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For over a decade, the Dubai Fountain has mesmerized millions with its dazzling water performances at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. On Saturday evening, the iconic landmark bid a temporary farewell as thousands of residents and tourists gathered at The Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade to witness its final shows before a five-month closure for renovation.
The Dubai Fountain, renowned as the world’s tallest performing fountain, went silent on an unforgettable night filled with emotion, nostalgia, and vibrant energy. Here’s a look at the grand finale, the musical highlights, and what’s next for this iconic attraction.
A Night to Remember
Saturday’s performances marked the end of an era for one of Dubai’s most beloved landmarks. With crowds gathering hours in advance, the atmosphere was electric as onlookers lined the waterfront promenade, nearby bridges, Souk Al Bahar, and Burj Park to secure the best views. For some, it was a nostalgic farewell; for others, it was a serendipitous last chance to experience the magic.
Indian expat Mubashir K, a Dubai resident for 10 years, described the occasion as both emotional and significant. “It felt special, like saying so long until we see you again,” he said, alongside his wife Rinsha, who was delighted to catch the show during her visit. “Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain are always must-visit places for us,” she added.
Meanwhile, tourists such as Bernd Cruno from Germany and Mitic sisters Saska and Sandra from Switzerland considered themselves lucky to stumble upon the fountain’s last day before its temporary closure.
The Spectacular Musical Playlist
A specially curated playlist set the tone for the evening, blending sentimentality with celebration. The selection included global hits such as Adele’s Skyfall and Michael Jackson’s Thriller, alongside emblematic Arabic favorites like Ya Ana Ya La by Amr Diab and Lana Allah by Mohammed Abdu.
For fans of K-pop, EXO’s Power made an appearance, while the playful rhythms of Lyudmila Zykina’s Kalinka brought visitors to their feet. But the undeniable standout of the night was Rashed Al Majed’s anthem Dubai Kawkab Aakhar (Dubai, Another Planet), chosen as the final track. The powerful performance captured the city’s vision, ambition, and pride, making it a fitting conclusion to the evening.
Families and children also joined in the fun when Baby Shark played, with many parents dancing alongside their kids. By the time the closing crescendo of water, lights, and music erupted, the crowd broke into applause, capturing the moment through videos and selfies with the towering Burj Khalifa in the background.
What’s Next for the Dubai Fountain?
While fans said goodbye to the Dubai Fountain as they knew it, a bigger and better spectacle awaits. Emaar, the developer responsible for the fountain, has revealed that the planned upgrades will introduce state-of-the-art technology. The improvements include enhanced sound and lighting systems, advanced choreography, and upgrades to the fountain’s infrastructure.
The new show, set to launch in October, promises to break new ground with immersive experiences that are expected to surpass its already jaw-dropping performances.
For UAE resident Rihan Rashid, who attended the final show with his visiting relatives, the temporary closure is a minor pause. “For us, it’s just a matter of a few months. The fountain will return with a bang, probably breaking its own records,” he shared.
However, tourists visiting Dubai during the summer months may miss out on this globally renowned attraction until the revamped fountain makes its grand debut this fall.
A Global Icon Takes a Break
The Dubai Fountain is more than just a showpiece; it is a symbol of Dubai’s cultural and architectural grandeur. Since its launch in 2009, the fountain has reinforced Dubai’s position as a must-visit destination, attracting millions of visitors each year.
While the closure marks the end of one chapter, it also heralds the beginning of an exciting new era for this beloved landmark. Residents and tourists alike eagerly await the return of this world-famous attraction, which is sure to dazzle audiences once again with its enhanced performances and advanced features.
If you’re planning to visit Dubai in the coming months, be sure to include the relaunch of the Dubai Fountain in your itinerary and experience the future of water entertainment like never before.
