Volcano Fountain Abu Dhabi
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In 1988, VHS tapes were still in use, TV sets still had antennas, there was no Internet, cellphones were as big as a brick—and there was a massive Volcano Fountain on the Corniche. By then the fountain (al-shallal in Arabic) had become a central meeting place. The young and the old enjoyed its majestic shape, its colors at night, and the vast amount of public space it provided. [1] The 25-meter-high fountain dominated the landscape of the Corniche, and hosted National Day events. It was even rated by some as the fourth most beautiful fountain in the world. [2]

The fountain was part of a plan to beautify Abu Dhabi before a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit. [3] My guess is that it was built sometime between 1981 and 1986, corresponding to the time period between the first and second GCC summits in Abu Dhabi. [4]

The fountain was rounded with concentric gardens on five levels connected by six main flights of stairs. Its conical shape resembled a volcano; its lights at night gave the water an orange color, which created the impression of a volcano eruption. Its flights of stairs spread from the Volcano Fountain’s center to its base, resembling another iconic landmark: the Pearl Roundabout in Manama, Bahrain. Set on six wavy, stone pillars, the Pearl Roundabout monument was also meant to signify the unity of the six GCC states.

Planned as a tourist attraction and a political monument, the Volcano Fountain became an important meeting place. It created "new possibilities of living and, through them, needs that will restructure society." Embodying the idea that people should be "set free from the ground" and that "spherical spaces should be transformed into cities," [5] this fountain ended up hosting unplanned uses.

Source: https://www.f-in-d.com/stories/abu-dhabi-guide-2014-volcano-fountain

I don’t believe we’ll end up with just a model fountain at the Abu Dhabi History Museum. I’m confident the original fountain will be brought back. Many of my Emirati friends have mentioned hearing rumors about its return.

I also believe that Miral is onto something. Maybe this guy was commissioned to create a new prototype of the fountain? Look at this post on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dr-eng-talal-mohamed-al-hajeri-07020b57_foundingfatherfountain-mekhtaf-activity-7255663072218861568-qR_3/

If a new Fountain were to flow again, it would not be the same! No…. it would be a Signature Sigil, fusing tradition with a modern flair.

With our Delineation Technology we were able to excavate and restore a National Monument; NOT through Artificial Intelligence, NOT through Optical Illusion; but through the focus and determination of our high calibre Emirati team.

I think Miral is up to something with the Volcano Fountain. Why would the Group Executive Director of Strategy & Transformation post such a nostalgic message about it on LinkedIn and then do nothing? Especially when they have the experience, resources, and influence to make great things happen. I believe something’s in the works - they’re just not telling us yet.

The volcano fountain on the Abu Dhabi Corniche has been one of the city's most prominent landmarks over the past decades, and holds a special place in the memory of the residents of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. For me personally, this fountain was not just an aesthetic landmark on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, but a symbol of the launch of a comprehensive development revolution – led by our late father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – full of vitality, vibrancy and renewal, embodying the country's ambition towards the future with confidence and a clear vision.

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7332043894689304576/

Are there any real plans to place a new fountain??

I think the perfect spot for the fountain would be on Saadiyat Island, right next to the Zayed National Museum. It feels like such a meaningful location, especially considering how Sheikh Zayed always envisioned Abu Dhabi as an oasis in the desert. Placing the fountain there would really bring back some of that original charm.

Memories!

It was THE landmark in Abu Dhabi!!! I miss it so much. They widened the Corniche road back then, which is why it got taken down. We all thought they were just going to move it somewhere else, but sadly it never came back.

Anyone know if Ramesh Menon ever got anywhere with that petition? I heard some rumors it might be reinstated, but nothing official yet.

Many in Abu Dhabi especially those who grew up seeing the fountain miss it. But one man has decided to take the initiative to bring this beautiful fountain back. Ramesh Menon, an Indian who works in the capital, has sent a petition to the authorities in Abu Dhabi asking them to find the right place to restore this grand monument to the city.

https://clicksandwrites.blogspot.com/2013/10/volcano-fountain-abu-dhabi-humble.html

Who had the idea back in 2004 to demolish that fountain?

This probably was Abu Dhabi's #1 landmark and as evident from the images here could have perfectly stayed and played a part of the extended Corniche. Why demolish it? What's there today that has more value than that fountain? Who would greenlight demolishing a city's landmark attraction?