• Ain Dubai will open to the public in 2021.
    Ain Dubai will open to the public in 2021.
  • Standing at a height of 250 metres, it is the world's tallest observation wheel.
    Standing at a height of 250 metres, it is the world's tallest observation wheel.
  • The wheel houses 48 capsules, including some of VIP packages and dining experiences.
    The wheel houses 48 capsules, including some of VIP packages and dining experiences.
  • The first passenger capsule was installed on the Ain Dubai observation wheel at Bluewaters Island in 2020.
    The first passenger capsule was installed on the Ain Dubai observation wheel at Bluewaters Island in 2020.
  • More capsules were fitted to Ain Dubai over the last few months.
    More capsules were fitted to Ain Dubai over the last few months.
  • A general view of Ain Dubai at Bluewaters Island.
    A general view of Ain Dubai at Bluewaters Island.
  • Ain Dubai soars over Bluewaters Island.
    Ain Dubai soars over Bluewaters Island.
  • A development years in the making, Ain Dubai was initially due to swing into action last year, to coincide with the start of Expo 2020 Dubai.
    A development years in the making, Ain Dubai was initially due to swing into action last year, to coincide with the start of Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • Ain Dubai forms the centerpiece of Bluewaters Island.
    Ain Dubai forms the centerpiece of Bluewaters Island.
  • Ain Dubai construction at the halfway stage on July 12, 2017. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Ain Dubai construction at the halfway stage on July 12, 2017. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • View of the Ain Dubai on a hot and hazy day.
    View of the Ain Dubai on a hot and hazy day.
  • Ain Dubai construction at the halfway stage on July 12, 2017. Photo: Dubai Media Office
    Ain Dubai construction at the halfway stage on July 12, 2017. Photo: Dubai Media Office
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, casts his eye over Ain Dubai on March 5, 2018. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, casts his eye over Ain Dubai on March 5, 2018. Wam
  • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at Ain Dubai in 2018. Wam
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at Ain Dubai in 2018. Wam
  • Visitors at Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Residence enjoy the beach with Ain Dubai in the background in 2018.
    Visitors at Dubai's Jumeirah Beach Residence enjoy the beach with Ain Dubai in the background in 2018.
  • Ain Dubai and the bridge towards BlueWaters Island in 2018.
    Ain Dubai and the bridge towards BlueWaters Island in 2018.
  • Ain Dubai towers over the surrounding buildings.
    Ain Dubai towers over the surrounding buildings.
  • The sun sets behind Ain Dubai during construction in 2017. AP Photo
    The sun sets behind Ain Dubai during construction in 2017. AP Photo

First passenger capsule installed on Dubai's big wheel


Patrick Ryan
  • English
  • Arabic

Ain Dubai in numbers

126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure

1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch

16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.

9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.

5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place

192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.

The world’s tallest observation wheel is one step closer to completion after the first passenger capsule was installed on Ain Dubai.

Once completed, Ain Dubai will stand 250 metres high on Bluewaters Island off Jumeirah Beach Residence and will have 48 capsules.

The project was expected to open in time for Expo 2020, which was due to start in October. The event will now take place in 2021.

"Ain Dubai is shaping up well and has successfully installed its first capsule on to the wheel this weekend," said a representative.

"Over the coming period, the remaining 47 capsules are scheduled for gradual installation."

Each of the 48 capsules holds a total of 40 passengers, meaning Ain Dubai can accommodate more than 1,900 visitors during a single rotation. Ain Dubai was unable to confirm when the project would be completed or how much it would cost to use.

“While we are extremely excited to bring Ain Dubai into full swing and welcome our very first passengers, we can only announce the completion date in due course."

The representative added that Ain Dubai would adhere to “appropriate social distancing practices”.

Each capsule can hold 40 passengers. Courtesy: Meraas
Each capsule can hold 40 passengers. Courtesy: Meraas

When Ain Dubai is completed it will be in illustrious company with other famous observation wheels around the world.

The wheel is more than 80m taller than the 167m High Roller ferris wheel in Las Vegas, which still holds the record until Ain Dubai finally opens.

Las Vegas’ High Roller has 28 capsules that each hold 40 people during its 30-minute rotation.

The 165m high Singapore Flyer was built in 2008 and is the second-highest wheel in the world. Each of its 28 passenger capsules, which hold 28 people, are said to be the same size as a minibus.

Ain Dubai is primed to be the main attraction on Bluewaters Island, which will also feature residential, retail and hospitality offerings.

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Suggested picnic spots

Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
 
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes 

The Library: A Catalogue of Wonders
Stuart Kells, Counterpoint Press

The specs: 2018 Audi RS5

Price, base: Dh359,200

Engine: 2.9L twin-turbo V6

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 450hp at 5,700rpm

Torque: 600Nm at 1,900rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Results

6.30pm Madjani Stakes Rated Conditions (PA) I Dh160,000 1,900m I Winner: Mawahib, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

7.05pm Maiden Dh150,000 1,400m I Winner One Season, Antonio Fresu, Satish Seemar

7.40pm: Maiden Dh150,000 2,000m I Winner Street Of Dreams, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson

8.15pm Dubai Creek Listed Dh250,000 1,600m I Winner Heavy Metal, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.50pm The Entisar Listed Dh250,000 2,000m I Winner Etijaah, Dane O’Neill, Doug Watson

9.25pm The Garhoud Listed Dh250,000 1,200m Winner Muarrab, Dane O’Neill, Ali Rashid Al Raihe

10pm Handicap Dh160,000 1,600m Winner Sea Skimmer, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi

Quick pearls of wisdom

Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”

Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.” 

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Ain Dubai in numbers

126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure

1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch

16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.

9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.

5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place

192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.