Fountain in Dubai: a grandiose world-class attraction. Musical fountain

The singing fountain in Dubai is located in the very center largest city The UAE is surrounded by skyscrapers, restaurants and shopping centers belonging to the modern, multi-functional Downtown Dubai complex. The fountain is rightfully considered one of the tallest and most unusual in the world. Its shooters and moving nozzles throw out and gracefully bend water jets so effectively that all viewers of the show, without exception, are delighted.

Several times during the evening, the Dancing Fountains of Dubai, originally illuminated by special spotlights, turn into a light and music complex, creating stunning compositions. The complex structure, controlled by automation, is located within the boundaries of an artificial lake located at the foot of the Burj Khalifa (or Khalifa Tower). During grandiose performances, you can often see amazing laser projections on its façade.

History of creation

The project was developed by the American company WET Design, which specializes in creating unusual fountains. Her aquatic masterpieces, gracefully moving to the music, can be found in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Tokyo and Walt Disney World. The singing fountains in Dubai were able to eclipse all previous projects of the company both in scale and in brilliance, grace, and splendor.

The customer and at the same time the developer was the investment company Emaar Properties PJSC, known in Dubai since 1997. Construction of the Singing and Dancing Fountain began in 2008, and less than a year later, in May 2009, the musical water show was presented general public. Downtown for short term An artificial lake appeared, occupying an area of ​​more than 120 square meters. m, to which communications were connected, complex control and filtering systems were created, music and lighting accompaniment was selected and synchronized.

Construction work is estimated at US$218 million. There is an opinion that the officially announced figure does not correspond to reality. In fact, the financial investment turned out to be slightly higher.

The test activation of the Singing Fountains in Dubai took place in February 2009. The official opening ceremony took place on May 8, 2009. On the same day, the Dubai Mall shopping and entertainment complex opened its doors.

Proposals for the name of the Dubai Fountain were considered by a special commission. Preference was given to the most simple option- The Dubai Fountain. The results of the competition, organized by Emaar, were announced on October 26, 2009.

Mechanism of operation

Many water cannons are located in a loop-shaped pattern curved line, consisting of two smooth elements that unite five circles of different diameters into a single complex. To the accompaniment of famous musical works performed by famous performers, water jets are thrown onto different heights, depict running tracks, smoothly change levels, create the effect of a dance, leaning in different directions.

Every second, up to 83 tons of water rise into the air, illuminated by 6,600 WET Superlights, 25 of which provide color radiation. 50 projectors expand the visual experience to the full color spectrum. Unique shooter, super-shooter and extra-shooter nozzles, which push water under high pressure in one or different directions, allow you to create unique water compositions that quickly replace each other. There are more than 1000 of them.

The glass branch suddenly crumbles from a sudden explosion of powerful jets, the spasmodic flows turn into thick fog, and the enchanting water dance is harmoniously synchronized with the musical accompaniment. The rotating nozzles are adjusted in such a way that water splashes do not fall on the spectators who come to watch the show. For a few minutes, those present find themselves in a real fairy tale - bright, bewitching and delightful.

The length of the structure of the Singing Fountain in Dubai is 275 meters. Jets of water shoot up to a height of 150 meters, which is equivalent to a 50-story building. Technically, their rise can be increased by at least a hundred meters, which was announced back in 2010 - a year after the opening of the facility.

The fountain acquired new effects at the end of 2010 after the installation of smoke generators and gas nozzles. Today, viewers can not only enjoy the amazing dances of colored jets accompanied by music, but also admire the sudden appearance of “smoke” and “fire”. The show organizers claim that the luminous rays can be seen far beyond the lake - more than 30 km in diameter.

Singing fountain show in Dubai

Dancing fountains move gracefully to the music and lighting. The show always features a song performed in honor of the current Emir of Dubai, as well as the Grammy Award-winning composition "Our Father" ( original name in Swahili it sounds like "Baba Yetu").

The list contains works in Arabic, Italian and English languages, music from films and TV series. The fountain in Dubai always “sings” the UAE anthem and a song specially written for the opening day of the Khalifa Tower (Burj Khalifa). Among the performers - opera singers, pop stars and even a South Korean-Chinese boy band. In the pauses between musical tracks, the Dancing Fountains silently demonstrate to the guests and residents of Dubai all their power and beauty.

Best places to watch the show

The Singing Fountain in Dubai is perfectly visible from any shore of the lake. But there are places that offer the best views of the landmark. This:

• the Sauk Al Bahar Bridge, connecting the Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Mall shopping centers - comfortable railings allow you to place a camera on them to get high-quality night shots;
• restaurants and cafes with terraces facing the lake - in Souk Al Bahar and Dubai Mall;
• Kinokuniya bookstore - open balcony located on the top floor of the Dubai Mall;
• several cafes on the embankment, located along shopping complexes - it is recommended to reserve a seat in advance;
• observation decks on the 124th, 125th and 148th floors of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper; floating platform “The Boardwalk” - allows you to get closer to the fountain at a distance of up to 9 meters;
• traditional arab boat abra.

Opening hours of the Singing Fountains in Dubai

The main show can be seen daily at evening time every 20-30 minutes from 18:00 to 23:00. During Ramadan, the start of the action is moved to 19:30. Throughout the month, the fountains turn on every 30 minutes until 23:30 (Tuesday-Sat) and until 23:00 on other days. Opening hours may vary depending on the season and religious holidays.

You can get to the Singing Fountain by taking the red metro line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station.

City buses No. 27, 28, 29, 81 and F13 (express) reach the stop. Dubai Mall. The underground parking lot of the Dubai Mall can be accessed by car from Financial Center Road.

Taxi services in Dubai are provided by the city service Emirates Taxi and UBER.

Singing fountains in Dubai - video

- a masterpiece of engineering, one of the most stunning spectacles created by human hands. Located on an artificial lake in the heart of the city - downtown, at the foot of the world's largest shopping center Dubai Mall and the tallest skyscraper - Burj Khalifa. The depth of the reservoir is small - only 1.5 m, but the area is about 12 hectares.

Description of musical fountains in Dubai

In order to convey the scale and grandeur of the idea, here are a few more numbers:

• at the same time the fountain is capable of lifting up to 83 thousand liters of water;
• the jets can shoot to a maximum height of 150 meters, which is equal to the height of the 50th floor of a nearby skyscraper;
• this is the most expensive fountain in history - about $218 million was spent on its construction;
• The water extravaganza is illuminated by 6,600 white and 25 colored spotlights.

Let's talk about the last nuance in more detail. The use of predominantly white spotlights is not an economy (that’s what we don’t need to talk about in relation to this structure), but part of the author’s idea. The designers believe that many colored spots will simply distract the viewer from the main idea - the play of water and light, its stunning design, flexibility and plasticity. And indeed, eyewitnesses who were lucky enough to witness the show of singing fountains in Dubai with their own eyes admit that this has a special meaning.

It is important to note that the spectacle is absolutely free. Throughout the evening, everyone can freely admire the unforgettable spectacle, take pictures against the background, and also shoot video. You can choose a point of view on the spot and in the process. A little tip for those who want to capture a panoramic view: on the 3rd floor of the shopping center there is Kino’s Cafe, from the balcony of which all customers have a wonderful view. But after that it makes sense to go lower to see the dancing water from other angles.

Singing fountains in Dubai - schedule

Daytime shows can be seen twice - at 13:00 and 13:30 local time. In the evening, the fountains begin their performances at 18:00 and continue every half hour until 23 weekdays and 11:30 p.m. on weekends. However, at 18 it is still light there, so it is better to arrive at the place after dark, so you have the opportunity to see the dances in all their splendor. The duration of the show is one musical composition. It is easy to understand that the spectacle is approaching in order to prepare the cameras by the fading light on the embankment and the appearance of a slight haze over the water.

The music that accompanies the singing fountains in Dubai should be mentioned separately. The repertoire is never repeated exactly, each time surprising even regular viewers with something unusual. The compositions are very diverse - from modern Arabic and European hits, to classics - ethnic and international. It must be said that, in the opinion of many, it is classical melodies that are most suitable to accompany the play of light and water; they seem to be intended to highlight the extravaganza most favorably.

One more nuance should be noted, seemingly random, but fitting within the framework of the director’s idea: the pump system and valves, when triggered and releasing a sharp stream of water, periodically emit loud dull pops, which often manage to fit organically into the general structure show and musical composition in particular.

How to get to the singing fountains in Dubai, UAE?

The place is easily accessible by public transport: bus routes No. 27, 29 and F13, Dubai Mall or Burj Khalifa stop. It’s even faster to do this on, using the 2nd red line. The station you need is named in the same way, after a shopping center and a skyscraper.

The world's largest Singing Fountain in Dubai is considered one of the city's most popular free tourist attractions. The cascades of its sparkling jets are fed by the waters of the artificial lake Burj Khalifa, located in front of the skyscraper of the same name. In the neighborhood, Souq al-Bahar and Dubai Mall - huge shopping and entertainment centers - await visitors.

The basis of the monumental design of the “Dancing” fountain is a 275-meter central arc, to which is attached a smaller arc and 5 circles of different diameters. When the performance begins, powerful streams, forming picturesque figures, rise to a height of up to 150 meters in harmony with the music and lighting provided by more than 6,000 spot and 50 color spotlights.

Opening hours

Water shows take place daily and last about 5 minutes. In the evening, the fountain comes to life at 18:00 and delights the public every half hour until 22:00 (until 23:00 from Thursday to Saturday). Daytime performances - at 13:00 and 13:30 look less impressive during daylight hours.

The musical accompaniment of the Singing Fountain performances ranges from modern pop music to classical works. The repertoire includes “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, “All Night Long” by Lionel Richie, “Our Father” by Christopher Teen, “The Magnificent Seven” by Elmer Bernstein, “It’s Time to Say Goodbye” performed by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman and others.

Best places to watch

There is no charge to watch the show and it can be viewed from various locations in downtown Dubai. Light rays are visible within a radius of 32 kilometers. The place from which the most breathtaking view of the fountain opens is the embankment along the Dubai Mall. Before the start of each performance, thousands of spectators flock to the embankment in anticipation of the colorful action. Visitors wishing not to miss a single detail are advised to reserve their seats early to ensure a front row seat.

The pedestrian path around Souq al-Bahar is usually not so crowded; for a pleasant viewing experience in more comfortable conditions, it is better to go there. For spectators coming from the Dubai Mall, it is advisable to leave 15 minutes before the embankment and Souq Al-Bahar Bridge begin to fill with people.

The most far-sighted visitors, in pursuit of a fantastic view and convenience, book a table on the open terrace of one of the restaurants overlooking the lake and fountain.

Among the Dubai Mall restaurants with an excellent panorama are: TGI Fridays (American cuisine), Wafi Gourmet (Lebanese cuisine), Carluccio's (Italian cuisine), Joe's Café, Moe's Café, Moe's (international) ), Madeleine / Madeleine ( french cuisine) and Burj Al Hamam (Lebanese cuisine). It is important to note that none of the Dubai Mall restaurants serve alcohol.

Several restaurants in Souk Al Bahar also offer wonderful views of the Dubai Singing Fountain. These include: Dean & Deluca Café, Baker & Spice, Rivington Grill (British cuisine), Urbano (Italian cuisine, side view of the fountain), Margaux Restaurant (French cuisine), Mango Tree (Thai cuisine) and Bice Maree (Italian cuisine). Rivington Grill, Margot, Mango Three and Bice Mare serve alcohol.

“During the water show, the fountain may spray with water,” reads a notice posted at the lower front of the bridge connecting the shores of the lake in front of the Dubai Mall. Due to the increasing popularity of the fountain, the bridge was expanded with temporary platforms accessible to people with disabilities. disabilities. The platforms are in close proximity to water cannons, hence the warning.

Video of the Singing Fountain in Dubai

The Emirate of Dubai can be considered one of the modern wonders of the world. All of his construction projects surpass world analogues in scale, grandeur, external effects and cost. One of the wonders in Dubai is the fountain, as colossal, incredible, magnificent as everything else in this city. Or rather, it is not one fountain, but a whole ensemble producing a musical and visual show, with a complex lighting system. This complex is called singing, dancing, choreographic fountains.

The fountain in Dubai is open both during the day and in the evening. When, after sunset, the dance of water jets begins in the colorful illumination of spotlights, the spectacle amazes with its beauty, scale and graceful coherence of execution.

History of creation

The customer of this project unique complex- Emaar Properties - real estate development and management company United Arab Emirates. In Dubai, the fountains were developed by the engineering and design firm WET Design (California), which was the first to use air under such high pressure to create choreographic water shows. At one time, she implemented the project for the famous Las Vegas fountains at the Bellagio Casino Lake Hotel.

Construction cost 800 million UAE dirhams (218 million US dollars). To choose the name of the fountain, Emaar Properties organized a competition, the result of which was announced at the end of October 2008. In February 2009, testing of the fountain with the already approved name “Dubai” began, and on May 8, the ceremonial launch of the fountain and the simultaneous opening of the Dubai shopping center took place. In a ceremonial speech, a representative of Emaar Properties noted that “The Dubai Fountain is an expression of a creative mind.”

Description

The fountain in Dubai, the largest of its kind in the world, is installed in the Dubai development center in front of the Dubai Mall in the shallow (1.5 m deep) artificial lake Burj Khalifa, 275 m long. The complex is formed by jet supply mechanisms located in two arcs and five rings of different diameters. The operation of the fountains is accompanied by one of the many musical compositions (about 40 pieces) played through speakers installed around the lake. The system creates many different patterns and combinations of water jets moving through the air.

Under musical accompaniment, the water soars up to several levels of height, in different parts of the system, with different intervals and sequences, depending on what melody is being played. The unique dynamics of water is created by rotating nozzles, thanks to which moving jets hit different directions, while repeatedly bending, twisting in arcs and spirals. The lighting complements this visual and sound composition; the view of the Dubai fountains (photo in the article) is truly mesmerizing.

How it works?

To supply numerous jets of such power, high-pressure air is used, supplied by several pumps and water pressure systems. Changing the pressure gives options for the height, speed and order of the water shots. Nozzles with complex moving mechanisms that make the jets dance are called “rowers” ​​and are autonomous robots. The “rowers” ​​act as leading instruments on which the entire choreographic composition and the smooth transition of jets in legato movements are based. Some "rowers" have nozzles that create circular and spiral flows. The moving mechanism of other "rowers" creates a wrist effect with endless movement in a circle or from side to side.

Water guns of varying power with larger nozzles operate under extremely high pressure. They are called “arrows”, they throw water to a colossal height and are divided by power. “Super shooters” shoot water jets up to 73 m high into the air. The nozzles of “extreme shooters”, pushing out water, create a loud noise, and their jets reach a height of 152.4 m, which is equivalent to the height of a 50-story building. Because it takes a long time to repeatedly push water to a great height to build up enough pressure, these fountains are hardly used in daily shows.

Control mechanism

The Dubai Fountain control center is located on the top level of the adjacent Dubai Mall. The choreography of each performance is first created by a unique computer simulation program called VirtualWET, which simulates in real time appearance jets, including effects produced by gravity and wind. Musical themes are selected randomly.

Backlight

An underwater lighting system at the base of the jets with 6,600 spot spotlights and 25 color projectors not only complements, but creates a special “choreographic” effect. This, combined with the constantly changing movement of the water, accurately expresses all the nuances of the musical composition: tempo, pitch, smooth legato transitions, short staccato pulses, amplified drum intros.

One of the representatives of the company WET, the creators of the singing fountains in Dubai, said about the carefully thought-out lighting effect: “It combines the magic of water and the elements of nature to evoke a generalized sensation of the movement of light and emotions that should create harmony between the outside world and our senses.”

Musical accompaniment

The works were selected by Emaar from resources of classical and contemporary world music. The musical pieces were selected taking into account the possibility of visually interpreting them with a fountain. At the same time, the rhythmic pattern, the variable strength of sound delivery, and the expressiveness of the works were important. One of the selection criteria was that the songs should be familiar to the public and evoke positive emotions. Also important is the timelessness of works that are well perceived by people of different generations. The musical repertoire suits the tastes of Dubai's cosmopolitan population of over 180 nationalities.

During the performance, musical works lasting from 2 to 4.5 minutes are played continuously. Daytime operating hours of fountains in Dubai: 13:00 - 13:30. Evening show: 18:00 - 23:00 with performance extended by 30 minutes on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Sometimes during testing during the day the complex works without music.

Fountain in numbers

A few facts about this grandiose structure:

• 275 meters - this is the length of the fountain, twice the length of a football field;
• 150 meters - maximum height the water column created by the most powerful water cannon;
• 83,000 liters - the volume of water that is thrown into the air by the fountain every second when operating at full capacity;
• 25 color options and 6,600 WET Superlights are used in this complex;
• 32 km is the maximum distance at which it is possible to see the fountain’s spotlight beam.

And finally, I would like to add that this water choreographic ensemble has already been visited by over 47 million people since its launch.

Dubai Fountain- rightfully reads by the world's best dancing fountain and pride. It is located on a large artificial lake near famous Tower Khalifa is in the very center of Dubai and is one of its main attractions.

This is a unique creation of human hands, which can safely be called another Wonder of the World. Dubai people are very proud of him. And we can safely say that the Grand Cascade in Peterhof is better, although it is much older.

This very complex system, which was designed by the famous architectural company WET, specializing, among other things, in the creation of musical fountains. Thus, Bellagio in Las Vegas, also designed by WET.

The Dubai Fountain is today one of the largest in the world. Everyone knows the tendency of the United Arab Emirates to build the most colossal and magnificent things in their country. The Khalifa Tower standing nearby is direct proof of this.

The length of the Dancing Fountain is about 300 m, and its jets shoot to a height of almost 150 m, which is at least 50 floors. It is illuminated from all sides by many colored and spot spotlights, resulting in an absolutely fantastic look.

Story

The construction of the Dubai Fountain was announced in the summer of 2008. At the same time, the authorities allocated 800 million AED for this project, which is more than $200 million. The cost of the project also included the creation of a large artificial reservoir.

In September, a competition was announced in Dubai to name the fountain under construction. The Dubai residents decided not to seek good from good and simply named it: Fountain. Pre-commissioning testing of this remarkable facility began in early 2009, and it became operational in May.

After several months of operation, the builders came to the conclusion that the height to which the jets hit could be almost doubled. However, to this day no reconstruction has been undertaken.

What can he do?

The Dubai Fountain is capable of raising at least 80 tons of water within a second. Almost 7,000 spotlights are used to illuminate it. different types and colors. It has many technical capabilities to show their viewers an outlandish show.

Several years ago, gas nozzles and smoke generators were installed on the fountain. With their help, in the evening, spectators are often offered a spectacular fire performance with smoke, which is very popular with both townspeople and tourists.

With the help of its jets, changing their power and direction, the Dubai Fountain is capable of creating about 1000 the most beautiful figures, delighting even specialists of this art form.

The lighting is so varied that it seems that every time a new composition appears, which is never repeated. The light reflections from the fountain can be seen within a radius of several tens of kilometers around the area.

In order for it to operate efficiently during the several hours of the show, several powerful pumps operating under very high pressure are used, as well as water pressure devices.

The system also includes movable nozzles, thanks to which the fountain jets move or dance. Powerful water cannons are capable of raising a significant volume of water to a height of more than 100 m several times during the evening.

Music

The fountain has a lot of talents. He not only dances, but also sings. Moreover, he performs both folk Arabic and European classical music. Here you can also listen to hits of world and Emirati popular music.

Between individual musical compositions There are periods of silence (interludes), but the fountain continues to dance in anticipation of the next classical or modern work.

When are the performances?

A bright animated show takes place daily from 18-00 to 23-00. Thousands of Dubai residents and tourists from all over the world gather to see it. Entrance to the show, as you understand, is completely free.

How to get here?

The fountain is located near the Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in Dubai and on the entire planet. This is one of the most famous places in the city, located in the new, still under construction fashionable Downtown area.