Set against the iconic Burj Khalifa backdrop, the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk is a must-see experience for any tourists visiting the Emirati city. When the decision was made for the fountain to undergo major renovations, developer Emaar sought to ensure the area’s unique atmosphere remained uninterrupted during the six-month construction period.
Working closely with Dubai-based system integrator Blue Rhine Industries, INFiLED was tasked with providing a high-impact solution to maintain engagement at one of the city’s most visited tourist sites.
Record-Breaking LED Installation in Dubai
Delivering one of the region’s most ambitious AV installations, INFiLED, a global leader in LED display solutions, transformed the iconic Dubai Fountain promenade into a breathtaking digital experience.
Spanning an unprecedented 440 metres in length and standing three metres high, the temporary LED display is now the longest digital screen in the world – and it was designed, manufactured, and installed in under 60 days.
“This is probably the most interesting project we’ve done in a long time,” said John Joseph, Director of Blue Rhine Industries. “A digital hoarding of almost half a kilometre long isn’t something you hear about every day.”
Technology Tailored for Harsh Environments
The massive outdoor installation comprises over 1,254m² of INFiLED’s 3.9mm-pixel-pitch MVmk2 Series LED panels, featuring more than 80 million pixels.
Engineered specifically for the Middle East’s demanding climate, the MVmk2 Series is IP65-rated, fanless, and optimised for low power consumption in high-temperature and high-humidity environments.
“The MVmk2 Series is a robust, future-ready platform,” said Samer Otaibi, INFiLED’s Vice President of Sales for the Middle East. “We’ve already installed over 15,000m² of the MVmk2 Series across the region in the last 4–5 years.
For this project, we used our second-generation model, which eliminates the need for active cooling – a significant step forward in terms of sustainability and power usage over the lifespan of the installation.”
From Concept to Completion in 60 Days
What began as a functional construction hoarding quickly evolved into a landmark digital installation. The idea to go digital came late in the planning stages when Emaar recognised the potential to transform a barrier into an immersive attraction. That vision soon turned into an all-hands-on-deck sprint to execution.
From the awarding of the contract to project completion, Blue Rhine Industries had just 60 days, spending only half of those on site, to deliver the full turnkey solution, including structural foundations, playback systems, power infrastructure, and the screen itself. INFiLED’s role in the success of the fast-tracked project was critical.
“Given the tight timeline, the production line at our headquarters in China prioritised the order,” Otaibi explained. “We worked at full capacity to deliver the panels within three weeks. Shipments were sent in batches to keep the installation moving at pace – the moment one batch was installed, the next one arrived.”
Precision Engineering and Modular Design
Over 1,000m² of INFiLED panels were transported from Shenzhen directly to Dubai, enabling installation teams to stay on schedule despite logistical challenges and the region’s extreme summer heat. The screen’s curved design – including both concave and convex sections – meant that precision engineering was essential.
To ensure perfect alignment, Blue Rhine Industries’ civil contracting division installed 494 custom-cast concrete foundation blocks with sub-centimetre accuracy. These two-tonne blocks formed the base of the structure, which had to withstand high winds and remain entirely freestanding.
“You can’t just drop them down randomly,” explained Joseph. “Each block had to be craned into place overnight using a cardboard templating system and placed with a tolerance of just 1cm. Once the blocks were in place, the metal structure followed, then the screen. It was like assembling a massive puzzle.”
In addition to structural innovation, the temporary nature of the display demanded a modular, non-invasive setup. Every cable, rack and connection were designed for rapid installation and complete removability once the fountain reopens.
Infrastructure and Content Delivery
Eight Blue Rhine Industries teams worked around the clock in multiple shifts to meet the aggressive timeline. Power is delivered by four on-site generators, while content is distributed via fibre optic cabling, synchronised using a SpinetiX CMS and Novastar processing hardware. The playback system includes Intel NUC 13 Pro players, Novastar H15s and CVT10-S converters, and AJA GEN10 sync generators to maintain flawless timing across the massive display.
The content, designed and provided by a third party, is dynamic and will evolve throughout the project’s duration. The installation not only preserves the prestige and ambience of the Dubai Fountain during renovation but also positions digital signage as a key element of destination storytelling.
Looking Ahead: Reuse, Reach, and Recognition
For INFiLED, the project adds to a growing list of high-profile achievements in the Middle East. “We’re proud to say this is the longest LED screen in the region,” said Otaibi. “It adds to our record of having the biggest indoor and outdoor resolutions in the GCC. But more than the numbers, it’s about being part of iconic moments. It’s amazing to see our technology become part of the Dubai Mall experience.”
As demand grows for immersive, experiential AV across the Middle East, INFiLED continues to lead in innovation and execution. Its MVmk2 Series panels, now widely deployed throughout the GCC, are helping redefine what’s possible for large-format digital installations.
While the project will only remain in place for six months, the panels are intended for reuse at other Emaar properties – extending the lifecycle of the system and showcasing the flexibility of INFiLED’s technology.
Joseph concluded, “We already knew that the combination of Blue Rhine Industries and INFiLED just works. We’ve proven it before, and we’ve proven it again here. The real reward is seeing our people rise to a complex challenge. That kind of commitment is what makes these projects truly special.”
