Dubai doesn’t like to stand still, even when it comes to its most famous attractions. The Dubai Fountain, a Downtown landmark and a must-see for visitors, is set for another major upgrade in early 2026.
Emaar has confirmed that phase two of the Dubai Fountain makeover will be rolled out by the second quarter of next year. The revamp will introduce new elements, refreshed choreography and enhanced visuals, keeping the experience fresh for both first-time visitors and long-time residents.
The announcement follows a five-month closure earlier in 2025, when the fountain shut down for essential maintenance. That work focused on repairs below the surface. This next phase, however, is all about what people will see and hear.
What the Dubai Fountain makeover will include?
While Emaar has not shared every detail yet, it has promised “brand-new surprises” as part of the 2026 upgrade. The focus will be on improving the overall show, from how the water moves to how the music and lights come together.
Visitors can expect advanced technology to play a key role. This may include sharper lighting effects, smoother fountain movements and improved sound quality around Burj Lake. The goal is to make each performance feel more immersive, especially during the busy evening shows.
For Dubai residents, this is familiar territory. The city regularly upgrades its headline attractions, whether it’s Downtown Dubai, City Walk or the beachfront areas. The fountain’s makeover fits right into that mindset.
Will the fountain close again?
This is the question many people have been asking. The short answer is no, at least not for now.
Unlike the earlier 2025 shutdown, which required Burj Lake to be drained for tiling, insulation and repainting, the 2026 work is expected to take place without stopping the daily shows. That means visitors should still be able to enjoy the fountain while upgrades are introduced in stages.
For a city that sees a steady flow of tourists year-round, keeping the fountain operational is important. Evening fountain shows remain one of the most popular free experiences in Dubai, especially for families, tourists and casual evening walkers.
Why the Dubai Fountain still draws crowds?
Even after years of performances, the Dubai Fountain continues to impress. It’s not just about scale, though that certainly helps.
At peak moments, the fountain sprays up to 22,000 gallons of water into the air, reaching heights of up to 140 metres. That’s taller than many buildings in the area. The system uses 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors, creating powerful visuals that light up Burj Lake and reflect off the surrounding towers.
On clear nights, the beams are visible from far beyond Downtown. It’s one of those experiences that still makes people stop, even if they’ve seen it many times before.
Show timings and music locals recognise
Part of the fountain’s charm is how often it performs. Around 13 shows run daily, starting in the afternoon and continuing every 30 minutes in the evening from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Friday timings are slightly different, with afternoon shows usually held at 2 pm and 2.30 pm. On other days, afternoon performances take place at 1 pm and 1.30 pm. Evenings are the busiest, especially during weekends, school holidays and cooler months.
The music selection also speaks to Dubai’s diverse crowd. Over the years, the fountain has featured global hits from artists like Adele and Lady Gaga, classical pieces by Antonín Dvo?ák, operatic vocals by Luciano Pavarotti, and Arabic favourites such as Sama Dubai.
With the 2026 makeover, the choreography is expected to better match this wide mix of music, giving familiar tracks a fresh feel.
A solid boost to Dubai tourism
Dubai’s tourism appeal relies on constant renewal. The Dubai Fountain makeover 2026 is another example of how the city reinvests in experiences that people already love.
For tourists, it adds value to a Downtown visit. For residents, it keeps evening plans interesting, whether it’s a quick walk after dinner or showing guests around the city.
Restaurants with fountain views, lake cruises and nearby attractions are also likely to benefit from renewed interest once the upgrades are fully rolled out.
What to expect next?
For now, Emaar is keeping the finer details under wraps. More information is expected to be announced closer to the launch in 2026. Until then, the current fountain shows will continue as usual.
What’s clear is that the Dubai Fountain is not just being maintained, but reimagined once again. And in a city like Dubai, that’s exactly what people expect.
Read More: Dubai Fountain: Final Show Set for April 19 Before Major Transformation
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