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. “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. Tourists like Bernd Cruno from Germany expressed their surprise at witnessing the last performance, stating, “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of show. We are lucky we didn’t miss it before the break.”
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. While Emaar, the developer behind the fountain, has not revealed full details of the upgrades, it has indicated that the revamp will involve advanced technological enhancements.
The new and improved show is expected to debut in October, promising an elevated visual experience with improved choreography, sound, and lighting systems. “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,” said Rihan Rashid, a student in Abu Dhabi.
