Dubai Fountain Closure | Final Shows Shine Before Renovation

The Dubai Fountain, a record-breaking centerpiece and global attraction since its 2009 launch, temporarily bid farewell with a breathtaking final performance on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Thousands of residents and tourists flocked to The Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade to witness the emotional spectacle before the fountain underwent a significant five-month renovation.

Whether you were a long-time UAE resident or a first-time tourist, the closing night proved to be an unforgettable experience, with musical hits, synchronized water displays, and heartfelt goodbyes from attendees.

A Night To Remember

Spectators began gathering hours before the evening shows as they sought prime views along the promenade, nearby bridges, Souk Al Bahar, and Burj Park. The Dubai Fountain’s shows have always been free to watch, drawing crowds far and wide, but premium experiences such as the fountain platform on Dubai Fountain Boardwalk or an abra boat ride across Burj Lake were also fully booked for the final shows.

“This night felt bittersweet,” said Mubashir K, a longtime Dubai resident. “I’ve seen the fountain countless times, but tonight was like saying so long until we meet again.”

Tourists also embraced the moment, many unaware they had stumbled onto a special night until they arrived. German tourist Bernd Cruno, visiting Dubai with his family, remarked, “We didn’t know it was the final show when we planned our visit. It feels like we’re part of a once-in-a-lifetime event.”

Similarly, Serbian-Swiss sisters Mitic Saska and Mitic Sandra expressed excitement at catching the show just in time. “It’s a beautiful display. We’re taking lots of pictures and videos to remember it,” said Sandra, with plans to share the news with their friends online.

Soundtracks That Pulled at Heartstrings

Each performance featured a combination of beloved classics, regional hits, and playful tunes that captivated attendees of all ages. The set list for the evening included diverse hits to complement the fountain’s iconic water choreography. These included:

• ‘Skyfall’ by Adele: fittingly opened the evening as a symbolic nod to the temporary farewell with its opening lyrics, “This is the end.”
• ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ by Speed of Yellow and ‘Kalinka’ by Lyudmila Zykina, which got audiences grooving and clapping alongside the vibrant water display.
• Arabic classics ‘Ya Ana Ya La’ by Amr Diab and ‘Lana Allah’ by Mohammed Abdu, highlighting regional flair for local fans.
• K-Pop group EXO’s ‘Power,’ which thrilled fans of the genre.
• Viral sensation ‘Baby Shark’, which turned the spotlight toward children as many danced excitedly with family members.

The pinnacle of the evening came with Rashed Al Majed’s ‘Dubai Kawkab Aakhar’ (“Dubai, Another Planet”), the powerful anthem selected as the grand finale. Aptly representing Dubai’s growth and innovation, the finale left the audience applauding, filming, and brimming with awe.

An End, But Not Good-Bye

The Dubai Fountain is set to make an even grander return this October after its temporary closure. Developer Emaar has announced plans to modernize the fountain with cutting-edge technology, ensuring more vibrant choreography and improved sound and lighting systems.

Though tourists visiting during the closure may miss the attraction, UAE residents like Rihan Rashid see it only as a short hiatus. “For us, it’s just for the summer. We’ll eagerly wait for its comeback, which will surely be even more impressive.”

Why the Dubai Fountain Matters

Located on the Burj Lake at the base of the Burj Khalifa and spreading across 30 acres, the Dubai Fountain has long been the world’s tallest performing fountain. It is admired not just for its technical feats but for its ability to bring together people from across the globe. Its synchronized water jets and displays, spanning classical, Arabic, and contemporary music genres, continue to inspire millions of visitors each year.

What to Expect After Renovation

While details about the specific updates are limited, Emaar’s renovation promises to elevate the Fountain’s already mesmerizing shows. Fans can anticipate:

• Advanced choreography for more dynamic displays.
• Enhanced lighting and sound systems for an immersive experience.
• A refreshed infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability.

Dubai has always been a city famous for reinvention, and the Dubai Fountain is poised to return as a testament to this ambition.

Final Thoughts

Whether it was your first time or one of many visits to The Dubai Fountain, the final performances on April 19 were undeniably iconic. While saying goodbye to this chapter, visitors can mark their calendars for its spectacular October relaunch. The updates are certain to feature the same enchanting magic, pushing the boundaries of what this beloved landmark can achieve.

If you missed the final shows or are already eager for the next chapter, rest assured that Dubai’s most-visited attraction will soon return better than ever.

Stay tuned for updates on the revamped Dubai Fountain, and in the meantime, make sure to explore other unique gems across Dubai.