L’Ain Dubai
In addition to the world records already set in Dubai, such as the world’s tallest building, largest indoor ski hall, largest fountain show and largest shopping mall, the city is also home to the world’s largest Ferris wheel.
Ain Dubai is located on the Dubai Bluewaters island project, valued at 6 billion dirhams (1.2 billion euros). This new artificial island lies just offshore from the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Dubai Marina. Bluewaters Island’s star attraction is undoubtedly the impressive Ain Dubai Ferris wheel, formerly known as the Dubai Eye. At 250 metres high, Ain Dubai far surpasses the London Eye, which stands at 135 metres. In addition to the Ferris wheel, Bluewaters Island offers a range of attractions, including an entertainment zone, luxury hotels, boutiques, restaurants, as well as luxury apartments and villas.
The world’s largest Ferris wheel
At 250 metres in height, the Ain Dubai in Dubai officially holds the title of the world’s largest Ferris wheel, according to the Guinness Book of Records. It thus surpasses the Singapore Flyer, the London Eye and the Las Vegas High Flyer, the latter at 167 metres the world’s tallest Ferris wheel.
The Ferris wheel features a total of 48 capsules, offering breathtaking views over Dubai. Each complete revolution of the wheel takes 38 minutes, and up to 1,400 people can be transported simultaneously in the Ain Dubai. Thanks to the clever design of the boarding platform, the wheel’s rotational movement is not interrupted when new passengers board.
The Ferris wheel’s spacious gondolas can each accommodate up to 40 passengers. They offer 360-degree panoramic views of iconic sites such as Palm Jumeirah Island and the remarkable Dubai skyline. Some capsules will be equipped with tables to allow up to 12 people to dine while admiring the view. What’s more, six of the capsules will feature a bar, so you can enjoy a drink while you take your turn on the Ferris wheel.
Everything has been thought out with the huge Ferris wheel in mind. The Ferris wheel can withstand heavy sandstorms, but earthquakes are no problem for Ain Dubai either. The wheel is designed so that if the ground shakes, it remains stable. In fact, in the event of an earthquake, the Ferris wheel is one of the safest places to be, according to the promoters. Safety is paramount in Dubai’s hot climate, which is why each capsule is equipped with double air conditioning in case the first air conditioner breaks down. This is a good thing, as summer temperatures in Dubai can reach almost 50 degrees. To keep the air conditioners running for long periods, each capsule is equipped with a back-up generator in case of a power failure in Dubai.
