Dubai Fountain Temporarily Closes for Renovation; Restaurants Granted 4-Month Rent Relief

Restaurants and food and beverage (F&B) outlets overlooking the iconic Dubai Fountain and lake at Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar will receive a four-month rent relief as the popular tourist attraction undergoes an extensive renovation.

Emaar Malls Management (LLC) has announced that the rent waiver, applicable from June to September 2025, will benefit approximately 50 outlets impacted by the closure. The measure was taken in response to the expected decrease in footfall caused by the temporary suspension of the Dubai Fountain, which has long served as a major draw for visitors in the area.

The Dubai Fountain, one of the emirate’s most renowned attractions, was officially closed over the weekend to begin a five-month-long upgrade. A large audience attended its final performance on April 19.

“For years, the Dubai Fountain and its surrounding lake have played a pivotal role in the success and visibility of these retail and dining destinations,” said Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar. “As we look toward the next phase of development, this rent relief is a testament to our commitment to supporting our partners and ensuring business continuity through this transition.”

To help maintain visitor engagement during the closure, Emaar also revealed plans to install 400 meters of cutting-edge digital screens along the promenade. These screens will feature dynamic visual content aimed at enriching the visitor experience and sustaining footfall throughout the renovation period.

This initiative reflects Emaar’s broader commitment to tenant support and innovation in enhancing the retail and tourism landscape of Downtown Dubai.