Dubai Fountain Reopens: Show Timings, Schedule & What’s New in 2025

Dubai’s signature water-light-music spectacle is back. After a five-month pause for renovation, The Dubai Fountain at Burj Khalifa Lake resumed performances on 1 October 2025. If you’ve been waiting for its grand return, here’s the complete lowdown on show timings, the daily schedule, the best places to watch, and the upgrades that make the 2025 program crisper, brighter and more reliable.

2025 show timings and daily schedule

Plan around these performance times. Evening shows run every 30 minutes, and afternoons feature two shorter slots. Timings can shift for special events and holidays, so double-check official channels before you go.

Day	Afternoon shows	Evening shows
Saturday–Thursday	1:00 pm, 1:30 pm	Every 30 minutes, 6:00 pm–11:00 pm
Friday	2:00 pm, 2:30 pm	Every 30 minutes, 6:00 pm–11:00 pm

At a glance: About 13 shows per day, with the evening program delivering the most dramatic water-light choreography.

What’s new in 2025: the Phase One upgrade

Emaar completed Phase One of the refurbishment ahead of schedule, focusing on safety, longevity and visual clarity. The result: tighter choreography, brighter visuals and cleaner lines across the lake.

Underwater structural upgrades

• New reinforced lake floor: The base was replaced to enhance durability and safety beneath the performance platform.
• Multi-layer waterproofing: Primer, insulation and waterproof membranes now improve water retention and structural protection.
• Glowing blue tiles: A refreshed basin lined with blue tiles adds a subtle, jewel-like glow that elevates visibility from every vantage point.
• Streamlined maintenance: Underwater robots scrub the lakebed and regular water testing keeps clarity high, reducing downtime.

Above-water performance upgrades

• Sharper choreography and timing: Reprogrammed jets and next-generation control systems sync movement to music with greater precision.
• Brighter, cleaner visuals: Improved lighting and repainting deliver better contrast and color fidelity during night shows.
• Energy efficiency: Updated lighting and controls reduce energy use while boosting brightness.

Scale, stats and the tech behind the spectacle

• Stretches roughly 275 metres across a 30-acre (about 12-hectare) man-made lake.
• Water jets can soar up to around 150 metres (about 500 feet).
• Packed with more than 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors to power nightly displays.
• Shallow lake depth of around 1.3 metres enables maintenance while supporting powerful jets.
• Choreography blends fixed jets, high-pressure shooters, “oarsmen” nozzles and robotic arms.
• Originally engineered with WET Design (the firm behind many of the world’s iconic dancing fountains).

The 2025 control upgrades enhance the signature interplay between water, light and music—so crescendos feel tighter, drops are more dramatic and transitions hit right on the beat, whether it’s a classical Arabic piece, an Emirati favorite or a global pop anthem.

Best places to watch

Free public viewpoints

• The Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade: The classic front-row experience at lake level—expect mist, bass and big impact.
• Burj Park: A relaxed, panoramic vantage point that frames the fountain against Burj Khalifa and the Downtown skyline.
• Souk Al Bahar terraces: Traditional ambiance with café and restaurant terraces overlooking the water.

Close-up paid experiences

• Dubai Fountain Boardwalk: A floating walkway that brings you tantalisingly close to the choreography for a unique perspective.
• Abra Lake Ride: Boat along Burj Lake for water-level views right beside the jets—unforgettable at night.

Dining with a view

• Thiptara (Palace Downtown): Elegant Thai and seafood with a front-row terrace.
• Armani/Hashi (Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa): Refined Japanese with panoramic fountain views.
• Armani/Amal (Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa): Elevated regional Indian flavors facing the lake.
• Mausam (The Dubai Mall): Casual-fine Indian dining with prime sightlines.
• Time Out Market Dubai (Souk Al Bahar): A lively terrace with multiple cuisines and direct views.

Apartments with fountain views

If you want a front-row seat year-round, Downtown Dubai offers apartments with direct fountain vistas—think Address Fountain Views, Opera Grand and Burj Vista among others. As you weigh an investment or lifestyle move, factor in terrace orientation, floor height, glazing quality and access to the promenade for peak show times.

Plan your visit: tips, crowds and access

• Arrive early: Get to your spot 15–20 minutes ahead, especially on weekends and during peak season.
• Pick your perspective: Promenade for drama and mist, Burj Park for full skyline context, Souk Al Bahar for leisurely dining.
• Go after dark for maximum impact: The light program reads best at night; afternoons are quieter if you prefer fewer crowds.
• Expect schedule tweaks on big dates: Major holidays and NYE festivities can shift the timetable—check official updates.
• Getting there: The Dubai Metro’s Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and extensive mall parking make access straightforward; allow extra time on weekends.
• Accessibility: Lakeside promenades are pram- and wheelchair-friendly; staff manage flows during busy shows.

What’s coming next: Phase Two in 2026

A second wave of enhancements is slated for completion in Q2 2026. While details remain under wraps, expect additional creative and technological upgrades to keep the program evolving—and to introduce fresh surprises for returning visitors.

Quick answers (FAQs)

• When did the Dubai Fountain reopen? 1 October 2025, following a five-month renovation.
• Is it free to watch? Yes—from public areas around Burj Khalifa Lake. The Boardwalk and Abra Lake Ride are paid add-ons.
• What are the show timings in 2025? Afternoons at 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm (Sat–Thu), 2:00 pm and 2:30 pm (Fri); evenings every 30 minutes from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
• How many shows per day? Around 13, depending on the day and season.
• What changed in the renovation? A reinforced lake floor, multi-layer waterproofing (primer, insulation, membranes), glowing blue tiles, upgraded lighting and control systems, and streamlined maintenance via underwater robots.
• Where exactly is it? Burj Khalifa Lake at The Dubai Mall/Souk Al Bahar in Downtown Dubai.
• Will timings change during holidays or events? They can—always check official channels before your visit.

In short, the Dubai Fountain’s 2025 comeback doubles down on everything you love—precision, brightness and that goosebump-inducing finale—while setting the stage for more in 2026.