Dubai Giant Wheel

Standing at a staggering 250 meters (820 feet) tall, the Dubai Giant Wheel has dominated the city's skyline since October 2021, claiming the title of world's tallest observation wheel. This engineering marvel towers 82.4 meters (270 feet) above its nearest competitor, the High Roller in Las Vegas.

The Eye in Dubai, officially known as Ain Dubai, offers you breathtaking 360-degree views of iconic landmarks including Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa during its 38-minute ride. With 48 spacious cabins designed to carry up to 1,750 passengers simultaneously, this attraction provides an unparalleled vantage point of Dubai's urban landscape.

Construction of this colossal structure began in May 2015 and required over 11,000 tons of steel. Each of its massive legs reaches 126 meters (413 feet) high – equivalent to the length of 15 London busses lined up end to end. The hub and spindle alone weigh more than 1,800 tons, comparable to four A380 aircraft.

What makes this observation wheel truly remarkable goes beyond its impressive statistics. From its ambitious conception to unexpected closure and planned reopening, the story behind the world's largest Ferris wheel reveals fascinating insights into one of Dubai's most ambitious architectural achievements.

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The making of Ain Dubai: From vision to reality

The vision for what would become the world's tallest observation wheel first took shape when officials in Dubai gave developers the greenlight in 2013, as part of a broader strategy to boost tourism in the emirate. Initially named "Dubai Eye" or "Dubai-I," the project was officially announced in February 2013 before later being renamed "Ain Dubai" – meaning "Eye of Dubai" in Arabic.

Initial concept and announcement in 2013

The ambitious concept emerged as a centerpiece of the larger Bluewaters Island development, with Meraas (now part of Dubai Holding) spearheading the AED1bn (US$272.30m) project. For this unprecedented engineering challenge, Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Starneth Engineering were appointed as the primary design and construction contractors, alongside KCI, who engineered the complete wheel structure. From the beginning, the goal was clear – to surpass the High Roller in Las Vegas and create an engineering masterpiece that would offer visitors unparalleled views of Dubai's skyline.

Construction timeline and key milestones

Actual construction began in May 2015, with the project quickly proving to be an extraordinary engineering feat. A significant milestone occurred when the hub and spindle – weighing an impressive 1,805 tons, equivalent to four Airbus A380 aircraft – were safely placed atop the wheel's 126-meter high legs. Due to their massive size, these components had to be manufactured in the UAE and transported by sea to Bluewaters Island, as they were too large for land transportation. Furthermore, the installation required two of the world's largest cranes to position these critical elements perfectly.

Delays and revised opening dates

Although initially anticipated to be completed by early to mid-2019, the project faced multiple setbacks. According to Darren Brooke, senior technical director at WSP (Ain Dubai's lead consultant architect), the unprecedented scale of the project contributed to delays: "This has the area of four times a standard wheel, so we've had to put a lot more emphasis in the design". Subsequently, the completion date was pushed to October 20, 2020, to coincide with Expo 2020 Dubai. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced another postponement. Despite these challenges, the Dubai Giant Wheel finally opened its doors to the public on October 21, 2021, becoming an instant icon on Dubai's already impressive skyline.

Engineering behind the world's tallest Ferris wheel

The massive structure of the Dubai Giant Wheel represents an extraordinary feat of modern engineering, pushing the boundaries of what's technically possible in observation wheel design.

Height, weight, and structural scale

At an impressive diameter of 250 meters, this colossal structure stands 258 meters tall, making it essentially a vertical skyscraper that rotates. The wheel's hub and spindle assembly alone weighs a staggering 1,805 tons – equivalent to four A380 aircraft. Additionally, the combined weight of the rim and its 48 passenger cabins reaches 7,500 tons. Each of the supporting legs extends 126 meters in length, while the entire rotation takes precisely 38 minutes to complete.

Cabin design and passenger capacity

The Eye in Dubai features three distinct cabin types catering to different experiences. Specifically, these include the standard Observation cabins for general visitors, Social cabins for VIP guests (featuring a middle bar), and Private cabins that can be reserved for special events. Each air-conditioned cabin measures approximately 30 m² in surface area and can comfortably accommodate up to 40 passengers. Overall, this allows Ain Dubai to transport approximately 1,750 visitors simultaneously.

Materials used and construction partners

The wheel required over 11,200 tons of steel – about 33% more than what was used to build the Eiffel Tower Notably, the construction utilized high-strength special steels designed to withstand the 2,475-year cycle earthquake and maximum wind speeds of 45 m/s. The project required global expertise, with Hyundai Engineering & Construction serving as the primary contractor, collaborating with partners from more than 11 countries.

Comparison with other observation wheels

The Dubai Giant Wheel stands in a league of its own, towering 82.4 meters taller than the previous record holder, the High Roller in Las Vegas. In fact, it's nearly twice the height of the famous London Eye (135m). Unlike the London Eye, which features a cantilevered design supported only on one side, Ain Dubai utilizes a conventional wheel structure but achieves its rotation through 64 hydraulic motors with rubber tire friction rollers.

Discover more in the Dubai travel guide

The unexpected shutdown: What really happened?

Just months after its grand opening, the Dubai Giant Wheel's rotation came to an abrupt halt, leaving visitors and residents puzzled about the fate of this record-breaking attraction.

Closure in March 2022 and official statements

In March 2022, merely five months after welcoming its first visitors, the Eye in Dubai unexpectedly ceased operations. The initial announcement on Ain Dubai's website stated it would close "for periodic enhancements" with plans to reopen at the end of Ramadan. Shortly after, this timeline shifted dramatically as officials extended the closure "until Q1, 2023".

Unfortunately, even this extended deadline passed without the wheel turning again. By April 2023, management announced that Ain Dubai would "remain closed until further notice" while they "continue to rigorously work on completing the enhancement works". Interestingly, throughout these announcements, no specific technical issues were mentioned, leaving the public with minimal explanation for the prolonged shutdown.

Rumors of axle issues and structural concerns

As official information remained scarce, speculation about the actual problems grew. Local residents reported hearing the structure vibrate loudly and feeling ground tremors whenever the wheel turned. Moreover, anonymous sources cited by The Washington Post suggested more serious concerns: "something broke inside the main axle mechanism" while others claimed "it is sinking".

Even though these theories remained unconfirmed, they echoed earlier rumors that had circulated before the wheel's opening, including reports of "seized bearings that needed to be replaced" and "sound issues with the cabins". Nevertheless, these claims had previously been dismissed by project officials as unfounded.

Loss of safety certification and public reaction

Perhaps the most telling development came when Germany's Technical Inspection Association (TÜV), which had been involved in the wheel's construction, officially withdrew its safety certification for the structure. This critical loss of certification happened without public explanation, further fueling concerns about potential safety issues.

Despite these worries, the wheel's LED displays continued functioning, illuminating the structure at night and remaining visible from long distances. Remarkably, in April 2024, observers noticed the wheel actually rotating again, though it remained closed to the public—a sign that testing or repairs might finally be making progress toward an eventual reopening.

Ain Dubai today: Reopening, upgrades, and future outlook

After more than two years of silence, the Dubai Giant Wheel is once again gracing the skyline with its magnificent rotation. This impressive comeback marks a new chapter for one of the city's most ambitious attractions.

Reopening in December 2024

Following 33 months of closure, Ain Dubai finally reopened its doors on December 25, 2024. The relaunch occurred without much fanfare, as officials quietly began welcoming visitors to Bluewaters Island. This long-awaited reopening followed multiple postponements after the initial March 2022 shutdown, which was originally described as a brief enhancement period. Currently, the wheel operates Tuesday through Friday from 12 PM to 9 PM, alongside extended weekend hours from 11 AM to 9 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, remaining closed on Mondays.

Changes made during the closure

Throughout its extended downtime, the Eye in Dubai underwent comprehensive maintenance and safety upgrades. Alongside technical improvements, the attraction introduced enhanced food and beverage options, with numerous vendors and restaurants now surrounding the wheel. Particularly noteworthy is the addition of interactive pre-ride displays that educate visitors about the wheel's construction and Dubai's development. Furthermore, the boarding process has been streamlined, with guests advised to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled time.

Current visitor experience and ticketing

At present, Ain Dubai offers four distinct ticket categories. The basic "Ain Dubai Views" experience starts at AED 145 for adults and AED 115 for children aged 3-12. For those seeking additional amenities, the "Views Plus" package (AED 195) includes fast-track access, complimentary refreshments, and professional photography. Premium experiences beginning at AED 265 provide priority lounge access alongside mocktails or soft drinks. Lastly, private cabins accommodating groups of 6-20 people range from AED 1,260 to AED 3,400, complete with personalized butler service.

What lies ahead for the Eye in Dubai

Looking forward, Ain Dubai aims to position itself as a hub for special events and celebrations. The management has expressed commitment toward sustainability through energy-efficient lighting and waste reduction initiatives. Considering its unique stature as the world's tallest observation wheel, standing 250 meters high with 48 spacious cabins, the attraction's future seems promising as it works to reclaim its place among Dubai's premier destinations.

The Dubai Giant Wheel stands as a testament to Dubai's ambition and engineering prowess. This marvel not only dominates the city's skyline but also captures the essence of Dubai's go-big-or-go-home philosophy. Despite facing significant setbacks during its journey, the world's tallest observation wheel has proven resilient, much like the city it calls home.

From its initial conception in 2013 to its grand opening in 2021, Ain Dubai faced numerous challenges. Construction delays, technical hurdles, and a mysterious 33-month closure certainly tested the project's viability. Nevertheless, the attraction has emerged stronger, now offering visitors not just breathtaking views but also enhanced experiences with improved amenities and streamlined processes.

What makes this structure truly remarkable extends beyond its impressive statistics. The sheer scale of engineering required to build a 250-meter tall wheel, using more steel than the Eiffel Tower, demonstrates human ingenuity at its finest. Additionally, the various cabin options provide different ways for you to experience this architectural wonder, whether through a standard observation ride or a private VIP experience.

As you orbit 250 meters above the ground, the 38-minute rotation gives you ample time to admire Dubai's spectacular urban landscape. Though the wheel's unexpected closure sparked rumors and concerns, its rebirth in December 2024 has allowed it to reclaim its rightful place among Dubai's iconic attractions.

The story of the Dubai Giant Wheel ultimately reflects the emirate's relentless pursuit of greatness. Though faced with technical challenges and setbacks, this engineering marvel has risen above its difficulties, once again welcoming visitors to experience unparalleled views of one of the world's most extraordinary cities. Undoubtedly, as Ain Dubai continues to turn, it will remain a crowning jewel in Dubai's impressive collection of record-breaking attractions for years to come.

FAQs

1. How tall is the Dubai Giant Wheel and how does it compare to other observation wheels?

The Dubai Giant Wheel, also known as Ain Dubai, stands at an impressive height of 250 meters (820 feet), making it the world's tallest observation wheel. It surpasses the High Roller in Las Vegas by 82.4 meters and is nearly twice the height of the London Eye.

2. How long does a ride on the Dubai Giant Wheel last? 

A complete rotation on the Dubai Giant Wheel takes approximately 38 minutes. Visitors are advised to arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled time to complete the entry process and prepare for the experience.

3. What types of cabins are available on the Dubai Giant Wheel? 

The Dubai Giant Wheel offers three types of cabins: Observation cabins for general visitors, Social cabins for VIP guests with a middle bar, and Private cabins that can be reserved for special events. Each cabin can accommodate up to 40 passengers.

4. Why was the Dubai Giant Wheel closed shortly after its opening? 
 

The Dubai Giant Wheel unexpectedly closed in March 2022, just five months after its grand opening. While official statements cited "periodic enhancements" as the reason, the exact cause of the prolonged closure remains unclear. The wheel reopened in December 2024 after undergoing comprehensive maintenance and safety upgrades.

5. What experiences are currently available at the Dubai Giant Wheel? 

The Dubai Giant Wheel now offers four ticket categories: "Ain Dubai Views" for a basic experience, "Views Plus" with fast-track access and complimentary refreshments, premium experiences with lounge access, and private cabin rentals for groups. The attraction also features enhanced food and beverage options and interactive pre-ride displays.