• Ain Dubai will open to the public on October 21. Pawan Singh / The National
    Ain Dubai will open to the public on October 21. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The reception hall of Ain Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The reception hall of Ain Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • An external view of an Ain Dubai cabin, one of 48. Pawan Singh / The National
    An external view of an Ain Dubai cabin, one of 48. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors watch as the Ain Dubai cabins sweep into view. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors watch as the Ain Dubai cabins sweep into view. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The entrance to Ain Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The entrance to Ain Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Ron Drake, general manager of Ain Dubai, believes the attraction will 'eclipse anything that’s come before it'. Pawan Singh / The National
    Ron Drake, general manager of Ain Dubai, believes the attraction will 'eclipse anything that’s come before it'. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A view of the Address Beach Resort from an Ain Dubai pod. Pawan Singh / The National
    A view of the Address Beach Resort from an Ain Dubai pod. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A cabin at the end of one of Ain Dubai's spokes. Pawan Singh / The National
    A cabin at the end of one of Ain Dubai's spokes. Pawan Singh / The National
  • One of the surprisingly spacious Ain Dubai cabins. Pawan Singh / The National
    One of the surprisingly spacious Ain Dubai cabins. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A visitor takes in the skyline from a cabin in Ain Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    A visitor takes in the skyline from a cabin in Ain Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Dubai's spectacular coastline through the window of an Ain Dubai cabin. Pawan Singh / The National
    Dubai's spectacular coastline through the window of an Ain Dubai cabin. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The view of Ain Dubai from Bluewaters Island, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    The view of Ain Dubai from Bluewaters Island, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Ain Dubai nighttime view is starkly different. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Ain Dubai nighttime view is starkly different. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The view from a premium cabin of Ain Dubai at night. Pawan Singh / The National
    The view from a premium cabin of Ain Dubai at night. Pawan Singh / The National
  • At night, visitors can admire the lights of Bluewaters Island and JBR from Ain Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    At night, visitors can admire the lights of Bluewaters Island and JBR from Ain Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Before leaving the attraction, guests can pick up souvenirs from the gift shop. Pawan Singh / The National
    Before leaving the attraction, guests can pick up souvenirs from the gift shop. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Mugs, T-shirts, pens and keychains can be found at the Ain Dubai gift shop. Pawan Singh / The National
    Mugs, T-shirts, pens and keychains can be found at the Ain Dubai gift shop. Pawan Singh / The National

Ain Dubai to open to the public on October 21 with tickets now available to book


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

It’s been one of the UAE’s most anticipated launches of the year, and the wait is finally over.

Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel, has announced that it will be opening to the public on October 21.

Tickets for the attraction will cost from Dh130 for adults and Dh100 children, and can be purchased now from the Ain Dubai website.

“I believe Ain Dubai is going to eclipse anything that’s come before it,” says Ron Drake, general manager of Ain Dubai. “It’s a new way of entertainment for Dubai.”

A single rotation takes about 38 minutes, and gives guests 360-degree views of the Dubai skyline from luxe air-conditioned pods. But it’s the hospitality offerings that separate Ain Dubai from other similar attractions around the world, says Drake.

“We offer a full selection of 19 unique entertainment experiences. These are multilayered experiences we offer to our guests so they keep coming back for more. There are different views during the daytime of Bluewaters Island views and during the night-time, the beautiful LED Lights of the Dubai skyline.

“We have packages where you can customise everything from the music to the decor to the food to the lighting.”

Prices go up to Dh4,500 for a group of eight, for the more exclusive dining experiences. Ain Dubai will be open daily from noon to 10pm.

Visitors are advised to arrive 30 to 60 minutes ahead of time to complete the entry process, buy snacks and to use the toilets.

Food and drinks bought externally or from home will not be permitted on Ain Dubai, but visitors will be able to purchase items from the lounge or the concessions inside the cabins.

The attraction, located on Bluewaters Island, has already become a permanent part of the Dubai skyline. Standing 250-metres tall, the record-breaking structure is nearly twice the height of the London Eye. It houses 48 pods, with each having the capacity to accommodate up to 40 guests, although that number has been reduced owing to Covid-19 safety regulations.

Covid-19 safety regulations

Wearing masks will be mandatory within the cabins. Besides this, Ain Dubai will have precautionary measures including: providing disposable masks and hand sanitiser; an online ticketing system; physical barriers between guests and staff; contactless payment; electronic devices for ordering food and drinks in the lounge; a limited number of guests within each cabin; and regular disinfection of frequently touched areas.

More information on parking and the experiences can be found here

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Dubai Rugby Sevens

November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai

Gulf Under 19

Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy

Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2

Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina

Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School

THE SPECS

BMW X7 xDrive 50i

Engine: 4.4-litre V8

Transmission: Eight-speed Steptronic transmission

Power: 462hp

Torque: 650Nm

Price: Dh600,000

The Written World: How Literature Shaped History
Martin Puchner
Granta

Why the Tourist Club?

Originally, The Club (which many people chose to call the “British Club”) was the only place where one could use the beach with changing rooms and a shower, and get refreshments.

In the early 1970s, the Government of Abu Dhabi wanted to give more people a place to get together on the beach, with some facilities for children. The place chosen was where the annual boat race was held, which Sheikh Zayed always attended and which brought crowds of locals and expatriates to the stretch of beach to the left of Le Méridien and the Marina.

It started with a round two-storey building, erected in about two weeks by Orient Contracting for Sheikh Zayed to use at one these races. Soon many facilities were planned and built, and members were invited to join.

Why it was called “Nadi Al Siyahi” is beyond me. But it is likely that one wanted to convey the idea that this was open to all comers. Because there was no danger of encountering alcohol on the premises, unlike at The Club, it was a place in particular for the many Arab expatriate civil servants to join. Initially the fees were very low and membership was offered free to many people, too.

Eventually there was a skating rink, bowling and many other amusements.

Frauke Heard-Bey is a historian and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 1968.

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

if you go
The specs: 2019 Infiniti QX50

Price, base: Dh138,000 (estimate)
Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 268hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 380Nm @ 4,400rpm
Fuel economy: 6.7L / 100km (estimate)

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Selected fixtures

All times UAE

Wednesday
Poland v Portugal 10.45pm
Russia v Sweden 10.45pm

Friday
Belgium v Switzerland 10.45pm
Croatia v England 10.45pm

Saturday
Netherlands v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Denmark 10.45pm

Sunday
Poland v Italy 10.45pm

Monday
Spain v England 10.45pm

Tuesday
France v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Wales 10.45pm

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S23%20ULTRA
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.8%22%20edge%20quad-HD%2B%20dynamic%20Amoled%202X%2C%20Infinity-O%2C%203088%20x%201440%2C%20500ppi%2C%20HDR10%2B%2C%20120Hz%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204nm%20Qualcomm%20Snapdragon%208%20Gen%202%2C%2064-bit%20octa-core%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F12GB%20RAM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20128%2F256%2F512GB%2F1TB%20(only%20128GB%20has%20an%208GB%20RAM%20option)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Android%2013%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20quad%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20f%2F2.2%20%2B%20200MP%20wide%20f%2F1.7%20%2B%2010MP%20telephoto%20f%2F4.9%20%2B%2010MP%20telephoto%202.4%3B%203x%2F10x%20optical%20zoom%2C%20Space%20Zoom%20up%20to%20100x%3B%20auto%20HDR%2C%20expert%20RAW%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208K%4024%2F30fps%2C%204K%4060fps%2C%20full-HD%4060fps%2C%20HD%4030fps%2C%20full-HD%20super%20slo-mo%40960fps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%20f%2F2.2%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205000mAh%2C%20fast%20wireless%20charging%202.0%2C%20Wireless%20PowerShare%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%205G%2C%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.2%2C%20NFC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20USB-C%3B%20built-in%20Galaxy%20S%20Pen%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESIM%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20single%20nano%20%2F%20nano%20%2B%20eSIM%20%2F%20nano%20%2B%20nano%20%2B%20eSIM%20%2F%20nano%20%2B%20nano%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20cream%2C%20green%2C%20lavender%2C%20phantom%20black%3B%20online%20exclusives%3A%20graphite%2C%20lime%2C%20red%2C%20sky%20blue%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh4%2C949%20for%20256GB%2C%20Dh5%2C449%20for%20512GB%2C%20Dh6%2C449%20for%201TB%3B%20128GB%20unavailable%20in%20the%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

The schedule

December 5 - 23: Shooting competition, Al Dhafra Shooting Club

December 9 - 24: Handicrafts competition, from 4pm until 10pm, Heritage Souq

December 11 - 20: Dates competition, from 4pm

December 12 - 20: Sour milk competition

December 13: Falcon beauty competition

December 14 and 20: Saluki races

December 15: Arabian horse races, from 4pm

December 16 - 19: Falconry competition

December 18: Camel milk competition, from 7.30 - 9.30 am

December 20 and 21: Sheep beauty competition, from 10am

December 22: The best herd of 30 camels

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Seven tips from Emirates NBD

1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details

2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet

3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details

4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure

5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs  (one-time passwords) with third parties

6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies

7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately

Updated: August 25, 2021, 7:42 AM