The Dubai Fountain dazzled for one final time on Saturday, April 19, before officially going dark for a five-month upgrade. But if you were worried about the iconic Downtown Dubai vibe losing steam — don’t be. Emaar has announced a fresh new attraction to keep the area buzzing while the fountain gets its much-needed glow-up.
To fill the temporary gap, Emaar is installing 500 metres of cutting-edge digital screens around the Dubai Fountain promenade. These high-tech displays will bring bold visuals and light-based experiences to the strip between Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar, keeping things vibrant for passersby and tourists even in the absence of the regular fountain shows.
The installation aims to maintain the energy of the Downtown area — already known for its Burj Khalifa light shows, luxury retail, and buzzing nightlife — and give visitors something new to check out during the fountain’s downtime.
Emaar is also stepping in to support the 50+ restaurants with terrace views of the fountain, many of which may see a drop in foot traffic over the summer. In a considerate move, Emaar is waiving four months’ rent (from June to September) for these outlets, easing the impact while upgrades are underway.
Even without the signature water shows, visitors can still enjoy views of Burj Khalifa, catch its ever-popular light displays, and now, stroll along a promenade brought to life with dynamic digital art.
The Dubai Fountain is expected to return in October 2025, and with these new elements in place, Downtown is staying far from quiet in the meantime.
