The emirate literally scaled new heights as its latest pride — The Dubai Fountain — danced gracefully to Emirati and Arab songs, after being unveiled on Friday night by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

He also formally opened the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping and entertainment centre in the world. The large crowd at the water promenade of the mall cheered on as the water spectacle, believed to be the tallest performing fountain in the world, rose higher and higher amid hues of red, blue and yellow.

The emirate now shines a beacon with a beam of light shimmering upward from the fountain seen from 20 miles away. This is believed to be visible from space — making it the brightest spot in the Middle East. Set on the impressive 30-acre Burj Dubai Lake, it performed to the melody of an Emirati song — Sama Dubai as a tribute to Shaikh Mohammed.

Visitors and government officials watched in awe as the fountain, whose water jets can reach 50 storeys high, stole the limelight. Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, according to a press release, said the opening ceremony with the special performance of Sama Dubai was Emaar’s tribute to Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. “His Highness inspired us to think bigger and better, and today, we are fulfilling his vision of growth for Dubai.

The formal opening of the mall will continue to energise the retail and tourism sector of Dubai, and now, with the unveiling of The Dubai Fountain, we are also adding to the tourist attractions of the city,” he said. Shaikh Mohammed toured the Dubai Mall before unveiling the fountain. The residents, who had gathered for the opening, rushed to keep pace with him as he visited the mall’s Aquarium, the Underwater Zoo, the Ice Rink and the Gold Souk. Mall security had to cope with a huge turnout for the inauguration.