Jumana – Secret of the Desert is all set to captivate its visitors with stunning audio-visual, pyrotechnics, water and laser effects, some of which have never been seen in the Middle-East before.

The stage play celebrates the Arabian region’s rich history and culture, translating fable and folkloric themes from Persia, the Maghreb, the Levant, the Gulf region, Oman and Yemen, into a spellbinding fantasy. The show is performed on a stage set in a lake containing 10 million litres of water – the size of the stage is on par with world class opera or ballet theatre stages.

The show incorporates various imagistic theatre techniques.

Laser Effects
State of the art laser effects that will interact during the entire show, creating images and effects across the amphitheatre are generated using two lasers located on the amphitheatre stage in projection cabins.

Water effects:
The extravaganza is supported by various large-scale water effects, the most impressive of which are the three water screens that will create a backdrop to the performance area. Complimented by various other attractions including multiple oscillating jets, mist screens and 50 meters high geysers jets, the water effects will form an integral part of the show.

Sound:
A state-of-the-art sound system provides clear, precise sound with an output of between 110dB and 120dB at any point in the amphitheatre.

Stage mechanics:
The Al Sahra stage is 35 meters from left to right and 25 meters from front to back. The show has been created using various stage mechanics and scenic effects. Two key elements are four hydraulic lifts built into the stage area and a suspended cable running across the top of the stage, capable of handling half a ton of weight and used for various aerial effects in the show. The stage lifts are made up of three units of 6.0m x 3.5m and a fourth measuring 12.0m x 5.0m.

Projection:
Al Sahra employs some of the most advanced projection techniques and projection equipment to enhance the excitement of the Jumana show – animation, video and stills images are projected onto eighteen meter high man made dunes and three water screens. All projections are High Definition (HD). The video projectors are the best currently available in the world market – these are connected to HD players via fibre optic links. The video projections will further be enhanced by scenic projection across the 125.0m wide dune that forms a backdrop to the performance area.

Miscellaneous:
Over 15 000 m of signal and fibre optic cable have been installed on the site to manage various information signals that need to be transmitted during the course of the show. All information is transmitted via the show control room located in the centre of the amphitheatre building above the audience.

Pyrotechnics:
Pyrotechnics designer, Francois Montel of Groupe F, who lit the Eiffel Tower at the turn of the millennium; and provided the fantastic visual effects at the Greek Olympics in Athens, has been contracted to provide the fireworks and pyrotechnics show. Fireworks form an essential part of the show. Shells ranging up to 150mm in size with specially created effects add to the visual extravaganza. In addition, the first permanent installation of Groupe F flame projectors in the Middle East allows the creative team at Jumana to mix fire, water and mist in the forestage area, creating some incredible effects during the show.