Over 4,000 entries received for fountain-naming competition

Selected name celebrates the rising global prominence of Dubai

Dubai, UAE; October 26, 2008: The water, music and light spectacle being created by Emaar Properties on Burj Dubai Lake in Downtown Burj Dubai will be called 'Dubai Fountain.' Following the successful completion of the fountain naming contest on September 15, a distinguished panel has selected the name which echoes the rising global prominence of Dubai and will be a fitting tribute to the city.

More than 4,000 participants representing over 100 nationalities took part in the competition, which was held from July 1 to September 15. Although the competition was open only to UAE residents, entries were received from all across the globe, further reflecting Dubai's growing global significance.

Participants of the competition had to suggest a name that they believed captured the essence of the spectacular fountain. The winning name - Dubai Fountain - was chosen by a panel comprising senior management of Emaar, community leaders and project experts. The selection process was overlooked by a representative of Dubai Department of Economic Development.

'Dubai Fountain' was suggested by 15 participants, who will be contacted shortly. The total prize will be equally divided amongst the winners who have a valid UAE residency.

Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: "By announcing a competition for naming the fountain on Burj Dubai Lake, we wanted to engage the residents of Dubai in creating a new landmark for the city. The response to the competition was overwhelming and demonstrated the spirit of solidarity among the UAE residents."

He added: "The name Dubai Fountain is simple, has instant brand recall and above all, celebrates the global standing of Dubai as a multicultural destination and home to over 180 nationalities. Dubai Fountain is our tribute to this city, which serves as a platform for thousands of people to realise their dreams and enjoy a vibrant, modern lifestyle."

'Dubai Fountain' also complements the other stellar attractions in close proximity - Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, and The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations.

Billed to be of the world's finest water features integrating musical and attractive visual elements, Dubai Fountain is over 900 ft (275 metres) in length - equivalent to that of over two football fields. Designed by California-based WET, a worldwide leader that specializes in the design of water features and also the designers of The Fountains at Bellagio in Las Vegas, Dubai Fountain will be about 25 per cent larger in area than The Fountain at Bellagio.

Powerful water nozzles shoot water sprays to heights of over 500 ft (150 metres) - equivalent to that of a 50-storey building. Over 6,600 lights and 50 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 different water expressions. Different combinations of water-forms perform to selected musical pieces - chosen from a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.

Dubai Fountain forms the centerpiece of the 12 hectare Burj Dubai Lake and will be operational in 2009. Open for free viewing, the fountain adds to the leisure appeal of the AED 73 billion (US$20 billion) Downtown Burj Dubai development, a mixed-use project with homes, offices, hotels and a vibrant Boulevard.

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About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC is one of the world's largest real estate companies and is rapidly evolving to become a global provider of premier lifestyles. Powered by its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world, Emaar is charting a new course of growth with a two-pronged strategy of geographical expansion and business segmentation. Emaar has been assigned A- and A3 ratings with stable outlook by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investor Services, respectively.

Replicating its successful business model in Dubai, Emaar is extending its expertise in creating master-planned communities to international markets. Emaar is also developing new competencies in malls, hospitality & leisure, education, healthcare and finance, which have evolved from its integrated approach to customer service and property development.

Listed on the Dubai Financial Market, part of the Dow Jones Arabia Titans Index and certified to ISO9001:2000 for quality standards, Emaar is developing Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building and free-standing structure, and The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations. In Saudi Arabia, Emaar is developing King Abdullah Economic City, the region's largest private sector-led project. Emaar's portfolio currently covers the following countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Libya, Algeria, India, Pakistan, China, Indonesia, the US, the UK, France and Canada.

An award-winning developer, Emaar has strengthened its product sale competencies, market reach and best practices through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures. Emaar acquired John Laing Homes, America's second largest privately held home builder; Hamptons International, UK's premier realtor; and formed a joint venture with US-based Turner International to strengthen execution capabilities.

Emaar has joined hands with Giorgio Armani and Accor Hotels to strengthen its presence in hospitality, and will launch ten luxury Armani Hotels & Resorts world-wide and 100 Formule 1 budget hotels in India. The company is opening educational institutions and healthcare centres in South Asia, Middle East and North Africa and the Subcontinent. Emaar acquired Singapore-based leading education provider, Raffles Campus, to extend expertise to its educational institutions.

Emaar holds 30 per cent equity in Dubai Bank, focused on retail and commercial banking. Emaar is also the largest shareholder in Amlak Finance, UAE's leading Islamic home financing company. For more information, visit www.emaar.com.

For more information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Nivine William 
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550
E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com, n.william@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2008