Ain Dubai observation wheel back in circulation

Attraction on Bluewaters Island in Dubai has been out of action for more than two years

More than two years after it shut for “periodic enhancements”, Ain Dubai observation wheel reopened to guests on Thursday, with the first ride at noon. Tickets are available from the attraction's official website for 2025 and beyond.

The National visited Bluewaters Island for the wheel's relaunch and saw visitors buying tickets as well as printing pre-booked tickets from kiosks. Food and drink vendors have also opened pop-ups on site, in addition to the restaurants surrounding Ain Dubai.

Guests are advised to arrive 30 minutes before their booking slot to complete the entry process, buy snacks and use the facilities before embarking on the 38-minute ride.

Construction on Ain Dubai began in May 2015, with the attraction opening in October 2021. At more than 250 metres tall – about twice the height of the London Eye wheel – it has 48 glass cabins, each able to carry up to 40 people.

Tickets and contact details

There are four ticket categories listed on the Ain Dubai website.

Visitors take a ride in Ain Dubai on December 26. Antonie Robertson / The National

A shared cabin is from Dh145. For Dh195, you can get into a fast queue, plus snacks and drinks. A ticket with lounge access, priority check-in and drinks is from Dh265. A private pod, with an in-cabin menu, lounge access, drinks and a separate VIP entrance is Dh1,260.

Ain Dubai cabins

The type of cabin you enter depends on the experience you’ve booked. If it’s the shared observation cabin, you’ll find yourself in a spacious glass pod, with a simple white table in the centre. A private cabin comes with plush seats, all of which face outward for the best viewing opportunities, and a centre bar where staff can make and serve drinks.

All the cabins are air-conditioned.

A ride on Ain Dubai aside, the attraction also regularly hosts light and fireworks shows. AFP

Once the doors close, it’s all about standing back and admiring the view. The wheel moves slowly and smoothly, offering uninterrupted views of Bluewaters Island, Address Beach Resort, the Dubai coastline and Jumeirah Beach Residence.

When the pod is at the top of the wheel, you can see the outline of Palm Jumeirah, right down to Atlantis, The Palm on one end, while Burj Al Arab can be spotted in the distance.

The experience also vastly differs according to the time of visit, with sunset widely touted as the optimum slot. However, if you’re a shutterbug, we recommend going during the day to avoid reflections on the curved glass walls post-sundown.