Emirates Fountain, an icon of joy and wonder at Sheikh Zayed Festival

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Occupying a prime location at the Sheikh Zayed Festival, the famous Emirates Fountain is the centre point of a wide array of breath-taking shows and events organized for the entertainment of festival visitors from near and far. Set to upbeat music and accompanied by delightful light shows, the fountain is of special interest to visitors as it is the centre-point of the Festival events where they can appreciate their time with family and friends, watch exceptional performances and enjoy the weather, especially in the cooler winter.

The Emirates Fountain has a unique design and dimensions, 50 metres high and 50 metres wide, with mesmerising lights, it attracts visitors from all over Al Wathba, as it can be seen from a distance of several kilometres. It combines laser shows, lights and water all ‘dancing’ to the beat of popular music from all over the world, and also features special performances on national and international occasions that coincide with the Sheikh Zayed Festival.

All events and shows are also shown on a giant 1,750-square metre screen with 1200-megapixel resolution. The Emirates Fountain can pump water up to 25 metres high, and is the centrepiece of over 16 performances and shows each day, with a different display every 45 minutes, each lasting for about 5 minutes. It features numerous shows that reflect the heritage and history of the United Arab Emirates and participating states, such as national anthems and folkloric performances, to highlight this year's Festival theme “UAE: Uniting Civilizations”.

The Emirates Fountain has expanded considerably over the past two years, both in terms of magnitude and design, and is inspired by castle structures from the UAE's heritage. It is visually striking and impressive, consisting of 8 towers, including 3D video displays, making the Fountain a perfect canvas for the most outstanding works of art, and the perfect backdrop for Festival performances.