Festival Bay at Dubai Festival City Mall is one of those waterfront spots that feels lively day and night. The promenade curves along the creek, giving you open views, outdoor dining, and front-row seats to the mall’s famous IMAGINE laser, water, and fire show. It’s a great place to meet friends, take the kids for an evening walk, or grab a casual bite with a view.
- Top things to do at Festival Bay
- IMAGINE fountain show: timings and highlights
- Restaurants and cafés at Festival Bay
- Shopping and entertainment at Dubai Festival City Mall
- Family-friendly activities
- Hotels near Festival Bay
- Getting to Festival Bay
- Key takeaways
- FAQs
Top things to do at Festival Bay
Festival Bay blends outdoor views, waterfront dining and entertainment into one long promenade. The atmosphere is relaxed by day and lively in the evenings when crowds come for the IMAGINE show.
1. Walk along the waterfront promenade
The open-air pathway wraps around the creek, giving you wide views and dozens of spots to sit or take photos. It’s one of the most pleasant places in Dubai for an easy evening stroll.
2. Catch the IMAGINE laser, fire, and fountain show
Festival Bay is home to the record-breaking IMAGINE show, known for its water projections, fountains, lasers and fire effects. Shows run multiple times every evening and are completely free.
3. Dine outdoors with a view
Restaurants line the full stretch of the bay, offering everything from casual cafés to global chains. Most have terraces overlooking the water.
4. Enjoy live performances and weekend events
Seasonal markets, music nights, and special mall events often take place along the waterfront, especially during winter.
IMAGINE fountain show: timings and highlights
IMAGINE is the star attraction at Festival Bay – a multi-sensory show featuring water screens, pyrotechnics, 360-degree fountains and laser projections. It holds Guinness World Records for its light and water displays.
What to expect
- 360° fountains
- Fire bursts
- Water projection screens
- Laser mapping onto the InterContinental façade
- Music and synchronised effects
Show timings
IMAGINE runs every evening throughout the week, with multiple performances between the following hours:
- Weekdays (Mon–Wed): 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Weekends (Thu–Sun): 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Shows typically run several times within these hours, starting shortly after sunset. Timings may occasionally change during events or special seasons, so visitors should check Dubai Festival City Mall’s official channels or customer service before visiting.
Restaurants and cafés at Festival Bay
Festival Bay boasts a diverse selection of waterfront restaurants with outdoor terraces. Here are some of the most popular options based on location, views, and seating.
1. Bombay Chowpatty
A well-known Indian chain offering classic street-style dishes, chaat, and family-friendly combos.
Location
It is located in The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai.
Contact information
- Instagram: @bombaychowpattyuae
- Phone: +971 04 225 8553
2. Eataly
All-day Italian dining with pasta, coffee, and gourmet products. You will enjoy delicious dishes from Italian cuisine, which will satisfy your taste buds.
Location
It is located in the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai.
Contact information
- Instagram: @eatalyarabia
- Phone: +971 4 2241083
3. The Market Island
The UAE’s largest food hall, spanning 70,000 sq ft with more than 50 food concepts and seating for over 3,500 guests.
Location
It is located in Mall 9, Crescent Dr, Al Kheeran, Dubai Festival City, Dubai.
Contact information
- Instagram: @market.island_uae
- Phone: 058 524 5807
Shopping and entertainment at Dubai Festival City Mall
Festival Bay connects directly to Dubai Festival City Mall, giving visitors easy access to shops, entertainment and indoor family activities.
Major shopping brands
The mall features more than 400 stores, including Zara, H&M, Bath & Body Works, Marks & Spencer, Aldo, Damas, Under Armour, and many other international retailers.
Entertainment options
- Novo Cinemas (IMAX screens available)
- Fabyland indoor amusement park
- Stay & Play children’s area
- IKEA Dubai, one of the mall’s main attractions
Family-friendly activities
Festival Bay is especially popular with families because of its open layout and relaxed waterfront setting.
- Scootering and kids’ play areas: The wide promenade is a favourite spot for children to scooter, cycle, or simply run around safely in the evenings.
- Family waterfront dining: Most restaurants along the bay offer kids’ menus and outdoor seating, making them ideal for casual family dinners during the IMAGINE show.
- Indoor entertainment nearby: Just a short walk inside the mall, families can enjoy Fabyland, Novo Cinemas and other child-friendly attractions.
Hotels near Festival Bay
Staying right along the waterfront is easy, with several hotels overlooking Festival Bay. These hotels offer a mix of luxury, comfort, and easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment.
1. InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Enjoy a luxury waterfront stay, connected directly to Festival Bay. The hotel features elegantly designed rooms and suites with stunning views. Guests can indulge in world-class dining at multiple restaurants, relax at the spa, or take a dip in the outdoor pool.
Location
It is located in Al Kheeran, Dubai Festival City, Dubai.
Contact information
- Instagram: @intercondfc
- Phone: +971 4 701 1111
2. Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
Just a short stroll from Festival Bay, Crowne Plaza offers contemporary rooms with panoramic views of the creek. The hotel boasts multiple dining options, a fully equipped fitness centre, and an outdoor pool with a sun terrace.
Location
It is located in Al Kheeran – Dubai Festival City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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Contact information
- Instagram: @crowneplazadfc
- Phone: +971 4 701 2222
3. Holiday Inn Dubai Festival City
Ideal for families on a budget, this hotel offers bright, comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast. Its prime location just steps from Festival Bay makes it easy to enjoy the waterfront promenade, shopping, and evening shows.
Location
It is located on Gateway Ave, Al Kheeran, Dubai Festival City, Dubai.
Contact information
- Instagram: @holidayinndubaifestivalcity
- Phone: +971 4 701 1111
Getting to Festival Bay
Festival Bay is easy to reach by car, taxi, public transport, or even by water during certain seasons.
By car
Direct access via Business Bay Crossing, Al Rebat Street, and Al Khail Road. Parking at Dubai Festival City Mall is free and plentiful.
By taxi
Taxis are available everywhere in Dubai. Just enter Dubai Festival City Mall as your drop-off. Hala (through the Careem app) offers quick, app-based taxi booking.
By bus
Multiple RTA routes stop directly at Dubai Festival City Mall Bus Station. Use the RTA Wojhati planner to check the most convenient route from your location.
By water taxi
RTA’s marine transport does operate services along Dubai Creek, and seasonal Water Taxi or Abra links occasionally connect to Festival City during events.
These are not daily services. For the latest available routes and timings, you can contact RTA at 800 9090 or check the marine section on the official RTA website.
By metro
The nearest metro station is Al Jaddaf Metro Station on the Green Line. From there, you can take an RTA bus or a short taxi ride to reach Festival Bay conveniently.
Key takeaways
Festival Bay is one of Dubai’s most relaxed waterfront spots, offering open views, outdoor restaurants, and the spectacular IMAGINE show every evening. Whether you’re visiting for a walk, a casual dinner, or a family-friendly night out, the area combines shopping, dining, and entertainment at one easy, scenic stop.
FAQs
Yes, the promenade and IMAGINE show are completely free.
Evening shows run after sunset, with multiple performances each night.
Most restaurants along Festival Bay offer terraces overlooking the water.
Yes, with wide walkways, entertainment zones, and plenty of dining choices.
Yes, it is available. Dubai Festival City Mall offers large outdoor and indoor parking areas.
