The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is a spectacular performance of water and light at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. It stretches 275 meters, with jets rising as high as 150 meters in time with the music. Every evening, the water dances to more than 45 melodies, changing color and shape through thousands of lights and digital controls. The show can be watched from the promenade beside Dubai Mall, from panoramic restaurants, or aboard an abra boat, turning the experience into a personal little performance. Designed in 2008 and opened with Dubai Mall in 2009, the fountain quickly became a symbol of the city—high-tech, dramatic, and remarkably harmonious with the skyscraper and surrounding lake.

The fountain jets spin and bend through 180 degrees like graceful ballerinas in a water ballet. At night, the illumination is said to shine so brightly that it can be seen from orbit, making it one of the most noticeable patches of light on Earth.