Ain Dubai is 250 metres tall. EPA
Ain Dubai is 250 metres tall. EPA
Ain Dubai is 250 metres tall. EPA
Ain Dubai is 250 metres tall. EPA

Ain Dubai to remain closed until further notice, owners announce


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The world's tallest Ferris wheel remains out of service as enhancement works continue.

A message posted on Ain Dubai's website says the attraction will be "closed until further notice”.

“Once a reopening date is set, a further announcement will be made. In line with our commitment to offering guests an experience unlike any other, we look forward to introducing new and exciting offers when we reopen Ain Dubai for visitors to enjoy from across the globe,” the message reads.

The attraction was initially closed in March last year for “periodic enhancements”, and was scheduled to remain out of operation over Ramadan but reopen for the Eid Al Fitr holiday weekend. Those plans were then amended with the closure period extended until the first part of this year.

Now, visitors waiting to experience the record-breaking attraction will have to wait a bit longer.

  • Ain Dubai will stay closed until further notice. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Ain Dubai will stay closed until further notice. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Ain Dubai is the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel. AFP
    Ain Dubai is the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel. AFP
  • The attraction opened in October, 2021 and closed for enhancement in March, 2022. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The attraction opened in October, 2021 and closed for enhancement in March, 2022. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Passengers in a pod on Ain Dubai. AP Photo
    Passengers in a pod on Ain Dubai. AP Photo
  • Ain Dubai at sunset. EPA
    Ain Dubai at sunset. EPA
  • The giant wheel has 48 pods. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The giant wheel has 48 pods. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Ain Dubai decorated with Halloween lights in October 2021. AFP
    Ain Dubai decorated with Halloween lights in October 2021. AFP
  • The views of Dubai from the wheel are spectacular. EPA
    The views of Dubai from the wheel are spectacular. EPA
  • A view of Palm Jumeirah. EPA
    A view of Palm Jumeirah. EPA
  • The observation wheel is more than 250 metres tall with 360-degree views of Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The observation wheel is more than 250 metres tall with 360-degree views of Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The wheel has the capacity to carry more than 1,750 visitors at the same time. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The wheel has the capacity to carry more than 1,750 visitors at the same time. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The entrance to Ain Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The entrance to Ain Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Ferris wheel at Bluewaters in Dubai is illuminated at night. AP Photo
    The Ferris wheel at Bluewaters in Dubai is illuminated at night. AP Photo

Located on Bluewaters Island, the attraction opened to the public in October 2021. Standing at more than 250 metres tall — about twice the height of the London Eye — the wheel offers views of landmarks including Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah. It features 48 luxury cabins, each able to carry up to 40 guests, and a single rotation of the wheel takes 38 minutes.

Hundreds of thousands of people have visited the attraction since it opened, according to the Ain Dubai website.

Ain Dubai in numbers

  • 250 metres high
  • 115 metres taller than the London Eye
  • 82.4 metres taller than the High Roller in Las Vegas, previously the world's tallest observation wheel
  • 48 cabins
  • 1,750 capacity
  • 2,400 kilometres of cables
  • 360-degree views of Dubai
  • 20km distance from Burj Khalifa
  • 77 months to build, after construction began in May 2015

Stunning photos of Ain Dubai taken over a nine-month period — in pictures

  • 'Fireworks From Caesars'. All photos by Ahmad Alnaji
    'Fireworks From Caesars'. All photos by Ahmad Alnaji
  • 'Night Fog'
    'Night Fog'
  • 'Moonset'
    'Moonset'
  • 'Moonlight Reflection'
    'Moonlight Reflection'
  • 'Day Fog with Boats'
    'Day Fog with Boats'
  • 'NYE Fireworks'
    'NYE Fireworks'
  • 'Daylight Fog'
    'Daylight Fog'
  • 'Ain Dubai LED'
    'Ain Dubai LED'
  • 'Sunset Fog'
    'Sunset Fog'
  • 'Fog Drone'
    'Fog Drone'
Updated: April 07, 2023, 5:18 AM