The Dubai Fountain: Choreography in Water and Light
At the base of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain performs a daily spectacle that blends art and engineering. Spanning 275 meters—longer than two football fields—this $218 million fountain, designed by WET Design, shoots water up to 150 meters high, synchronized to music ranging from Arabic classics to global hits like Thriller. Since its debut in 2009, it has drawn millions, offering free evening shows every 30 minutes.
The fountain’s 6,600 lights and 25 projectors create a kaleidoscope of colors, while 83,000 liters of water dance in patterns programmed by a team of choreographers. Its mechanics are staggering: 22,000 gallons of water are airborne at any moment, propelled by high-pressure nozzles. Maintenance divers regularly inspect its underwater systems, ensuring flawless performances.
The fountain’s magic lies in its ability to pause Dubai’s frenetic pace, uniting strangers in shared awe. It’s a fleeting reminder that beauty, even when engineered, can feel transcendent.
Photo credits: burjkhalifa.ae
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
