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UAE: Hope Probe-inspired space fountain in the works

Dubai - A group of Emirati designers are finalising the location for this new national landmark.

The UAE is set to start construction of a new space-themed fountain soon after the Hope Probe spacecraft enters the Mars orbit on February 9.

A group of Emirati designers are finalising the location for this new national landmark, which will be situated either in the emirate of Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

The first-of-its-kind monument will be built as a cultural, artistic and national landmark to celebrate the UAE’s feat in the space mission.

The select group consists of Emirati designers and engineers — like Salem Al Messabi, Abdulaziz Al Mheiri, Hamad Al Nuaimi, Sadeq Al Katheri and Muna Al Aidaros — who conceived the concept following the Hope Probe’s historic launch to the Red Planet on July 19, 2020.

Space Fountain is influenced by many artists around the world. For instance, the magic tap fountain at Ypres, Belgium and the optical illusion inspired the creative high notes.

Similarly, Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, who had designed and built nine ‘floating’ fountains for the next World Expo in Osaka, Japan in 2025, is the other overriding influence.

The calligraphy work in the soon-to-be-opened Museum of Future in Dubai, which will reflect the Emirati heritage, completes the troika of inspirations.

“The design of the fountain is similar to that of the Emirati-Japanese H-IIA rocket that blasted off into the atmosphere on July 19, 2020. The main structure of the fountain, resembling a spacecraft, would be 30 metres high and the movement of water would simulate the launch of the Hope Probe rocket,” said Salem Al Messabi, creative director, Abu Dhabi design studio, Inspire TBB.

The construction work for the project may take up to six months. The building will house a knowledge centre and may evolve as an iconic landmark such as the Dubai Frame, which was opened in Zabeel Park on January 1, 2018.

The space fountain aims to attract students, space gazers and residents and tourists alike.

Space-theme souvenir shops and restaurants selling outer-space shaped foods may also be housed in the near future.

“The UAE has tapped into the space industry following the launch of The Hope Probe and now entering the Mars orbit. No wonder, it’s the perfect time to come up with a monument that is innovative and reflects our country’s achievements in its design. It’ll be a shining guide to the whole world that nothing is impossible for the people of the Emirates,” said Al Messabi.

“We’re in talks with civic bodies both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to finalise the location. The paperwork for the project is in progress. Now, we’re eagerly looking for the D-Day on February 9, following which the project will gather further momentum," he added.

"The message that we want to send to all the young thinkers, artists, designers and innovators in the UAE is to utilise their energy in creating things that will benefit our country and reflect in our pride and accomplishments.”