Downtown · half an hour to an hour
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk and Lake Ride
A floating boardwalk 272 metres long on the lake at the foot of Burj Khalifa, about 9 metres from the fountain jets. Or a ride in a wooden abra on the lake during the show. Two ways to see the fountain show up close.
The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is a floating boardwalk 272 metres long, stretching across the lake at the foot of Burj Khalifa. It runs just about 9 metres from the fountain jets, close enough to feel the spray on your face. Of all the viewing points for the show, this is the closest to the water.
The Dubai Fountain is the largest performing fountain in the world, and it has been running since 2009. The show combines water jets, lights and music, with the water shooting high in full time with the melody. The fountain closed for five months of refurbishment and reopened on 1 October 2025, and a further upgrade stage, with new light effects, was planned for 2026.
The boardwalk ticket gives access to the boardwalk itself, which starts at Burj Park and reaches the walkway beside the fountain. You can arrive before the show, pick a spot by the railing, and watch the fountain with Burj Khalifa behind it. It is also a good spot for photos, because the crowd here is smaller than on the Dubai Mall promenade.
Another way to see the show up close is a ride on the lake in an abra, a traditional wooden boat. The ride lasts about half an hour, and during that time the fountain performs around you, with a direct view of Burj Khalifa. And without the crowds of the promenades. Boarding is next to the fountain ticket booth.
On the Burj Khalifa page you will find the observation deck in the tower itself. The fountain boardwalk and the lake ride complement it well: you can go up to the observation deck in the afternoon and come down to the boardwalk or the boat as the evening shows begin.
The boardwalk and the ride suit the whole family, couples and first-time visitors to Dubai. Tip: the evening shows repeat every half hour, so if you miss one, wait for the next. On windy days, bear in mind that you will get a little wet.
Tickets and prices
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Entry to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk | 25 AED per person |
| Abra ride on the Burj Khalifa lake | 90 AED per person |
What is included
Included
- On the boardwalk ticket: entry to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
- On the ride ticket: an abra ride of about half an hour on the lake
- On the ride: life jackets for small children
Not included
- Transfer
- A raincoat
- Food and drink
- The Burj Khalifa observation deck
What you will see and do
- A 272-metre floating boardwalk on the Burj Khalifa lake.
- About 9 metres from the fountain jets, with the spray on your face.
- The largest performing fountain in the world, since 2009.
- A wooden abra ride during the show.
- A direct view of Burj Khalifa.
- Evening shows every half hour, 18:00–23:00.
- Less crowded than the Dubai Mall promenade.
Who it suits
Good for…
- Families with children
- Couples and photography lovers
- First-time visitors to Downtown Dubai
- Anyone going up Burj Khalifa who wants to round off the evening
Less suited to…
- Anyone who does not want to get slightly wet
- Anyone looking for a long activity, because this is a half-hour to an hour experience
- Anyone happy to watch for free from the mall promenade
When to go
The evening shows run every day 18:00–23:00, every half hour. There are also two midday shows: Saturday to Thursday at 13:00 and 13:30, and Friday at 14:00 and 14:30. The abra ride operates every day 17:45–22:45. The first shows of the evening, with the last of the daylight, are especially good for photography. The exact time for your ticket will be confirmed at the moment of booking.
Getting there
- The boardwalk and the ride are on the Burj Khalifa lake, in Downtown Dubai, between Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar.
- By metro: the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station, then an air-conditioned pedestrian bridge about 820 metres long, with moving walkways, into Dubai Mall.
- Boarding for the abra is next to the fountain ticket booth.
Good to know
- Evening shows: daily 18:00–23:00, every half hour.
- Afternoon shows: Saturday to Thursday at 13:00 and 13:30, Friday at 14:00 and 14:30.
- The abra ride runs daily 17:45–22:45.
- Children up to age 3 go free.
- On the ride there are life jackets for children under 6.
- There is spray near the jets. Look after your phone and camera.
- Arrive about 15 minutes before the time you booked, with your voucher and photo ID.