After mesmerising the world with the world’s tallest building, the largest mall, the deepest diving pool and a host of other accolades, Dubai will now have the world’s largest observation wheel and the region’s first Madame Tussauds’ wax museum; all on an artificial island developed as a hub for food, fun and frolicking.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, first unveiled plans to develop Bluewaters Island In February 2013. Built at an estimated cost of Dh6 billion, Bluewaters is an artificial island 500 metres off the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) coastline near Dubai Marina, the world’s largest man-made canal city.

The island is now set to open Ain Dubai (previously referred to as Dubai Eye) as the world’s largest observation wheel. Standing at over 250-metres high, Ain Dubai is the latest landmark to join Dubai’s long list of world record-breaking attractions. Set to open on October 21, three weeks after the start of the six-month-long World Expo Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel is 42.5 metres taller than the current tallest Ferris wheel in Las Vegas.

Ain Dubai can carry up to 1,400 passengers, in its 48 capsules, and provide views of the picturesque Dubai Marina and other landmarks like Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa. The first passenger capsule was installed in August 2020. An 80-metre LED screen is mounted on the wheel creating an electronic platform for advertising and broadcasting information.

Ain Dubai can carry up to 1,400 passengers, in its 48 capsules,

Ain Dubai: a new world record for Dubai

The monument is an amazing feat of construction, with each leg of the wheel standing 126 metres high – long enough to fit 15 London buses – while the weight of the assembled hub and spindle is equivalent to four A380 aircraft.

The giant wheel offers unrivalled 360-degree views of Dubai’s urban skyline in a relaxing yet mesmerising 38-minute journey – up to two rotations of approximately 76 minutes can be taken.

There are 48 pods on the wheel, with each pod allowing 10 people at a time. About 1,805 tonnes is the weight of the Ain Dubai’s hub and spindle.

The project was launched by Maras, a Dubai-based holding company that reclaimed land with dredging work conducted by the Dutch firm known for its work on Palm Jumeirah. Ain Dubai’s construction has pushed the engineering boundaries at every stage from design through fabrication to assembly on site.

Two of the world’s largest cranes were mobilised on site – each possessing a 180-metre long boom and a lifting capacity of over 3,000 tonnes – and tasked with setting the hub and spindle atop the Ain Dubai’s 120 metre high legs. 

Over 9,000 tonnes of steel was used to create this incredible masterpiece. Ain Dubai has used about 25 per cent more steel than what was used to build the Eiffel Tower. The rim sections are held in place using cables that measure about 2,400 kilometres in length if stretched out. In terms of comparison, Ain Dubai will go past the 167 metre High Roller observation wheel in Las Vegas, and the 135-metre London Eye.

Officials say Ain Dubai sets the bar higher again for the tourism industry at a point where Dubai is trying to reinvigorate tourism and travel in the UAE’s Golden Jubilee Year. This attraction will add to the long list of 345 world records of the Arab world’s second-biggest and most-vibrant economy. From dining in the sky and exclusive celebration packages to corporate and event offerings, it will bring over 19 customisable experiences against the backdrop of the Dubai skyline.

Cost to ride

Tickets are now available on the Ain Dubai website. Those for adults are priced at Dh130 and Dh100 for children aged between three and 12 years. It will offer experiences starting with one rotation of approximately 38 minutes, up to two rotations of approximately 76 minutes. Visitors can also access its private cabin that provides full exclusivity. Unique celebration packages will also be available for birthdays, engagements, weddings and business functions. The private cabins can be customised to cater for all sorts of events from intimate celebrations to cultural festivities to treat VIP guests.

USE tweet as image in copy

Dubai Government Media Office (DGMO) tweeted: “Ain Dubai will contribute to enriching Dubai’s offerings as a global tourism and leisure destination.”

Madame Tussauds

Also coming to Bluewaters Island is Madame Tussauds, the world’s famous wax museum. It will be its 25th museum and the first in the Arabian Gulf region. The iconic attraction will provide an interactive fame experience like no other, where visitors can get up close and take pictures with 60 global stars, including 16 brand new wax figures from the Middle East region. The first Middle East wax figure will be of the much-loved Emirati-Yemeni music star, Balqees Fathi, who rose to fame in 2013. 

The first outpost in the Arab world of Madame Tussauds will be located next to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, and will enhance the vibrant destination’s position as one of Dubai’s most attractive tourism destinations. Visitors can feel the fame as they step into the star-studded party of a lifetime, where they can meet incredible likenesses of the stars from the region and beyond in a family-oriented attraction that offers a diverse range of experiences to enjoy all year round.

Star attractions

With seven themed rooms, guests can step into a Bollywood movie and take a picture with the Badshah of Bollywood, Shahrukh Khan, or make the impossible possible by taking a selfie with the beauty queen herself, Kylie Jenner.

The museum spans 21,528 square feet and is spread across two floors.

And that’s not all, guests can feel like a supermodel and have a once in lifetime experience posing next to Cara Delevingne and can even show off their football skills next to the legend, Christiano Ronaldo. In addition to well-known global figures, the new Madame Tussauds will also be home to figures celebrated in the Middle East including Nancy Ajram and Maya Diab, alongside other figures which we will announce very soon. The new attraction will provide an immersive and exhilarating experience for visitors to enjoy the famous world of renowned celebrities and personalities.

The museum will be divided into six zones: leaders, fashion, film and media, Bollywood, sports and music parties. Within each area, there are experiences for visitors to enjoy, such as an Air Force One presidential photo opportunity, riding a rickshaw with Salman Khan, a football penalty shoot-out and a projected interactive dance floor.

Live. Shop. Relax. Enjoy

The Bulewaters island includes entertainment, hospitality, residential, and retail zones. It features two five-star hotels with direct beach access and 200 beverage and retail and food outlets on the ground level, making it one of the most sought-after destinations. 

The island is connected to the mainland directly via Sheikh Zayed road and a 265-metre pedestrian bridge that links the island to the beach opposite JBR.

The ultra-luxe hub is also home to Caesar’s Palace Dubai, a luxurious lifestyle resort. 

From Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), one can take a stroll across the pedestrian link bridge or have access to a Metro station.

The vibrant lifestyle destination with bridge and multi-mode transport systems is poised to become one of the world’s major tourism hotspots and a Dubai favourite.