The Palm Fountain is all set for its launch event on October 22. On the day, representatives from the Guinness Book of World Records will be on hand at The Pointe in Dubai to assess whether the fountain, which spans 14,000 square metres, is indeed the world's largest.
Between 7pm and 9pm, the fountain will come alive with more than 3,000 LED lights and music.
The free tickets on PlatinumList are now sold out, and ticket holders must also reserve a seat to watch the show by booking a table at one of the many restaurants located on The Pointe.
If you’re unable to make the opening event, fret not – the Palm Fountain will run year round, playing at 30-minute intervals after sunset.
If you’re looking for some of the best seats in the house for the colourful water show, here are the restaurants with the best views.
On the west side
Kyo Restaurant and Lounge
The fine-dining Japanese restaurant is located on the far west side of The Pointe, and serves a variety of maki rolls, teppanyaki and more. Outdoor seating is available on the ground floor and the first floor terrace.
Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, 3pm-midnight; Friday, 1pm-midnight; Saturday 2pm-2am; Monday 3pm-2am; West Marina, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 04 557 5182; www.kyorestaurant.com
Chuan
Located beside Kyo, this Chinese restaurant specialises in seafood delicacies. Sit outdoors on the ground floor or on the upstairs terrace, which features lounge-style seating, wicker furniture and pops of blue.
Open daily; noon to midnight; West Marina, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; Dubai; 04 564 3888; www.chuanseafood.com
Le Pirate
Another seafood joint with an outdoor seating area, Le Pirate features nautical-themed interiors across the ground and first floors. The restaurant has a number of seafood and meat options, including fish with Tunisian fried peppers and eggs, lamb couscous and spaghetti lobster.
Open daily; 5pm-2am; West Marina, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 04 242 5585; www.lepirate.ae
Grove Road by Bystro
Launched by the team behind Bystro in Dubai, Grove Road is located on the upper deck of The Pointe, and serves a range of salads, tacos, burgers and rolls. Plus mains such as cauliflower steak, veal Milanese, chicken Kiev and fish 'n' chips. Guests can sit on the terrace for views of the Palm Fountain.
Open Sunday-Wednesday, 4pm-11pm; Thursday, 4pm-midnight; Friday, noon to midnight; Saturday, 11am to midnight, Sunday closed; Level 2, the West zone, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; Dubai; 04 564 9874; www.groverd.com
Al Safadi
The Lebanese chain is known for its authentic manakeesh, shawarma and barbecued meats. Its location at The Pointe has seating across two floors, with both the outdoor areas offering great views of the dancing fountain.
Open daily, 9am-1am; Zone A, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 04 241 4846; www.alsafadi.ae
Guylian Belgian Chocolate Cafe
While the menu includes sandwiches, salads and mains, this is ultimately a chocolate cafe, so expect freshly baked pastries, waffles, tarts, ice-cream concoctions and more. The ground floor outdoor seating area offers good views.
Open Sunday-Wednesday, 9am-11pm; Thursday-Saturday, 9am-midnight; ground floor, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 04 587 6518
Bareburger
The burger chain is known for its unique offerings – including camel, venison and lamb burgers. More than a third of its menu is vegetarian and there are gluten-free options too. The indoor seating area offers cosy booths, while the outdoor seating area is a relaxed place to lounge while tucking into gourmet burgers.
Open daily, Saturday-Wednesday, noon-11pm; Thursday-Friday, noon-midnight; The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 04 557 5514; www.bareburger.ae
Starbucks
If you prefer to stick to tried-and-tested favourites, you can always head to the Starbucks branch at The Pointe for coffee, sandwiches or baked treats, and enjoy views of the fountain from the outdoor seating.
Open daily; 7am-1am; The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 04 815 4345; www.mena.starbucks.com
On the east side
Chicago Meatpackers
The meat-lovers' paradise specialises in steak and gourmet burgers. Vegetarians and vegans won't feel left out either, as the venue offers Chicago dogs made with a Beyond Meat sausage and meatless short ribs. The interior has an upscale American diner vibe – think brick pillars and cosy booths – while the outdoor seating area has cushioned wooden seating overlooking the fountain.
Open Sunday-Wednesday, noon-midnight; Thursday, noon-1am; Friday, 11am-1am; Saturday, 11am-midnight; East Marina, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 04 580 7983; www.meatpackers.ae
Chalet Berezka
Feast on honey cake, borscht and pelmeni at this Russian restaurant, with eclectic art-filled interiors, an open kitchen and a two-level outdoor area. Fountain views aside, the latter benefits from a cosy ambience, with plush cream cushions and tiny lamps on every table.
Open daily, 5pm-2am; East Marina, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 052 156 7405; www.berezka.ae
A Cappella
Located along the first floor, this licensed tapas spot offers one of the best seating options overlooking the fountain. The menu includes dishes from around the world, including pani puri, chicken tikka masala, kung pao, cheese burgers, lamb kebab, patatas bravas, wasabi prawns and risotto.
Open daily; 4pm-1am; East Wing, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 058 971 9542; www.acappelladxb.com
Amira's Deli
A combination of an American deli and a European bakery, this menu includes a range of pizzas, pastas and burgers. It has ground floor outdoor seating that is minimalistic and located right beside the fountain.
Open daily, 8am-midnight; The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 04 587 6772
Fnajeen Restaurant & Cafe
Located beside Amira’s Deli, Fnajeen is a charming venue set across two levels. The restaurant specialises in Iraqi cuisine, so expect plenty of kebabs, grilled meats and mezzes. The interiors are well-lit, with dining and lounge-style seating available outdoors. The upstairs terrace is spacious and offers good fountain views.
Open daily; Sunday and Wednesday, 10am-1am; Monday, 9am-1am; Tuesday, 10am-1am; Thursday, 9am-2am; Friday-Saturday, 10am-2am; The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah; 04 589 3300
Il Passaggio
A home-grown Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Il Passaggio serves soups, salads, burgers, pizzas and pastas. The upscale interiors feature a black-and-white colour scheme and marble tabletops. Meanwhile, the outdoor seating area, featuring plenty of wicker furniture, is designed to transport guests to the Amalfi Coast.
Open Sunday-Thursday, 9am to 10pm; Friday-Saturday, 8am to 10pm; The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai; 04 587 3111; www.ilpassaggio.com
