You only need to visit Dubai once and realise its delightful and ever-growing environment of innovation and excitement. This dynamic emirate is appreciated for its awe-inspiring skyscrapers, amazing attractions, and never ending effort to bring something new to the table. Curious to know what happens when something like a Ferris Wheel reaches its full potential?
You must come and see for yourself, the stunning, marvelous Ain Dubai or Dubai Eye—the world’s largest observation wheel.
This fairly new landmark, situated on Bluewaters Island, has been the talk of the town since even the announcement of its creation.
Has it always been your dream to see Dubai from the sky? Now you can. But there are many things you should know first, like ticket details or the surprises in store if you pay a little extra, and we have gathered them all up right here.
Turning many heads around on its opening on October 21, 2021, Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island quickly earned its high rank on modern engineering and architecture. It is after all the world’s largest observation wheel, offering a 48 minute journey you wouldn’t find easy to forget. If you get yourself there, you’ll be rightfully stunned by the 360 degree views of Dubai’s iconic skyline. Although, somewhere along the ride, you’ll wonder if 48 minutes is enough, as there in each of the 48 capsules you’ll find LED screens that highlight key landmarks. This is the bare minimum, we wouldn’t mind reminding you, and it makes your experience both visually stunning and informative. There are of course other services to be enjoyed and we will get to that later.
Believe it or not, this gigantic structure can take as many as 1,750 people on a ride, while slowly and steadily rotating in its place.
Now we mentioned this is the world’s tallest Ferris wheel but we didn’t mention by how much, did we? At a towering 250 meters, Ain Dubai surpasses global icons like the London Eye which is 135 meters or the Singapore Flyer which is only 165 meters. The Star of Nanchang and the High Roller in Las Vegas which are both under 160 metres are also far behind. This engineering marvel is more than a fantastic ride, it’s a testament to Dubai’s ambition for what is to come in the years ahead. In that respect, and if it was a tad smaller, you could have found it in Dubai’s museum of the future.
The design of Ain Dubai is quite revolutionary, boasting spokes longer than a professional football pitch, while the combined length of its cables stretches 2,400 kilometers. That number، by the way, is the distance from Dubai to Cairo. You would hardly find a number here that wouldn’t surprise you as more than 9,000 tonnes of steel were used in Ain Dubai construction which is 25% more than what was used to build the Eiffel Tower.
Even Dubai has well known Ferris wheels, like the one in Global Village, that are simply unable to compare to the scale, sophistication, and the 360-degree views of Ain Dubai.
Finishing the job on this iconic structure took more than 9 million hours, and it is obvious why we consider it nothing less than a true masterpiece of modern design and ingenuity.
The design of the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel was initiated in 2015 by the two engineering giants, Starneth and Hyundai. The foundation work and leveling, however, started as early as 2013 and took two years to finish. Dubai’s rulers, unafraid to invest large budgets in city construction, initiated this impressive project.
Inside the cabins of Ain Dubai are amazing. The design is sleek and modern, focusing on comfort and luxury. Each cabin is spacious, with large glass windows providing uninterrupted views of Dubai’s skyline. The capsules also have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and durable flooring. The central hub is 6.5 meters in diameter and is made from a special steel used in atomic industries, lighter yet stronger than regular steel.
Whether you come at sunset or at night, Ain Dubai offers stunning views of iconic landmarks like The Palm, Dubai Marina, and Burj Al Arab from its spacious cabins, now who could say no to that? You’ll have the chance to look down at the Palms’ intricate fronds and golden beaches, marvel at the Majestic Towers of Dubai and enjoy the iconic sail-like silhouette of the Burj Al Arab, glowing majestically in distance. Everywhere you look you’ll find picture-perfect scenes, so don’t hesitate to capture every moment of it.
To see the world’s largest Ferris wheel and other amusements of Bluewaters Island, we assure you, they are worth the trip, you can get yourself there through many routes we’ll explain below:
If you are still unsure how to get there, check out our guide on How to Use Public Transportation in Dubai.
Another way to visit the Ain Dubai is to use your own car. This is how you’ll be able to park at Bluewaters, which is within a short walking distance of the giant observation wheel.
Valet parking is also possible in several locations around Ain Dubai. The charges are from 30 to 50 AED per hour.
Ain Dubai is of course a wonder during the day; and although it’s all about personal taste, it becomes spectacular during the nights when it lits up and shines. Considering the striking, not to mention famous views of the sunset along the Dubai skyline, evening time would be perfect to visit. The operating hours are as follows:
Of course, weekends are usually busier, both with locals and tourists, so if you prefer fewer crowds, visit Ain Dubai on weekdays. This is how you’ll avoid long lines and have a more relaxed experience.
As we have thoroughly discussed in our What to do When in Dubai? 25 Do’s and Don’ts of Visiting Dubai guid, the peak season for travelling to Dubai is from November to April. This is if you are particularly sensitive to weather, preferring the ideal conditions for going outside and sightseeing. However, this time also sees a significant rise in hotel rates because of tourist numbers.
On the other hand, the low season along with better prices starts in June and lasts till August, with considerable heat and humidity that may make outdoor activities a challenge for some. The choice is yours and depends on your budget and preferences. Make sure to choose accordingly so you wouldn’t accidentally ruin Ain Dubai once in a lifetime experience for yourself.
The ticket prices of the Ain Dubai Ferris wheel starts from 130 AED at the moment. However, the cost for children aged 3 to 12 is lower. The Ferris wheel offers a variety of ticket options, each catering to different experiences. These tickets are usually divided into nine categories, and the following four are the most popular:
This high-end attraction is a fancy one and you’ll know why it is more costly than a regular Ferris wheel once you are there. Fortunately, the combo tickets are also provided to the visitors for a budget friendly approach.
Ain Dubai is all about customer satisfaction and safety, offering support at any time, whether one has questions or queries. The Dubai Eye customer service team will assist you with anything from booking your tickets or explaining about the current offers.
But you may not even need any help as purchasing Ain Dubai tickets is quite straightforward from their website. For purchasing tickets, you must, under the laws of the United Arab Emirates, be capable of entering into legal contracts. Then you must provide your personal details including your full name, a valid e-mail address, telephone number, and your billing address.
For the smoothest process, ensure that everything is accurate for your ticket purchase. Complete the form, make your payment and confirm your ticket. The website also guarantees safety from personal information to your payments while making transactions on it.
The only thing left would be enjoying yourself up there on Ain Dubai!
As always, there are rules to be followed when boarding any vehicles. For one, Ain Dubai riders under 12 years must be there by an adult above 21 years old for safety reasons.
Moreover, for a safe and risk free experience inside the cabins, there is a strict ban on certain things. The ban list includes large bags, intoxicating liquor, sharp-edged tools, and smoking materials. These measures ensure the safety of all guests so you better leave your personal belongings at lockers or designated storage areas before boarding.
As we mentioned, one ride in Dubai Eye lasts for approximately 38 minutes.
To make the most of this experience, it is best to arrive 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled ride. In that time you can use the restroom or snack around from the vendors before boarding. That will most certainly come useful as the cabins do not hold restrooms. After the ride, you can step into Seaview Lounge on the first floor or relax in the bistro cafe on the ground floor to relax a bit.
At a height of 250 meters and located on a beautiful man-made island, Dubai Eye offers prime professional photography opportunities. Here’s what to do:
We have gathered some tips and tricks for getting the best shots of Ain Dubai and it’s all about your timing and preparation:
To capture the best photos inside an Ain Dubai cabin, follow these tips:
A visit to Ain Dubai can be much more than enjoying the view or capturing your memorable moments. Situated on Bluewaters Island, the area is filled with exciting activities and dining options. For those who enjoy delicious meals with a view, there are plenty of renowned restaurants, including The Selfish Bull, which serves exquisite seafood, and Sah El Nom, offering exotic Syrian cuisine.
For entertainment you can head to The Brass Monkey, one of Dubai’s most popular entertainment options. There you’ll find a bowling alley and gaming arcade tailor-made for fun and relaxation.
If you are looking to rest a bit, the Caesars Palace Bluewaters nearby offers an amazing beachside staycation where you can enjoy all kinds of amenities. With all these fun attractions so close to Ain Dubai, you can easily turn your visit into an all day trip.
We kept the news of Ain Dubai being closed for last as It may soon reopen its doors. Yes they have been closed since March 2022 for maintenance but recent footage and eyewitness accounts show the wheel gently turning, a positive sign to its possible reopening. While the movement is minor, it would mean that the landmark is doing some final preparations.
That’s not all, a ticket kiosk with Ain Dubai branding also has also popped up at The Wharf Mall, suggesting that ticket sales are coming back. No official date has been announced yet, though. The attraction’s official website still states that it is closed “until further notice” for enhancement works but teases “new and exciting offers” for when the wheel reopens. Fans around the world are eagerly waiting for this iconic Dubai landmark to finally reopen in all its glory.
Dubai Eye furthers the long-held ambitions of the city to be an international tourism destination. It is no secret that tourism has been one of the major strategies for the UAE and Dubai. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, tourism comprised 12.1% of the UAE’s GDP. That number is AED 159.1 billion, which means the emirate isn’t joking around in its marketing efforts. Of course, there are different categories when it comes to tourism, but adventure seems to be a favourite among UAE officials.
It is exactly these kinds of attractions that are making Dubai’s property prices go up, reflecting the city’s popularity in light of world-class attractions, such as Ain Dubai.
Ain Dubai is way more than just a ferris wheel; it’s a gateway to views you’ll not find anywhere else and unforgettable, picture perfect moments. But perhaps, more than anything, it is a true celebration of Dubai’s culture of innovation and ambition. Standing tall at 250 meters, it is the perfect example for the spirit of this vibrant city, highlighting the beauty of its iconic skyline and beloved landmarks like The Palm, Dubai Marina, and the Burj Al Arab. Whether you decide to visit at early morning or after nightfall, the experience promises magic, as there are luxurious cabins and world-class amenities in reach.
Perfect for families, friends, or even solo adventurers, you’ll get plenty of adventure, relaxation and beauty all at the same time. As soon as it opens, make sure not to miss your chance, come and witness Dubai from the top of the world and create lasting memories.
Ain Dubai is the world's tallest observation wheel and it stands at an astonishing 250 meters. It is located on Bluewaters Island, just off the coast of Dubai. This iconic structure offers 360-degree views of the city's skyline, and when you are up there, you'll see landmarks like Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa.
Ain Dubai significantly contributes to Dubai’s tourism appeal by offering a unique experience for both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking breathtaking views. It complements Dubai’s existing tourist offerings like luxury shopping, and cultural experiences.
Unfortunately, Ain Dubai has been closed for maintenance since March 2022. But recent developments including video footage showing it moving means that the observation wheel may soon reopen. Keep in mind, there's no official reopening date.
Standing at 250 meters, Ain Dubai dwarfs other observation wheels such as the London Eye at 135 meters, the Singapore Flyer at 165 meters, and the High Roller in Las Vegas at 168 meters.
