World's largest ferris wheel in Dubai remains closed
Travel

World’s largest ferris wheel, Ain Dubai, remains closed indefinitely

Ain Dubai, the world’s largest and tallest Ferris wheel, has been closed since March 2022, leaving many tourists and locals alike disappointed. Previously set to reopen in the first quarter of 2023, the attraction has been closed indefinitely due to ongoing “enhancement works” on Bluewaters Island in Dubai.

Standing at a height of 250 meters, Ain Dubai offers a 360-degree view of the Dubai skyline from its 48 air-conditioned passenger cabins, holding up to 1,750 visitors in one revolution. The attraction was inaugurated in October 2021 and quickly became a popular tourist destination. However, shortly after its opening, Ain Dubai closed for maintenance in March 2022 and has remained closed ever since.

The official website issued an “Important Update” stating that Ain Dubai will continue to remain closed until further notice as the maintenance work is ongoing. The announcement did not provide any details on when the attraction will reopen, unlike previous announcements that set deadlines that were later extended.

Closed until further notice

The update read, “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 re-open Ain Dubai for visitors to enjoy from across the globe.”

The closure has been disappointing for tourists and locals, who have been eagerly anticipating the attraction’s reopening. However, the safety of visitors is the top priority, and Ain Dubai’s management is taking all necessary measures to ensure that the attraction is ready to provide visitors with the best experience possible once it reopens.

Affecting other businesses

Ain Dubai’s closure has also impacted the tourism industry in Dubai, which has been struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The attraction was expected to generate significant revenue for the city, but the closure has resulted in a loss of revenue and has affected the city’s image as a top tourist destination.

Bluewaters Island, where Ain Dubai is located, is a man-made island that features a mix of residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. The island was developed by Meraas, a Dubai-based holding company that specializes in developing real estate, hospitality, and entertainment projects.

Centerpiece attraction

Ain Dubai was designed to be the centerpiece of Bluewaters Island, attracting visitors from all over the world. The attraction’s design is inspired by the UAE’s rich maritime history, with each of its 48 cabins representing a different country or city with maritime connections.

The observation wheel is almost twice the height of the London Eye and weighs as much as four A380 aircraft. It has become an iconic landmark in Dubai and is expected to attract millions of visitors once it reopens.

In the meantime, tourists and locals can explore other attractions on Bluewaters Island, such as the retail and dining outlets, the beach club, and the Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai hotel. The island also features a large indoor entertainment complex, The Green Planet, which is home to over 3,000 plants and animals.

Dubai has been investing heavily in its tourism industry, with the aim of attracting 20 million tourists by 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the industry, and the closure of Ain Dubai has only added to the challenges.

Despite the challenges, Dubai remains committed to developing its tourism industry and has announced several new projects, such as the Dubai Harbour project, which will feature the largest marina in the Middle East and North Africa and a cruise ship terminal that can accommodate two cruise ships simultaneously.

Dubai has also announced plans to build a new attraction, the Dubai Eye, which will be even taller than Ain Dubai, standing at 210 meters. The Dubai Eye is expected to open in 2025 and will feature 48 capsules that can hold up to 1,400 visitors.

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