Big night for Dubai: Thousands flock to Burj Lake as Dubai Fountain dances again after 5 months

Thousands gathered at Burj Lake, capturing the dazzling return of Dubai Fountain after five months, with music, lights, and water jets soaring/ Image: DXB Media Office

After nearly six months of silence, the Dubai Fountain made its long-awaited return with a newly upgraded showcase that drew thousands to the heart of Downtown. According to local media, by late afternoon, the edges of Burj Lake were packed with visitors families, tourists, and residents, many raising their phones to capture photos and videos. People rushed to secure prime spots along the promenade and boardwalk, eager for the best views as the crowd grew steadily ahead of the 6:30 PM performance.Ahead of the relaunch, the enhanced sound system at Dubai Mall reportedly began playing music across the waterfront. Boats were observed preparing the lake’s surface for the evening show, contributing to a growing sense of anticipation as the start time neared. The inaugural performance featured “Emsaha Dubai” by Coral Al Emarat, a four-minute patriotic anthem whose title translates to “The name is Dubai.” The song is dedicated to the city’s leadership, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, celebrating their vision and steadfast support. This was followed by a second display, choreographed to “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman, a classic orchestral piece that has become a staple in large-scale musical events. Subsequent shows continued through the evening at 30-minute intervals, including a composition by Grammy-winning artist Christopher Tin, a Mandarin pop song that resonated with visiting tour groups from China, and Adele’s “Skyfall”, a crowd favourite from past fountain playlists. The return program was designed to offer a renewed but familiar experience, blending emotional resonance with technical brilliance.According to Khaleej Times, large numbers of spectators stayed on to watch multiple rounds of the show, capturing photos and videos of the returning spectacle. Each performance, though built on the same upgraded systems, varied in music and choreography, adding to the draw for those who stayed to watch more than once.

Behind the spectacle: What changed and why it mattered

The fountain’s return comes after a five-month closure, announced in February by Emaar Properties, to allow for a full-scale overhaul. The goal was not just cosmetic enhancement, but a reengineering of its foundational systems for better durability and performance.

These enhancements aim to improve show reliability, reduce maintenance needs, and offer a smoother experience to spectators while preserving the fountain’s original identity.

Dubai Fountain: A 16-year journey of awe

Originally unveiled on 8 May 2009 during The Dubai Mall’s grand opening, the Dubai Fountain was designed by WET Design — the creators of the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas. It quickly became the world’s largest choreographed (Dancing) fountain, stretching 275 metres across the manmade Burj Lake and capable of shooting 22,000 gallons of water up to 150 metres in the air. The project cost approximately AED 800 million (about ₹18 billion at the time). Powered by 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors, the fountain has mesmerised over 14 million visitors annually, weaving stories through movement, light, and sound. Music choices over the years have included global names like Adele, Pavarotti, Edith Piaf, Lionel Richie, and K-pop group EXO, among others. During the shutdown, Emaar maintained public engagement by installing 500 metres of high-definition digital screens along the Dubai Mall promenade, looping archival footage of past shows in sync with Burj Khalifa’s LED displays — preserving a sense of connection to the fountain, even as physical shows paused.

What’s next: Show timings, viewing spots & visitor tips

With its return, the Dubai Fountain is now operating on new show timings:

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