( CNN ) -- Dubai 's most impressive buildings are looking a little psychedelic this week . In the Dubai Mall atrium , a chandelier made from steel cables dangles from the ceiling , emitting the type of strobe lighting more readily associated with disco balls . Illuminated beams pour out from the pinnacle of the Burj Khalifa , making the world 's tallest building resemble a giant lighthouse . In Burj Lake , home of the Dubai Fountain -- the world 's largest water feature -- a hyper-realistic 3D hologram of a whale frolics in above the water . The Souk al Bahar -- a grand , Arabian-style bazaar -- has been transformed into a Disney-esque 3D cinematic feat ; . French stage director and composer Damien Fontaine has used video mapping and LED projectors to create a visual narrative in which two characters go in search of hidden treasure . This collection of more than 30 installations is part of Dubai 's inaugural Festival of Lights , a 10-day event modeled on the version hosted every December in Lyon , France . In fact , the city of Lyon co-sponsored the event , along with Emaar Properties , the Dubai developers responsible for many of Dubai ' most ambitious projects . `` We aimed to mark an extraordinary celebration of artistic creativity and light installations on a scale never experienced before in the region , '' said an Emaar spokesperson . In addition to borrowing the concept , Emaar has also tapped the talent pool of artists , designers and architects that each year turn Lyon into an electric playground . Participants include Moroccan-born fashion designer JC/DC ( aka , Jean-Charles de Castelbajac ) , who once designed a teddy bear coat for Madonna and French lingerie designer Chantal Thomass . `` The City of Lyon has set a global benchmark in festive lighting and it was an ideal fit to partner with them to bring the world 's finest lighting concepts to Dubai , '' says Emaar 's spokesperson . The Lyon festival started out as a religious tradition , but has since evolved to become one of the most impressive entries on the global arts calendar . Set over four days , artists have been known to project flames onto churches , create animations to crawl up buildings , and graft holograms onto mist . The event attracts millions of visitors every year . While Emaar has yet to release any numbers , they noted the festival was `` well received . ''
This week Dubai hosted its inaugural Festival of Lights . Many of Dubai 's most famous structures have been turned into art installations . The city is also home to the world's tallest Ferris wheel, which opened in 2011 and has since become a tourist attraction.