Any expat or Emirati family who was here before it
was demolished in 2004 remembers the 80 foot fountain right by the Gulf. It was
common to see families relaxing while the kids ran around the fountain or
friends met to catch up. For many years, the Volcano Fountain which got the
name from its cone – like shape and the electric lights that looked like lava
at night was the place for National Day festivities and other traditional
events, a part of the heritage and culture and a prime spot for visitors to the
UAE. However, it was removed during the expansion of the Corniche and so far
has not found a place in the new scheme of developments in the capital.
The fountain was
built in mid 1980s as part of the city's beautification plan. Like the GCC
Roundabout, it was also built just before one of the GCC summits in UAE.
(July 2004)
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. “This will
make a difference in Abu Dhabi; it will
keep a lot of memories alive and attract various people. There are many who
have taken interest and joined in this petition. As lovers of this country,
tradition, and historical growth, we all want the Volcano Fountain to be
restored, rebuilt anywhere in the new Corniche or any other befitting place in
Abu Dhabi, says Menon. “How can we forget that Abu Dhabi was synonymous with
this fountain until 2004, and now it’s gone,” Menon reminds us who has been in
the city for decades.
A committee is currently looking into the
situation, and Menon is working to spread the message and gain more support to
ensure that his mission succeeds.
Collected photos of Volcano Fountain (from various sources in the web - thanks to all the sites and phtoographers in advance)
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