A fascinating mix of technology and entertainment, the Dubai Fountain draws thousands of visitors per day for its elaborate choreographed light and music shows. The fountain sits on the 12-hectare Burj Khalifa Lake in downtown Dubai, with performances taking places in the afternoon and throughout the evening. The free display is visible from more than 32 kilometres away.
As part of the Dubai Mall complex, the fountain welcomes visitors to view the spectacular show from the bridge connecting the mall to Souk Al Bahar, or from the Waterfront Promenade outside the mall. Dancing waters spray and sway in synchrony to 6,600 lights, 25 coloured projectors, and music ranging from contemporary Arabic to world music and Western-style renditions. Water shoots up to 152 meters high, making it easy to watch from the less-crowded souk walkways or in prime spots on restaurant terraces.
There is regular Metro service to the Dubai Mall Station, and feeder buses service the mall from the station. Visitors can also reach the fountain using the Metro Link Bridge, a glass tunnel travellator connecting the station and the mall. The temperature-controlled tunnel allows sweeping views of the glittering downtown area at night.
Inaugurated on 2009, in conjunction with the opening ceremony for the Dubai Mall, the fountain was an immediate success. The acclaimed California-based designers brought expertise gained from creating the famous fountains at the Bellagio Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. The Dubai Fountain sprays more water than the Fountains of Bellagio, peaking at about 83,000 litres at any given moment.