Burj Khalifa Dubai
The world's largest choreographed fountain, where water, light, and music dance on Burj Khalifa Lake.
The Dubai Fountain is a choreographed fountain system located on the 12-hectare (30-acre) artificial Burj Khalifa Lake, at the center of the Downtown Dubai development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Designed by WET Design, a California-based company also responsible for the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel Lake in Las Vegas, it is illuminated by 6,600 lights and 25 colored projectors. The fountain is 275 m (902 ft) long and shoots water up to 500 ft (152.4 m) into the air, accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music. Built at a cost of Dhs 800 million (US$218 million), as of 2025 it is the world's largest choreographed fountain.
- Location
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Type
- Choreographed Fountain
- Key Feature
- World's largest choreographed fountain
- Status
- Active Landmark
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The fountain's name was chosen after a contest organized by developer Emaar Properties, announced on 26 October 2008. Testing began in February 2009, and the fountain was officially inaugurated on 8 May 2009. The Dubai Mall had opened earlier, on 4 November 2008, so the fountain's inauguration was not alongside the mall's opening ceremony. In early 2025, Emaar Properties announced a temporary closure for renovation, which began on 19 April 2025 and concluded on 1 October 2025. Renovations included repairing and treating the entire concrete base with sealants to limit leakage, facilitate maintenance, and provide a glowing effect, along with overall enhancements to fountain devices, lighting, and sound systems. Phase 2 of the renovation is scheduled for 2026.
In Their Own Story
The fountain can spray 22,000 gallons (83,000 litres) of water in the air at any moment, with more than 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors installed. It contains five circles of different sizes and two arcs. During the end of 2010, a temporary fire element was added for the 2011 New Year's celebration. The fountain's beam of light can be seen from over 20 miles away. High-pressure water jets include Shooters, Oarsmen, and water robots; Super Shooters shoot water up to 73 m (240 feet), and Extreme shooters can reach 500 ft (152.4 m). The Extreme Shooters create a loud 'boom' noise and are used least often due to the time needed to build pressure. Afternoon performances occur at 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. from Saturday till Thursday, and 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday. Evening shows run from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. at regular 30-minute intervals. On 20 October 2011, DHL Express premiered an advertising campaign choreographed to 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough', repeated for about a month. In March 2016, the fountains and mall were part of the Expo 2020 logo launch attended by managing director Reem Al Hashimy and prime minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; afterward, the fountains danced to Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You'. Music selection was handled by Peter Kopik, director of choreography & design at WET Design.
Reader's Guide
The Dubai Fountain is visible from every point on the lake promenade and from many neighbouring structures. All performances are accompanied by music played through speakers around the lake, though fountains are sometimes operated without music for testing. The fountain's songs include a wide range: 'All Night Long (All Night)' by Lionel Richie, 'Baba Yetu' by Christopher Tin, 'Baby Shark' by Pinkfong, 'Skyfall' by Adele, 'Time To Say Goodbye' by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, and many others. The fountain's mechanism uses WET Shooters that create a loud 'boom' after water is ejected. The Extreme Shooters, which shoot water to 500 ft (152.4 m), are used the least during each show because it takes a lot of time to build up enough pressure and energy.
Did You Know?
- The Dubai Fountain was built at a cost of Dhs 800 million (US$218 million).
- It can shoot water up to 500 ft (152.4 m) into the air using Extreme Shooters.
- The fountain contains 6,600 lights and 25 colored projectors.
- It was designed by WET Design, the same company behind the Bellagio Hotel Lake fountains in Las Vegas.
- The fountain's name was chosen after a contest organized by Emaar Properties, announced on 26 October 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Burj Khalifa Dubai a character or location in Mission Impossible?
The Burj Khalifa is not a character but a real-world skyscraper that serves as a key filming location and setting for action sequences in the franchise. It appears prominently in 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol' where Ethan Hunt performs his iconic climb on its exterior.
What role does the Dubai Fountain play in Mission Impossible missions?
While the fountain itself is not an active participant, it provides a dramatic backdrop for chase scenes and escape routes near the Burj Khalifa during the Dubai sequence. Its choreographed water jets and lights add visual spectacle to the high-stakes environment.
How does the story involving the Burj Khalifa end in Mission Impossible?
The narrative arc concludes with Ethan Hunt successfully escaping the building after retrieving critical data, leaving the tower standing as a testament to his daring feat. The mission ends without any permanent damage to the structure itself.
Why is the Burj Khalifa important to the Mission Impossible series?
It represents one of the most recognizable and dangerous locations for Ethan Hunt's team due to its extreme height and security measures. Its inclusion emphasizes the global scale and high-risk nature of IMF operations.
Can fans visit the actual Burj Khalifa scenes from Mission Impossible?
Yes, tourists can visit Dubai and see the real Burj Khalifa, though specific stunt locations like the exterior ledge are inaccessible to the public. The nearby Dubai Fountain offers a safe way to experience part of the film's iconic setting.
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