Dubai Fountain: How is the world's largest icon maintained?
The world's largest fountain is undergoing maintenance, and part of the extensive work includes the installation of a gleaming new floor. No matter where you sit around the lake, the upgraded flooring reflects light, giving the entire area a glowing effect. Unlike the previous surface, which was prone to cracking, the new flooring offers improved insulation and durability.
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Every concrete block has been treated, primed, and sealed with a waterproofing layer to ensure long-term protection. The lake itself spans an area equivalent to 18 football fields and holds water up to 1.3 meters deep.
A common question is how the fountain's elaborate water displays synchronize so precisely with music. Engineers explain that each song is pre-programmed over the course of several weeks. Robots choreograph the water movements and lighting effects, working in tandem with fixed jets to create the fountain's signature 'dancing' performance.
Hundreds of workers are on-site around the clock to carry out the maintenance, ensuring the systems remain in top condition. Cleaning the massive lake is also a high-tech process. Robots roam the lakebed, while water samples are regularly collected from various points to monitor quality. The new flooring also helps make the cleaning process more efficient.
In addition to the fountain display, a light show plays across screens surrounding the lake. While the area is currently closed for maintenance, the show is known for beautifully complementing the nearby Burj Khalifa's iconic illuminations.
Renovation project: Final performance staged
The Dubai Fountain, one of the city's most iconic attractions, staged its final performance on
April 19, 2025
, ahead of a major renovation project led by Emaar.
Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the world-renowned fountain closed temporarily in
May
for a
Since its debut, the Dubai Fountain had become a symbol of Dubai's creative ambition, captivating millions with its synchronised displays of water, light, and music.
'Dubai Fountain stood as a reflection of Dubai's bold vision and its ability to captivate and inspire on a global scale,' said
Mohamed Alabbar
,
Founder of Emaar. 'This restoration underscored our commitment to maintaining its legacy as a beacon of creativity and excellence.'
Announcement of renovation plans
February 2025
. The enhancements were designed to elevate the visitor experience and ensure the fountain continued to deliver breathtaking performances for years to come.
During the renovation period, Downtown Dubai remained a vibrant destination, offering visitors world-class shopping and dining at
Dubai Mall
and stunning views of
Burj Khalifa
.
'The Dubai Fountain was more than a spectacle—it was a reflection of Dubai's soul, where art, innovation, and emotion came together in perfect harmony,' Alabbar added.
Emaar said it remained committed to unveiling an even more spectacular Dubai Fountain upon completion of the upgrades, reinforcing its status as one of the world's most celebrated water features.
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