{
  "id": 9121619,
  "title": "Dubai Fountain closes during 10-day mourning period",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/dubai-fountain-closes-during-10-day-mourning-period-9121619",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T09:25:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/things-to-do/2026/09/22/dubai-fountain-closes-during-10-day-mourning-period/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai's Dubai Fountain has halted its daily performances over a 10-day mourning period for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid, the younger brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed served as Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police, Group Chairman of ARM Holding, a private investment firm in the UAE, and President of Al Wasl Sports Club. A Dubai Mall customer service representative confirmed the suspension to The National. The mourning began on Monday following the death of Sheikh Ahmed, a pivotal figure in Dubai's growth. The 10 days of mourning will conclude on Wednesday, September 30, with government buildings flying flags at half-mast. Live entertainment typically ceases during such periods, with radio stations airing prayers or Quranic recitations and state-owned TV channels following suit. Malls often play somber music, and concerts and other live events may be canceled or postponed. A funeral prayer will be held in Dubai on Tuesday at Zabeel Grand Mosque, starting at 1pm, with condolences being accepted at the Zabeel Majlis for three days. Speaking on social media, Sheikh Mohammed expressed condolences, saying, \"You are absent from our eyes, but not from our prayers and hearts.\" President Sheikh Mohamed also paid tribute to his brother, highlighting Sheikh Ahmed's contributions to the UAE's development since the nation's inception, and wished God's blessings for his soul and his family. Dubai Fountain originally reopened in October of the previous year after a five-month renovation, implementing new technology to enhance its choreography, sound, and lighting. Situated on the 12-hectare Burj Lake, between Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, the attraction typically offers afternoon shows and evening performances every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm. It can spray water up to 152 meters high, with 6,600 lights and 25 color projectors, and its shows are choreographed to Arabic and international music. The fountain was first launched in 2009 and was designed by Wet Design, the company behind the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.",
  "summary": "Dubai Fountain has suspended its daily shows during the emirate's 10-day mourning for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid , the youngest brother of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Ahmed was Deputy Chairman of Dubai Police, group chairman of ARM Holding, a UAE private investment firm, and President of Al Wasl Sports Club. A customer service representative for Dubai Mall…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}