19-04-2025
Dubai Fountain closure: Thousands throng The Dubai Mall to catch final shows
Dubai: It was a sea of spectators at The Dubai Mall Waterfront Promenade on Saturday evening as thousands of residents and tourists gathered to witness the final performances of the iconic Dubai Fountain before it goes silent for a five-month renovation project.
The world-renowned fountain, which has dazzled millions since its launch in 2009, delivered a breathtaking series of final shows—drawing emotions, applause, and a sense of nostalgia from some of the spectators.
Crowds began building up hours before the evening shows, with visitors lining the waterfront promenade, adjacent bridges, and even the nearby Souk Al Bahar and Burj Park to secure a good view for free.
It was also the last opportunity to experience the show up close—by purchasing tickets to access the exclusive fountain platform on Dubai Fountain Boardwalk and go for a traditional abra boat ride on the Burj Lake.
'I've seen the Dubai Fountain many times, but tonight felt special. It's like saying so long till we see you again,' said Indian expat Mubashir K, a UAE resident for 10 years.
The civil engineer living in Dubai brought his wife Rinsha, who is on a one-month visit, to watch the final shows.
In Dubai for her second visit, Rinsha is currently doing her Bachelor of Education back home.
'Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain are among our favourite places to hang out when I am here in Dubai and I am glad I could be here tonight to see the last shows of this amazing fountain,' said Rinsha.
The tallest performing fountain in the world, set on the 30-acre Burj Lake, is known for its choreographed water jets that dance to a mix of classical, Arabic, and international music.
Lucky visitors
Bernd Cruno, a tourist from Germany who is on a week-long holiday in Dubai with his wife and son, said they reached Dubai on Friday night and decided to visit Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain on Saturday itself.
'In fact, we didn't know it was the last day of the Dubai Fountain show tonight. We got to know it after reaching here at the promenade. It's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of show. We are lucky we didn't miss it before the break,' said Cruno, a lab assistant in Germany.
Serbian sisters born and raised in Switzerland, Mitic Saska and Mitic Sandra, were also among the thousands of tourists who got lucky to catch the show right in time.
'I had heard about the closure some days ago. But I totally forgot about it. When we got here again today, I got reminded of it and I am so glad we are here,' said Saska.
'It is a beautiful show. We are definitely taking lots of pix and videos,' added Sandra.
Both bankers, working in different departments of the same bank, the sisters said they would spread the word about the temporary closure of the fountain on social media as well.
Last day's tracks
While some popular tracks that were regularly played included Michael Jackson's Thriller, Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman's Time to Say Goodbye, and Power by Korean pop band EXO, the last day's playlist was slightly different.
Saturday's shows featured a selection of the popular tracks, including Skyfall by Adele, which began with 'This is the end.'
Another track to which the water jets danced was Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Speed of Yellow, while Ya Ana Ya La by Amr Diab enthralled lovers of Arabic music. However, it was when the viral children's song Baby Shark was played that several children and adults were seen shaking their legs. Some fathers were seen dancing with their children on their shoulders.
As the final performances ended with a spectacular crescendo of lights, music, and towering water jets, the crowd erupted in applause, many recording videos and taking selfies with the iconic Burj Khalifa in the background.
What next?
While Emaar, the developer behind the Dubai Fountain, has not revealed full details of the upgrades, it earlier said that the revamp would involve advanced technological enhancements and maintenance of the fountain infrastructure.
The new and improved show is expected to debut in October, promising an elevated visual experience with advanced technology, improved choreography, and an enhanced sound and lighting system to make the experience more immersive.
'I used to live in Dubai and saw the fountain for the first time 10 years ago and came here last seven years ago when I moved to Abu Dhabi. For us UAE residents, it is just a temporary closure during the summer months. We will wait for the fountain to be back with a bang, probably breaking its own records. But tourists who are visiting in these months will miss the fountain,' said Rihan Rashid, a student in Abu Dhabi who came to watch the show with his relatives who are on a visit.
