmerized by the romantic, dancing waters of the Bellagio Fountain. Dubai felt a lot like Las Vegas with fancy cars, its over-the-top buildings, and the Dubai Fountain.
The Dubai Fountain is set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake and like the world record setting, Burj Khalifa, which the lake takes its name from, the Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest dancing fountain. Designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas, it is synched with Arab and classical music.
We patiently waited along the Waterfront Promenade as dusk settled on Dubai for the first show to start. The first strands of Sama Dubai, a tribute to Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed, struck the air. Tiny, delicate sprays danced to the music and then suddenly huge gushes thundered into the air, punctuating the melody with a boom.
We oohed and aah-ed as the sprays shot up to nearly 500 feet in the air, almost as tall as a 50 story building. 6,600 fountain lights and 25 color projectors create a visual spectrum as the 22,000 gallons of water are airborne.
We watched the first show from the Waterfront Promenade outside of the Dubai Mall. After, we crossed the bridge to the souk and watched the second show from a far less crowded balcony there. The second show was no less impressive and even more romantic with “front row” viewing and a balcony practically to ourselves.
To watch the fountain show without any of the crowds, book a traditional abra boat to cruise on Dubai Lake during the fountain show.
Know Before You Go
- The Dubai Fountain show is at 1pm and 1:30pm daily and then every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm Sunday through Wednesday and 6pm to 11:30pm
- Timings can change by a couple of minutes depending on the specific day’s prayer times
- We recommend the best place to watch the Dubai Fountain show is from the balconies of the souk
Larry says
Absolutely awesome!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The Texas Roadhouse was located right on the promenade and you could even dine outside for fountain show viewing. It really was like being in Las Vegas!
Andrea says
I loved this — such a nice way to enjoy some time in the evening outdoors
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I agree, Andrea! It’s a lovely way to spend an evening in Dubai. There are quite a lot of restaurants along the promenade that would be lovely to get an outdoor table at and see the fountains while having dinner.
D.J. - The World of Deej says
Great stuff…heading back to Vegas in March and will be marveling the one at the Bellagio. Hope to see the Dubai version one day too:)
Jennifer Dombrowski says
The Bellagio fountains of course have a special place in our hearts. Enjoy your visit to Las Vegas, D.J.!
Exploring Morocco says
Beautiful pictures!. Dubai dancing fountain is awesome, i saw a video about it, and i was amazed how they combine music and water to make something beautiful!!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thank you! Yes, it is amazing how engineers were able to combine music, light, and the water to make such an incredible show.
Ali says
I do enjoy the dancing fountain in Vegas, so I’d love to see this one someday too!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Definitely visit the fountains if you make it to Dubai! They are a great way to spend an evening.
Florin Sev says
Beautiful city especially in the night time when the temperature is cooler and the city is very nice illuminated.
One of the most visited place in Dubai is this world largest fountain and since I visited also Las Vegas fountain and Barcelona fountain I can say Dubai fountain is the nicest show display and with a large variety of music.