Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain: Tickets, Views, and When to Go
Everything you need to know about visiting the world's tallest building and the free fountain show at its base — ticket options, best times, and viewing spots.
Burj Khalifa: The World's Tallest Building
At 828 meters, the Burj Khalifa has held the title of the world's tallest building since it opened in 2010, and it remains the centerpiece of Downtown Dubai both visually and as a tourist draw. Most visitors come for the observation decks — At the Top on level 124/125, or the higher and pricier At the Top SKY on level 148 — which offer views stretching across the city skyline and, on a clear day, out toward the desert and the coastline.
Observation Deck Options
| Level | Deck Name | Approx. Price (standard ticket) |
|---|---|---|
| 124 & 125 | At the Top | AED 169–189 |
| 148 (highest) | At the Top SKY | AED 500+ |
| 154 (lounge access) | Burj Club / SKY lounge experiences | AED 700+ |
Buy tickets online in advance and select a sunset time slot if you can — sunset slots sell out fastest and give you both a daylight and lit-up nighttime skyline view in the same visit.
The Dubai Fountain
At the base of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain performs a choreographed water, light, and music show on the Burj Khalifa Lake, with jets that can shoot water more than 150 meters into the air. Shows run every 30 minutes in the evening, timed to a rotating mix of music, and it's completely free to watch from the surrounding promenade — no ticket needed, unlike the observation decks above.
Best Viewing Spots
The promenade directly along the lake gives the closest view but gets crowded fast, especially on weekend evenings. For a calmer view with a drink in hand, several waterfront restaurants and cafes in The Dubai Mall's Waterfront area have fountain-facing seating — arrive early or book ahead for a table during peak show times.
