Dubai Fountain

The fountain occupies a made lake of about twelve hectares between the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, and it runs a short show every half hour through the evening: around six and a half thousand lights and a set of nozzles that throw water to roughly a hundred and fifty metres, choreographed to a rotating playlist of Arabic, classical and international music. It was designed by the firm behind the Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas and opened with the tower in 2009.

What you actually see

• The high jets - water thrown to around a hundred and fifty metres at the show's peak.
• The choreography - nozzles and lights programmed to a rotating music playlist.
• The lake setting - the Burj Khalifa standing directly behind the display.
• The boardwalk - the walkway out over the lake for a closer view.

When to go

Shows run in the evening at regular intervals and there are usually two in the afternoon. November to April is comfortable outdoors. The last shows of the night are least crowded.

Honest expectations

The best viewing spots fill twenty minutes before each show and the crowds are heavy. Restaurant terraces on the lake charge steep minimum spends. Shows are cancelled in high wind.

Nearby

Burj Khalifa is above it, and Dubai Mall is beside it.