Dubai Fountain reopens: Insider's guide to the best viewing spots

Dubai: After five months of renovation, the world's largest choreographed fountain is making its spectacular return today, Wednesday, October 1, ready to dazzle visitors once again. As the Dubai Fountain resumes its magnificent water, light, and music show finding a prime viewing location to avoid the massive crowds is essential. Here is your insider's guide to securing the best possible view, from free, less-crowded spots to exclusive dining terraces with an unparalleled vista.

Free viewing spots

If you want to enjoy the spectacle without committing to a full night out, the promenade surrounding the Burj Lake is the most popular area. However, be mindful that the areas directly outside the Dubai Mall exits and the bridge linking the Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar fill up very early. To avoid the crush and last-minute crowd-squeezers, consider these excellent alternatives:

Souk Al Bahar walkway: This path, which circles the lake, is often less congested than the mall side and offers excellent, less-crowded sightlines.

Towards the Dubai Opera: Moving along the lakefront in the direction of the Dubai Opera provides great views and keeps you away from the densest crowds gathering near the Mall.

The Apple Store balcony (Dubai Mall): This elevated spot inside the mall is now a popular secret, offering a unique overhead perspective.

The Dubai Fountain boardwalk: For a truly up-close experience, this floating platform puts you just 9 metres from the show. While not free, the small fee gives you an unobstructed and unique vantage point away from the standing crowds.

For an ultimate experience that avoids the crowd-jostling entirely, combine your viewing with a relaxed meal. A restaurant reservation guarantees a seat for multiple half-hourly performances, which feature diverse music from traditional Arabic tracks to Michael Jackson hits.

In Souk Al Bahar

Souk Al Bahar, located just across the bridge from the Dubai Mall, arguably provides some of the absolute best views and offers licensed venues (serving beverages). Advance booking is essential for outdoor tables.

Time Out Market Dubai: This popular food hall offers a diverse array of culinary options. While the small balcony area is in high demand, you can eat first and then head to the front walkway along the Souk Al Bahar restaurants for a prime view. (Level 3, Souk Al Bahar)

Karma Kafe: Offering a stylish pan-Asian menu, this spot is located slightly further around the lake but still boasts excellent fountain views from its outdoor terrace. It's also a great option for just a drink.

Abd El Wahab: A popular choice for traditional Arabic cuisine, ensuring you request an outdoor table for the best fountain views. (Level 3, Souk Al Bahar)

In Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall itself features many restaurants with spectacular views, but note that no alcohol is served here. For the best views, focus on dining options closest to the Burj Khalifa and the Fashion Avenue extension.

GIA (Fashion Avenue): An Italian favourite with amazing terrace views over the fountains. Be aware you'll be quite close to the Burj Khalifa, which may limit your ability to capture the tower and the entire fountain show in one frame.

Bebabel (Fashion Avenue Extension): Offers spectacular views and delicious Lebanese cuisine in an elegant setting. Outdoor tables are often first-come, first-served.

Casual options: For a lighter option, check out various cafés like Joe's Cafe on the upper level of the Dubai Mall, which provides excellent elevated views.

Well-located lower-ground Eateries: Restaurants closer to the lake, such as Carluccio’s, Karam Beirut, and Wafi Gourmet, offer great views, though outdoor seating policies can vary (sometimes first-come, first-served).

Hotels for a room with a view

Booking a room in a nearby hotel is the ultimate way to guarantee a private, spectacular fountain view. Downtown Dubai is home to numerous properties for every requirement and budget.

Luxury and prime location:

Palace Downtown: Offers a high-end option directly on the lake, very close to the action.

Address Dubai Mall & Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai: Both offer direct or very easy access to the Dubai Mall and a stone's throw from the fountain.

Armani Hotel: Located within the Burj Khalifa itself, providing an exclusive perspective.

The Dubai EDITION and The St. Regis Downtown Dubai are other excellent five-star choices in the vicinity.

Affordable comfort:

For more budget-friendly stays that are still centrally located, consider options like Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai, Rove Downtown, or Millennium Central Downtown.

The Dubai Fountain shows run daily, offering multiple opportunities to secure your perfect viewing spot. Evening performances come to life every 30 minutes from 6pm until 11pm daily. You can also catch afternoon shows at 1pm and 1:30pm from Saturday to Thursday, and slightly later on Fridays at 2pm and 2:30pm.