24-04-2025
Dubai Fountain takes a break — Here's where to catch stunning water shows in the UAE
Dubai: The Dubai Fountain delighted visitors for the final time on April 19, as it now prepares for a major transformation. According to Emaar, the iconic attraction will be closed for around five months, with renovations and upgrades set to begin in May.
But while the Dubai Fountain undergoes its exciting facelift, the UAE is home to several other mesmerising water shows, many of which combine music, light, fire, and water in ways that are just as thrilling. Some hold Guinness World Records, others feature scores by award-winning composers, and best of all, every single one is free to watch.
From high-tech laser shows to fountains set against coastal views, here are the top water shows across the UAE to enjoy while you wait for the Dubai Fountain's grand return.
1. IMAGINE – Dubai Festival City Mall
Located at Festival Bay, IMAGINE is Dubai Festival City Mall's record-breaking visual spectacle that delivers a sensory journey through light, water, fire, and sound. This Guinness World Record-winning show holds titles for the largest water screen projection and largest permanent projection mapping in the world.
Combining video mapping, 360-degree fountains, high-powered lasers and surround sound, IMAGINE uses over 2.5 million lumens of light and 30 synchronised fountains for a truly immersive experience.
Showtimes:
Monday to Thursday: Every 30 minutes from 7pm to 10pm
Friday to Sunday: Every 30 minutes from 7pm to 11pm
2. Sharjah Musical Fountain – Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah
A beloved icon in the city since the late 1970s, the Sharjah Musical Fountain sends water jets soaring up to 100 metres into the air. Spanning over 220 metres wide, the cybernetic fountains blend light, laser, video and audio in mesmerising, choreographed performances.
Visitors can enjoy the spectacle from the surrounding restaurants and cafés at Al Majaz Waterfront, offering stunning views of the show set against the tranquil Khaled Lagoon.
Showtimes:
Evening performances take place daily from Saturday to Wednesday, as well as on Thursday and Friday nights.
3. Surreal Waterfall – Expo City Dubai
Located in the Jubilee District of Expo City Dubai, the Surreal Waterfall is a dynamic installation that fuses art, engineering, and storytelling. Water appears to defy gravity as it cascades upward along towering walls, accompanied by synchronised music, fire effects, and choreographed splashes.
Created by WET Design (the team behind the Burj Khalifa fountain) and Ramin Djawadi (composer of the Game of Thrones soundtrack), this immersive experience is both visually and emotionally powerful.
Opening Hours:
Daily from 10am to 10pm. The site may close to the public during private or special events.
4. Khorfakkan Waterfall – Sharjah
Blending nature and design, the Khorfakkan Waterfall stands beside a Roman-inspired amphitheatre on the Sharjah coast. The man-made 45-metre waterfall was carved from natural rock and is beautifully lit in the evenings. Above, visitors can sometimes access viewing windows to watch the water flow from the top.
The adjoining amphitheatre, which can seat over 3,500 people, features a modern cooling system and regularly hosts public events. Both the waterfall and amphitheatre overlook the bay, offering a scenic seaside escape.
5. Dubai Marina Musical Fountain
Tucked at the entrance to Marina Walk near the Dubai Marina Towers, this smaller but lively musical fountain delights passersby with shows every 20 minutes. A smart control system analyses each music track, synchronising light and water jets for a rhythmic, multi-sensory display.
With three powerful speakers and more than 50 coloured LEDs illuminating every burst of water, this show adds a touch of magic to an evening stroll through the Marina.
Showtimes:
6. The Fountains – Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
