The world’s tallest observation wheel is one step closer to completion after the first passenger capsule was installed on Ain Dubai.
Once completed, Ain Dubai will stand 250 metres high on Bluewaters Island off Jumeirah Beach Residence and will have 48 capsules.
The project was expected to open in time for Expo 2020, which was due to start in October. The event will now take place in 2021.
"Ain Dubai is shaping up well and has successfully installed its first capsule on to the wheel this weekend," said a representative.
"Over the coming period, the remaining 47 capsules are scheduled for gradual installation."
Each of the 48 capsules holds a total of 40 passengers, meaning Ain Dubai can accommodate more than 1,900 visitors during a single rotation. Ain Dubai was unable to confirm when the project would be completed or how much it would cost to use.
“While we are extremely excited to bring Ain Dubai into full swing and welcome our very first passengers, we can only announce the completion date in due course."
The representative added that Ain Dubai would adhere to “appropriate social distancing practices”.
When Ain Dubai is completed it will be in illustrious company with other famous observation wheels around the world.
The wheel is more than 80m taller than the 167m High Roller ferris wheel in Las Vegas, which still holds the record until Ain Dubai finally opens.
Las Vegas’ High Roller has 28 capsules that each hold 40 people during its 30-minute rotation.
The 165m high Singapore Flyer was built in 2008 and is the second-highest wheel in the world. Each of its 28 passenger capsules, which hold 28 people, are said to be the same size as a minibus.
Ain Dubai is primed to be the main attraction on Bluewaters Island, which will also feature residential, retail and hospitality offerings.
