Dubai already had the world's tallest building (the Burj Khalifa) and now Dubai has the world's largest and tallest Ferris wheel or observation wheel. It is called Ain Dubai (or عين دبي in Arabic) and is located on Bluewaters Island near the Dubai Marine in Dubai. While there, don't forget to visit the Dubai Mall - the most-visited luxury shopping mall in the world.
This monster rises to an astonishing height of 250 meters or 820 feet and has pushed the limits of engineering. It was previously named the Dubai Eye or Dubai-I and was announced in February 2013. Its opening was pushed back due to the pandemic and finally opened on October 21, 2021.
The Size Of The Ain Dubai
- Opened: October 21, 2021
- Height: 250 Meters or 820 Feet
- Record: 82.4 Meters or 270 Feet Higher Than The Second Highest Ferris Wheel
To put the size into perspective, the London Eye is perhaps the best-known observation wheel in the world and is "only" around 440 feet tall.
The Ain Dubai hasn't just broken the world record, it has smashed it. The previous tallest Ferris wheel in the world was the High Roller in Las Vegas. It is a massive 82.4 meters or 270 feet taller than the High Roller.
High Roller - Las Vegas:
- Opened: March 2014
- Height: 167.6 Meters or 550 Feet
- Capacity: 1,120 Passengers
The Ferris wheel is massive and required 11,200 tons of steel to build. It has a capacity of 1,750 passengers and carries 48 capsules - of the capsules are airconditioned. On this ride, one can enjoy stunning views of the Dubai Marina and many of its most famous landmarks like the Burj Al Arab (which is now open to tours), Palm Jumeirah, and the Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world. Even if one can't afford to stay at the fabulously luxurious Burj Al Arab, it has just opened to the public for tours.
Riding On The Ain Dubai
One full rotation on the Ain Dubai takes around 38 minutes. But one needn't worry about getting peckish on the trip. There are food and beverage stands on the ground and one is permitted to take them on the ride (including drinks from the bar).
From these transparent observation cabins, one can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Dubai. One can ride in the day, or see the glittering city at night, or watch the Arabian sunset in the evening. The Ain Dubai has three cabin options, shared cabins, social cabins, and private cabins.
With the social packages, one can enjoy a ride with a completely different vibe. They are restricted to those ages 21 or over and passengers step into a premium cabin for the VIP treatment. Or they get the best social vibes at their Skybar with beverages to toast over the Dubai sunset.
Tickets And Packages
Standard Ticket:
- Adult: From 130.00 AED ($35)
- Child: From 100.00 AED ($27) (Aged 3 to 12 Years Of Age)
Ain Dubai Lounge Plus: The VIP experience starts with premium check-in and seating the Ain Dubai's Seaview Lounge. One house beverage is in the lounge is included in the price of the ticket.
- Duration: Approx. 38 Minutes
- Includes: Ain Dubai's Seaview Lounge And One House Beverage=
- Cost: From 175 AED ($48)
Ain Dubai Premium: One can upgrade their ticket with an Ain Dubai Premium ticket and choose from three beverage-inclusive ticket types (including a family-friendly option). With this ticket, one can enjoy a premium cabin and lounge access with a welcome drink.
- Duration: Approx. 38 Minutes
- Includes: Ain Dubai's Seaview Lounge And One House Beverage
- Cost: From 380 AED ($105)
Ain Dubai Vibes Plus: The Ain Dubai Vibes Plus enables guests to take everything up a notch with a lively vibe and a house beverage package. The central feature in this top-of-the-world air-conditioned cabin is a dedicated bar area. The ticket includes 2 house beverages (entry is restricted to guests aged 21 and over).
- Duration: Approx. 38 Minutes
- Includes: Ain Dubai's Seaview Lounge And One House Beverage
- Cost: From 200 AED ($50)
Private Use Cabins: One can even hold celebrations of birthdays, engagements, weddings, business functions, or other special occasions in the Ferris wheel. The cabins can be customized to cater for a full range of events. For a customized experience one needs to inquire for a quote.
The Celebrate Ain Dubai Plus package is a luxury private experience. Includes a range of house, sparking, and bubbly beverage packages with a family-friendly mocktail option too. This is perfect for celebrations, corporate entertainment, and holiday dates. Service options range from a self-service Skybar to a private bartender.
- Duration: Approx. 38 Minutes
- Includes: Private Bar, House, Sparkling, And Bubbly Wines
- Cost: From 4,700 AED ($1,280)
There are many luxury things to see and do while in Dubai, and the list just keeps getting longer. Now add the Ain Dubai to one's list of things to do in Dubai.