Fontana features live entertainment, artistic circus performances, aerialists, water jets with special effects, music, lights and more. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Fontana features live entertainment, artistic circus performances, aerialists, water jets with special effects, music, lights and more. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Fontana features live entertainment, artistic circus performances, aerialists, water jets with special effects, music, lights and more. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Fontana features live entertainment, artistic circus performances, aerialists, water jets with special effects, music, lights and more. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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Fontana water circus is coming to Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi

The show was previously hosted in Dubai Festival City

Evelyn Lau
Evelyn Lau

March 09, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Fontana, the first travelling water circus in the Middle East, is coming to Abu Dhabi.

The one-of-a-kind aquatic show, produced by the Lebanese group Cirque Du Liban, will be at Marina Mall on the Corniche from April 18 until July 2. Tickets start at Dh90.

This announcement follows a successful run of shows in Dubai Festival City last year, as well as in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, when aerialists, motorcyclists, trapeze artists, musicians, dancers and singers took to the stage.

Fontana, a travelling water circus produced by Cirque Du Liban in Lebanon, is at Dubai Festival City. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
Fontana, a travelling water circus produced by Cirque Du Liban in Lebanon, is at Dubai Festival City. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
The National went behind the scenes with the performers ahead of the show.
The National went behind the scenes with the performers ahead of the show.
The show features trapeze artists.
The show features trapeze artists.
Bright costumes are the norm throughout the show.
Bright costumes are the norm throughout the show.
The people involved in the show are from more than 20 countries and speak more than 15 languages.
The people involved in the show are from more than 20 countries and speak more than 15 languages.
Duo Del Comedia, a Spanish comedy pair, have been getting rave reviews.
Duo Del Comedia, a Spanish comedy pair, have been getting rave reviews.
Music plays a large part in the show.
Music plays a large part in the show.
A variety of dance performances are featured.
A variety of dance performances are featured.
A performer gears up for the show.
A performer gears up for the show.
Performers practise between three and six hours a day, depending on how many shows they have.
Performers practise between three and six hours a day, depending on how many shows they have.
Applying makeup ahead of showtime.
Applying makeup ahead of showtime.
Aerial performers wow the crowds.
Aerial performers wow the crowds.
A trio of aerial artists show off their skills.
A trio of aerial artists show off their skills.
About 35,000 gallons of water are used in the Fontana fountains.
About 35,000 gallons of water are used in the Fontana fountains.
The show runs in Dubai until December 31.
The show runs in Dubai until December 31.
This is the first time a travelling water circus has come from the Middle East.
This is the first time a travelling water circus has come from the Middle East.
A saxophone-playing clown.
A saxophone-playing clown.
The name Fontana was inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy.
The name Fontana was inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy.
A performer checks his equipment before the show.
A performer checks his equipment before the show.
Daredevil stunts.
Daredevil stunts.
Cabaret-style outfits.
Cabaret-style outfits.
The archer at target practice.
The archer at target practice.
A motorcyclist's stunts draw gasps of awe from the audience.
A motorcyclist's stunts draw gasps of awe from the audience.
An aerial artist at work.
An aerial artist at work.
Water and light 'dance' in sync to the music.
Water and light 'dance' in sync to the music.
Caught in a loop.
Caught in a loop.
The clowns, particularly, are audience favourites.
The clowns, particularly, are audience favourites.
Spectacular costumes are a feature of the performance.
Spectacular costumes are a feature of the performance.
The show lasts two hours.
The show lasts two hours.
The circus is a family-friendly event open to children as young as two.
The circus is a family-friendly event open to children as young as two.

The Fontana name was inspired by the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy, a famed attraction where visitors often toss in a coin for luck.

Thierry Antonios, a managing partner at Cirque Du Liban’s parent company Hat Entertainment, compared this act to the show by saying Fontana’s wish is to put together a unique experience for audiences.

“Guests should expect to see a breathtaking blend of live entertainment, artistic circus performances, captivating shows, amazing aerialists, water jets with special effects, music, lights, comedy, dancers, thrills and more. This is an experience to awe the whole family,” Antonios previously told The National.

A musical dancing fountain is the centrepiece of the performance, as water jets and colourful lights dance together, synchronised with the music. It takes 132,490 litres of water to fill the Fontana fountains. Other highlights include the air cube show, where three aerial acrobats perform mid-air, Duo Del Comedia, a Spanish comedic pair, and motorcycle daredevils who perform dangerous stunts.

There will be one daily show from 9pm to 11pm from April 18 to 20, and then from April 21 to 23, there will be three shows daily at 4pm, 7pm and 9.30pm. There are no shows on Mondays or Tuesdays.

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