Dubai has long cemented its reputation as a city that does not just build attractions, but raises the bar of world records every time. The tallest building, the largest shopping malls, futuristic islands—all of this has long been part of the city’s DNA. Ain Dubai also naturally joined this lineup—the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, located on Bluewaters Island. Its appearance became not just a new form of entertainment, but an architectural and engineering statement that strengthened Dubai’s status as the capital of megaprojects.
What is Ain Dubai and why the whole world is talking about it
Ain Dubai, whose name translates as “The Eye of Dubai,” officially opened to the public on October 21, 2021. At a height of 250 m, it immediately surpassed all existing Ferris wheels, including the High Roller in Las Vegas at 168 m, the Singapore Flyer at 165 m, China’s Star of Nanchang at 160 m, and the famous London Eye, which reaches 135 m. At the time of its opening, Ain Dubai became the absolute world record holder and still holds this title.
One full rotation of the wheel lasts about 48 minutes, during which visitors get a 360-degree panoramic view of Dubai. From the spacious capsules, views open up of Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and the endless waters of the Persian Gulf. Each capsule is equipped with LED screens that, in real time, indicate which iconic landmarks are visible outside the window, turning the ride into an interactive journey through the city.
An engineering marvel and the scale of construction
Ain Dubai is not only a tourist attraction, but also an outstanding example of modern engineering. Its construction used 9,000 tons of steel, which is 25% more than was used to build the Eiffel Tower. Each spoke of the wheel is comparable in length to a professional football field, and if you line up all the cables inside a single spoke, their total length would exceed 2.4 km—the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
The project was developed by Dubai Holding, and the wheel’s capsules were manufactured by the Swiss company Swiss Rides. The main contractor was Hyundai, which underscores the international scale of the project and the level of technology involved in the construction.
The visitor experience: more than just a Ferris wheel
Ain Dubai is conceived as a multi-layer entertainment experience. In addition to classic sightseeing rides, premium formats are offered with access to lounges, bars, and private cabins. Visitors can choose a sunset ride, when the city is painted in golden tones, or a night session, during which Dubai’s skyscrapers turn into a sparkling sea of lights. Thanks to air conditioning and thoughtful capsule design, comfort is maintained even in the hottest months.
Private cabins are designed for groups of up to 10 people and are used for celebrations, weddings, business meetings, and corporate events. Ain Dubai has also become a venue for large-scale events, concerts, and presentations, and the entire complex infrastructure can accommodate up to 10,000 guests at the same time.
Why Ain Dubai closed and when it reopened
Despite its high-profile launch, the Ferris wheel was temporarily closed to the public already in 2022. Officially, the reason given was technical improvements and additional safety checks. The closure sparked many rumors and discussions, however Dubai authorities emphasized that this was not about structural problems, but about refining the operating systems of such a unique facility.
After a long break, Ain Dubai reopened to visitors at the end of 2024, returning to the city’s tourist life with updated programs and improved service. The reopening became an important event for the emirate’s tourism industry and confirmed Dubai’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.
Tickets, cabin categories, and prices in 2026
Visiting Ain Dubai is available in several formats—from a standard sightseeing ride to private and VIP packages, where you can enjoy breathtaking city views while comfortably settled with drinks and snacks.
The most affordable way to see Dubai from above is a standard ride in an observation cabin. On average, the ride lasts about 38 minutes, and during this time you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city, including Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and the Persian Gulf coastline. Prices for standard tickets start at around 145 dirhams (AED) for adults and 115–150 AED for children aged 3 to 12. Children under 3 usually enter free. There are also family tickets that provide access for two adults and two children for about 415–560 AED, with additional snacks or photos. These tickets allow you to move around inside the cabin, take photos, enjoy the views, and the overall Ferris wheel experience. This is a great option for a family outing or a romantic sunset ride.
If you want additional privileges, it is worth considering Views Plus or Premium tickets. Such tickets are usually more expensive, but offer advantages that make the experience even more enjoyable. The Views Plus option starts at 195 AED for adults and includes fast-track boarding, snacks, soft drinks, and several digital souvenir photos. This is a good balance of price and enjoyment if you want to experience the Ferris wheel more “comfortably.” Premium tickets start at about 265 AED for adults and include access to the VIP waiting area (Seaview Lounge), two drinks of your choice, priority boarding, and additional opportunities to relax before the ride. Some packages even include cocktails and light snacks.
For those who want the most exclusive experience, VIP and Private packages are available. This is an ideal choice for celebrating a birthday, anniversary, corporate event, or even a romantic date. A basic VIP package for up to 6 people starts at around 1,260 AED, and more extensive VIP packages for groups of up to 10 people start at 2,800 AED. Such offers usually include: a private cabin, access to the VIP area, drinks (including sparkling), personalized photos, and services.
The most luxurious offers, such as VIP Plus with an F&B credit of up to 800 AED, can cost from 2,800 AED to more than 6,000 AED depending on the number of guests and additional services. This is an ideal choice for large celebrations or corporate parties, since a cabin can contain up to 10–15 people at the same time.
It is important to remember that prices for visiting Ain Dubai may vary depending on the season, time of day (peak hours are often more expensive), and current promotions. On weekdays and during off-peak hours, lower rates are available, while during holiday periods and evening sunset sessions, tickets traditionally cost more.
Ain Dubai today and its significance for Dubai
Today Ain Dubai once again occupies a central place among the emirate’s attractions. It has become not only a popular spot for tourists, but also a symbol of the resilience of Dubai’s megaprojects, which continue to develop even after temporary pauses. The Ferris wheel has enhanced the attractiveness of the Bluewaters Island area, where the Madame Tussauds museum, world-class restaurants, and beach clubs are also located.
For Dubai, Ain Dubai is more than an attraction. It is a vivid confirmation of the city’s philosophy, where scale, ambition, and innovation always go hand in hand. Visiting the world’s tallest Ferris wheel remains one of the most memorable impressions for guests of the emirate and a must-see item for those who want to see Dubai from a height of 250 m and understand why this city continues to amaze the whole world.
