Dubai Eye Wheel
Dubai Eye is a tribute to human genius, towering above the rest with its breathtaking 250-meter height. Read more!
Dubai Eye is a tribute to human genius, towering above the rest with its breathtaking 250-meter (820-foot) height. From October 2021, this gargantuan observation wheel has established itself as part of Dubai's architectural marvels, overtaking all such projects globally. With a height of 82.4 meters, the wheel shows Dubai's dominance in setting new engineering benchmarks.
Visitors are amazed by this wheel's stunning design - 48 precision-made cabins carry 1,750 passengers with spectacular views of Dubai's breathtaking skyline. With every rotation, panoramic views of architectural wonders unfold: the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, the palm-frond loveliness of Palm Jumeirah, the glittering Dubai Marina, and the towering Burj Khalifa soar high into the desert sky. In spite of the world pandemic that temporarily derailed the wheel's travel, its October 2021 launch was a highlight in Dubai's architectural achievements. Its upgrade is now underway, with even more experience to come upon reopening.
From Concept to Reality
February 2013 saw the advent of an ambitious dream - Dubai wheel would come into existence as a grand spectacle on Bluewaters Island. Meraas launched this dream with the goal to develop a piece of engineering perfection.
Original inspiration
The history of Dubai Eye owes its roots to a rich cultural background of observation wheels across the globe. POMA provided its masterful expertise to the project, as it had conceptualized cabins for such marvels in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Britain's Brighton i360 observation tower. The project picked up additional lessons from London Eye's success story.
Evolution of the design
Master craftsmen and engineers from ten nations work together to create this wonder of architecture. Steel structures were supplied from German, South Korean, and UAE workshops, with genius brains for engineering sent from the UK and Netherlands. WSP was the lead developer as the main consultant, managing the efforts of 11 highly skilled design teams.
Statistics reveal a spine-tingling portrait of engineering excellence. The wheel's framework used 11,200 tons of steel, one-third more than the Eiffel Tower used. Visualize four A380 aircraft - combined, they weigh the same as the massive wheel's hub and spindle at 1,805 tons. Perhaps most astonishing are the 192 spoke cables comprising 107 strands of individual 9mm-thick wire creating a web which could span Dubai to Cairo.
Technical Masterpiece of Dubai Eye
Dubai Eye is an engineering art masterpiece since it offers a lovely dance of structural elements and sophisticated mechanical systems. Eight meticulously crafted segments form the wheel's breathtaking rim, about 700 feet in diameter, supported by a complex system of cable spokes to the center hub.
Height and structure specifications
Marvel at the shape of the structure of the wheel - 192 strong cables provide its form, each one being able to absorb forces of 300 tons. Steel guardians take 7,500 tons' load, compressing together not only the rim but also suspended cabins. In the center, the hub and spindle assembly takes 40 meters in length, 20 meters high in rise, weighing in at 1,805 tons, securing the whole thing solidly in position.
Four massive support columns form the base of the wheel, each with the world's highest rope climbing platform at 150 meters. Natural abrasive coastal weathering succumbs to the protective coating of the wheel, designed specifically to remain corrosion-free.
Advanced operating systems
Tucked away under the wheel's gleaming exterior is a technological gem. Eight electrical motors, adorned with rubberized tires, execute the wheel's elegant rotation through carefully calculated pressure at strategic positions. An all-weather automatic system ensures smooth operation by holding the tire to optimal pressure at all times.
The Integrated Control System (ICS) is the pulsating heartbeat of the wheel, its watchful eye monitoring all movement as it adheres to rigid safety guidelines. Like synapses in a giant nervous system, the communications network runs through the structure, binding motors to cabins in flawless synchrony.
Sixty-four Continental TerminalMaster tires, each a goliath with a diameter of 1,070 millimeters and a weight of 71.2 kilograms, run in constant digital vigilance through ContiConnect and ContiPressureCheck systems. These guardians provide real-time tire condition reports and predict maintenance needs before they happen.
The safety arsenal of Dubai wheel includes:
- Twin emergency power systems with backup generators ready to go
- High-grade bearings that enable easy movement even during power failure
- Enhanced cyber protection through advanced security protocols
- Luxury multimedia systems in the cabins, that offer wireless connection and entertainment
Transforming Bluewaters Island
Five hundred meters off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence stands a mind-boggling testament to human innovation—Bluewaters Island. This marvel of engineering combines luxury homes, international-standard hospitality, and entertainment centers into a single fabric of modern living. Its crown jewel is Dubai eye wheel, the world's tallest and largest ferris wheel, offering tourists breathtaking views of the city's breathtaking skyline.
Integration with nearby attractions
Dubai's hallmark focus on connectivity is reflected through several elegantly designed entry points. Pedestrians walk over a 265-meter curved bridge connecting the island to The Beach and Jumeirah Beach Residences.
Nature provides visitors with Instagram-perfect scenery - Dubai Marina's sparkling skyline on one hand, infinite blue waters on the other. The jewel among close-by attractions, Banyan Tree Dubai resort, invites you with its own 500-meter private beach.
Creating a new tourist hub
Bluewaters Island pulses with life with its 200 dining and shopping outlets. Culinary perfection is presented in restaurants like celebrity chef Alvin Leung's Demon Duck, as well as The Spaniel and The Pods. Kids enjoy round-the-clock play alternatives:
- Tr88house's action-packed indoor play space
- Mind-bending experiences at Illusion City
- Life-like experiences at Madame Tussauds
Beneath this beauty lies a staggering tale of coordination - five prime contractors operating in unison more than 40 leading consultancy practices. Peak building witnessed 16,500 highly skilled workers and 25 cranes operating on a daily basis. Millions of tourists today bask in the fruit of such meticulous planning, as Bluewaters Island is the star of Dubai's prime attractions.
Future Plans for Dubai Ferris Wheel
December 26, 2024 was a day of great significance as Dubai Eye opened to visitors. Fresh from its upgrade process, the wheel is set to wow visitors with amazing new experiences.
Future features
Master craftsmen and technology pioneers worked day and night during the upgrade process, adding cutting-edge developments to the wheel's already magnificence. Their work makes Dubai Ferris wheel the jewel among the emirate's entertainment jewels. Travelers today choose from 19 carefully designed experiences in three different categories:
- Observation Cabins - windows to Dubai's breathtaking panorama
- Social Cabins - oases of hospitality with luxurious refreshments
- Private Cabins - retreats for milestone celebrations
Time freezes on every 38-minute climb upward, but those seeking longer adventures can double the experience to 76 magical minutes. Private cabins are turned into floating venues, perfect for small parties, corporate events, or life's milestone celebrations - from proposals to birthday milestones.
Dubai Eye's transformation is in line with the vision of the city. This masterful expansion, orchestrated in three stages up to 2031, will make Dubai the world's top exhibition destination. Dubai Ferris wheel stands tall along Dubai`s newest additions - ARTE MUSEUM Dubai and Cityland Mall - each one bolstering the emirate as a global center for leisure and entertainment.
Visiting Dubai Eye Today
Relish world-class scenery and indestructible memories from the world's biggest observation wheel.
Best Times to Visit
Have the best vistas at sunset when Dubai Eye's cityscape glows golden hues. Evening rides feature an awe-inspiring panorama of lit-up landmarks, while daytime features crystal-clear sights of the Arabian Gulf. Weekdays are best for a less busy visit, with weekends being busier.
What to Expect During the Ride
Step into a spacious, air-conditioned cabin and enjoy a smooth, 38-minute rotation offering 360-degree views of Dubai’s most iconic sights. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the serene waters of the Arabian Gulf, each moment is picture-perfect. Premium and private cabin options enhance the experience with refreshments and VIP services.
Dubai Eye emerges as a breathtaking tribute to human ingenuity, its 250-meter silhouette piercing the desert skyline. Their achievement stands not only as a record-breaker, but as poetry written in steel and technology.
Beyond the technological achievement of the wheel, there is a greater story of regeneration. December 2024 marks a new era in Dubai Eye's history. Enhanced cabins - whether viewing pods with breathtaking views, lively social spaces teeming with jubilation, or private havens for treasured moments - ensure experiences that touch the heart.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Dubai Eye?
Dubai Eye, officially known as Ain Dubai, is the world's tallest observation wheel, offering panoramic views of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks.
Q2. Where is Dubai Eye located?
Dubai Eye is situated on Bluewaters Island, just off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) in Dubai, UAE.
Q3. How tall is the Dubai Eye?
Ain Dubai towers at an impressive 250 meters (820 feet), making it the tallest observation wheel in the world.
Q4. How long is the Dubai Eye ride?
Each ride lasts approximately 38 minutes, giving guests ample time to take in Dubai’s breathtaking scenery.
Q5. Is Dubai Eye working now?
Yes, Ain Dubai reopened on December 26, 2024, after undergoing enhancements, and is now welcoming visitors.