The iconic attraction will receive upgrades in choreography, lighting, and sound system to create an even more impressive show
The Dubai Fountain, one of the most iconic tourist landmarks in the United Arab Emirates, will enter a renovation period and will be closed for five months starting in May. The initiative, announced by Emaar, the emirate’s leading real estate development company, aims to modernize and enhance the visual and auditory experience of the water shows that captivate millions of visitors every year.
Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the fountain is strategically positioned in front of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and next to the Dubai Mall, one of the largest and most luxurious shopping centers globally. The water show, known for its synchronized combination of water jets, light displays, and music, attracts tourists from all corners of the globe and has become one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
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The temporary closure will allow for significant technological updates, including a new lighting system, a redesign of the water choreography, and an enhanced sound system, ensuring an even more engaging and immersive experience.
The Dubai Fountain is globally recognized as the largest performing fountain ever built. Its water basin spans more than 12 hectares, equivalent to more than two football fields, and its powerful jets can reach an impressive height of 140 meters—equivalent to a 45-story building.
The figures are striking: during each performance, the fountain uses about 22,000 gallons of water, which are propelled by over 6,600 lights and 25 colored projectors. The show stands out not only for its visual impact but also for its rich sound, as the performances are accompanied by a repertoire that includes classical music, movie soundtracks, international pop, and Arabic compositions.
The repertoire is diverse and has featured hits such as:
- “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
- “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
- Epic soundtracks from movies like “The Lion King,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Mission: Impossible”
The performances take place daily every 30 minutes, between 6 PM and 11 PM, always drawing crowds who gather around the lake to watch the free show.
For visitors seeking a more exclusive experience, there are paid options, such as access to the floating platform, which allows a close-up view of the water jets (starting at 20 dirhams) or a ride on a traditional wooden boat, known as an abra, which glides across the water during the performances (starting at 68 dirhams).
In an official statement, Emaar emphasized that the temporary closure of the Dubai Fountain is part of its ongoing commitment to keep the attraction among the most spectacular in the world. The company explained that the adjustments will focus on enhancing the quality of the experience for visitors, ensuring that the fountain continues to impress the audience with more dynamic visual effects and an immersive sound system.
Among the major changes expected for the reopening of the attraction are:
- Enhancement of the lighting system with cutting-edge LED technology, capable of creating even more striking visual effects
- Redesign of the water choreography, using artificial intelligence for more precise synchronization between the water movements and the soundtrack
- Update of the sound system to provide greater clarity and fidelity to the music played during the shows
- Integration of new music and visual effects, ensuring that the performances are always innovative and surprising for the audience
The expectation is that, after the renovations, the fountain will feature new exclusive choreographies, using an even more sophisticated combination of lights, sounds, and water movements. With this, Dubai reinforces its commitment to staying ahead in innovation and entertainment, solidifying itself as one of the most futuristic tourist destinations on the planet.
The Dubai Fountain is one of the most photographed and visited tourist attractions in the emirate, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for foreign tourists. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city received 18.72 million international visitors between January and December 2024, a 9% growth compared to the previous year.
In addition to the fountain’s modernization, Dubai continues to invest heavily in the tourism and entertainment sector, with several recent developments:
- Orfali Bros Bistro, located in the Wasl 51 neighborhood, was named the best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa, further cementing the city as a high-end gastronomic hub.
- Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, resumed operation after being closed for three years. At 250 meters tall, the structure offers a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city.
- The expansion of the Dubai Mall, with new stores and entertainment attractions, reinforcing its status as one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
The emirate is also innovating in the hospitality sector, with the opening of ultra-luxurious hotels and unique experiences, such as underwater resorts, skyscraper restaurants, and state-of-the-art theme parks.
With this dynamism and ongoing investments, Dubai remains at the forefront of global tourism and continues to attract visitors from all over the world. The reopening of the Dubai Fountain in 2025 is expected to be one of the most anticipated events of the year, further solidifying its status as one of the most stunning water shows ever created.