The world’s largest Ferris wheel Al Ain Dubai is about to open in Dubai

The Ferris wheel was once the center of the city fair. They are now a key part of the skyline of major metropolises.

But no one can surpass the height of Al Ain Dubai — It means “Dubai Eye” in Arabic — It is scheduled to open on October 21st.With a height of 820 feet, it will be the tallest observation wheel in the world, 270 feet taller High Roller Ferris Wheel in Las Vegas, Which will drop to second place.

This attraction is the core of Blue Water Island, which is an artificial island near Dubai Marina and opened in 2018.

“The record-breaking Al Ain Dubai surpassed the 165-meter Singapore Flyer, almost twice the size of the London Eye,” said Ronald Drake, the attraction’s general manager.

The structure has 48 enclosed cabins, some of which can accommodate up to 40 passengers. According to the attractions, a total of 1,750 people can ride at the same time, but due to the global pandemic, the current capacity is limited. Drake said that as of now, each cabin can accommodate up to 10 people.

According to Al Ain Dubai, each cabin is larger than two double-decker buses tied side by side. Three types of cabins are provided: “observation” cabins for basic rides, “social experience” including lounges and drinks, and “private” cabins, which can be customized for dinners, business meetings and other events.

Each ride lasts for 38 minutes, with a bird’s eye view of Dubai’s coast and city skyline.

The first “Ferris Wheel” was launched for the Chicago World Columbian Exposition in 1893. Smithsonian MagazineAccording to the magazine, the wheel is 250 feet high and was designed by the 33-year-old American civil engineer George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. whose goal is to create a model that can be compared to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Comparable structure.

Since then, the size of the Ferris wheel has more than tripled. Now, the term “observation wheel” is used to distinguish larger and more complex Ferris wheels. According to the Observation Wheel catalog, the site calls itself “the world’s largest Ferris wheel guide.”

The opening of Ain Dubai continues Dubai’s efforts to position itself as a global tourist destination.

Usman Khalid, Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of the United Arab Emirates, said: “The focus on tourism has always been one of the UAE and Dubai’s main diversification strategies.” “The oil volatility caused by Covid-19 clearly shows that the UAE needs to diversify from oil. And strengthen its other departments.”

Unlike other parts of the UAE, Dubai does not produce much oil. Nowadays, Less than 1% of Dubai’s GDP According to the World Economic Forum, it comes from oil. In 2018, Tourism accounts for 11.5% of the emirate’s GDP, According to the World Trade and Tourism Council.

The emirate has also positioned itself as an adventurous tourism destination, offering new attractions for thrill seekers. In July 2021, it launched 200 feet Diving in Dubai — The deepest diving pool in the world. In recent years, Dubai has also ushered in the world’s longest urban zipline—— X-ray, with Emirates A380 flight simulator In the Dubai Mall.

Khalid said that in addition to adventure and luxury tourism, Dubai is also vigorously developing cultural tourism.It is hosting the upcoming Expo 2020 Dubai, Will showcase art, cuisine and technology from more than 190 countries. The event starts on October 1st and ends on March 31st.