The Best Water Shows in the Middle East

We already wrote something about water shows in our Journal – you know, what types of such shows there are (and which ones are the most stunning) and what epic international events used the power of water to showcase their grandeur.

In today’s post we would like to share with you the most splendid water shows in the Middle East.

The Middle East is known for its larger-than-life entertainment — and water shows have become a signature element of the region. From record-breaking fountain displays to high-tech aquatic performances, here are some of the most breathtaking water shows in the Middle East.

1. Dubai Fountain – the World’s Largest Choreographed Fountain Show

Location: Dubai, UAE

No list of Middle Eastern water shows is complete without mentioning the Dubai Fountain at the base of the Burj Khalifa. This engineering marvel shoots water up to 500 feet in the air, synchronized with lights and music ranging from classical Arabic tunes to modern pop hits.

Why It’s a Must-See:

• Over 6,600 lights and 25 color projectors create a dazzling spectacle of over 1,000 different water expressions on the 30-acre Burj Lake in Downtown Dubai. 
• There are daily shows with special performances during festivals like Dubai Shopping Festival & NYE.

2. Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup – the Doha Bay Water Show

Location: Doha, Qatar. The show took place on the Doha Corniche, a prominent waterfront area, spanning a large area with a 210-meter facade and 120 meters deep.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup wasn’t just about football — it was a celebration of culture and innovation. One of the standout features was the stunning water show in Doha Bay, where synchronized fountains, drones, and pyrotechnics lit up the sky during the opening and closing ceremonies.

Highlights:

• The spectacle combined water fountains, sculptures, acrobats, drone displays, laser projections and pyrotechnics, creating a visually stunning experience celebrating Qatari heritage.
• Giant floating orbs and aquatic drones creating 3D visuals over the sea.
• The show was designed to be visible from multiple viewpoints and was enjoyed by billions of spectators watching the World Cup. 

3. Surreal, Expo 2020 Dubai – a Gravity-Defying Water Feature

Location: Expo City Dubai, UAE

Expo 2020 Dubai, welcoming the world to the UAE, showcased one of the most innovative water and projection shows. It featured a unique and spectacular water feature at the centre of the site called Surreal, where water defied gravity.

Highlights:

• A giant water screen showcased 153 individual waves that flowed down 43ft vertical walls, sometimes appearing to defy gravity by flowing upwards at night: sheets and bursts of water seemed to flow both up and down the walls.
• The water feature incorporated fire, using pure hydrogen, aligning with Expo 2020's sustainability theme. Projections were used to enhance the visual spectacle, projecting vibrant colors onto the water.

4. The Palm Fountain – Dubai’s Largest Colorful Water Display

Location: The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, UAE

Breaking the Guinness World Record as the largest fountain in a single location, The Palm Fountain offers a mesmerizing blend of water, music, and light. The show features themed performances, including tributes to global icons like Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury.

Why It’s a Must-See:

• 7,000 LED lights and shooters capable of spraying water up to 105 metres in the air.
• Nightly shows with themes ranging from Arabic classics to Bollywood hits. In 2020 Ihad Darwish, Emirati composer, created for the fountain an official song “Aim For The Sky” as a sonic brand and its signature music. The composition pays homage to the UAE's culture as well as capture Dubai's cosmopolitanism and is regularly performed for those who want to see this miracle.

5. Liquid Light Exhibition 

Location: Maraya Art Centre, UAE

This exhibition by Chris Wood Light that took place in 2023 in UAE explored the interaction between water and light, using water-filled glass vessels to create dynamic light patterns. It also highlighted the importance of water conservation and donated 100% of the profit from artwork sales to the UAE Water Aid Foundation, Suqia UAE.

Why It Stood Out:

• Light acted as a dancer, choreographed by the movement and patterns in the water.
• The show incorporates dichroic panels to further break down and refract the light, creating a beautiful and thought-provoking visual experience. 

6. Yas Marina Musical Water Fountain

Location: Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi

Yas Bay’s immersive fountain show combines water, fire, and music for an electrifying experience. The waterfront comes alive with choreographed jets dancing to everything from Arabic symphonies to EDM beats.

Why It’s a Must-See:

• Children can splash in the water as the fountain dances, while parents enjoy a meal at one of 7 dining options.
• Special shows during F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and concerts.

The Middle East Reigns Supreme in Water Entertainment

From Dubai’s record-breaking fountains to Qatar’s World Cup aquatic spectacles, the Middle East continues to push the boundaries of water-based entertainment. These shows prove that water is an art form that can be used for mega-events, luxury private occasions or corporate celebrations.

Though…There are so many fountains out there. Even though they are beautiful, we bet you might be a little bit tired of them. If you are, come to us for a stunning live performance on water. It will be something that do not exist in any lists of water shows, because we will do it from the scratch just for you!

At Breakthrough Xclusive we specialize in bespoke water performances for elite celebrations. Let's explore the power of water together!