Dubai Fountain to reopen soon: Rare photos trace attraction’s history
If there’s one thing in Dubai you just can’t miss, it’s as tall as the Burj Khalifa. It’s a must-visit stop for tourists who want to snap a selfie or a ‘groufie’, and it’s fair to say that probably not a single Emirati has gone past the Jumeirah Beach Road landmark without being captivated by the shows put on by its dancing jets of water, as the choreographed displays are accompanied by dazzling lights and music.
The Dubai Fountain has been closed for revamp work for the past five months, since April 19, with the people of Dubai and visitors to the emirate waiting with baited breath for it to reopen in a bigger, brighter, and bolder form. Dubai Mall management has asked people not to worry though, as the revamp of the iconic tourist attraction has a hard deadline, with confirmation coming that the fountain is aiming to be fully operational from next week, October 2025.
The wait has still been agonising – in a manner similar to waiting for the next episode or season of your favourite TV show or blockbuster film franchise. Visitors love it because it’s always totally free to watch – every 30 minutes daily from 6pm to 11pm, with thousands of lights, dozens of projectors, and dramatic water jets spurting more than 22,000 gallons of water into the air during the show.
As with any iconic showstopper, there’s also an ‘OG’ story to it. Let’s look back with these nostalgic pictures at the rise of Dubai Fountain.
Scaling new heights
Dubai Fountain officially opened to the public on May 8, 2009 with an enchanting night of Emirati and Arab songs as Dubai “literally scaled new heights with its latest pride.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai officially opened Dubai Fountain. Spectators flocked to see the massive new attraction on the opening night. Sheikh Mohammed’s vision for always “think bigger and better” was one of the inspirations behind Dubai Fountain’s opening. Mohamed Alabbar, chairman Emaar Properties, said on the day of the event.
Located on the dramatic 30-acre Burj Khalifa lake, spectators watched in awe as Dubai Fountain played an elegant and synchronized series of Emirati and Arabic medleys. With choreographed water jets that shoot up to 500 feet high, Dubai Fountain was set to stun the city.
Dubai can be seen from more than 20 miles away. It has become a glittering landmark for the emirate known for its bright lights.
Who named it?
Dubai Fountain’s water and light shows are spectacular, its music and laser effects awe-inspiring, but how did it get its name?
More than 4,000 individuals representing 100 nationalities participated in the competition held from 1 July to 15 September 2008. Although the competition was open only to residents of the UAE, submissions poured in from all over the world, underlining Dubai’s truly international stature.
Participants came forward with suggestions that they felt best suited the spirit of the city, and the winning name – Dubai Fountain – was chosen by a committee of Emaar’s senior management, community leaders and project specialists, under the guidance of representatives from the Dubai Department of Economic Development.
‘Heartbeat of Downtown Dubai’
Home to the world’s largest choreographed fountain – first unveiled on May 8, 2009 – Dubai Fountain by California-based fountain design company WET (expert in the Fountains Bellagio in Las Vegas) soon turned out to be the soul of Downtown Dubai’s entertainment. At night it mesmerises its visitors with its water shows, choreographed in time to music and light, but is impressive by day too, a worthy complement to Burj Khalifa and the vast Dubai Mall.
In July 2013, Emaar expanded the area around Dubai Fountain between Dubai Mall and Souq Al Bahar to what is now the 275 metres stretch that stretches over Burj Khalifa Lake.
Fast forward to February this year, Emaar Properties said Dubai Fountain will be closed for five months “to undergo a comprehensive renovation to offer improved choreography and enhanced lighting and sound system.”
Emaar is assuring Dubai residents and visitors that the fountain will be “even more spectacular” when it reopens, with the renovations enabling it to create a “more immersive show”.
“Dubai Fountain is more than a spectacle — it is a reflection of Dubai’s soul, where art, innovation and emotion come together in perfect harmony. As we elevate this iconic landmark, we continue to create experiences that connect people, inspire wonder and stand the test of time,” said Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors to the area to once again be mesmerised by its magic.”
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