There are two records for the largest ferris wheel on the Guinness Book of World Records: one goes to the Las Vegas High Roller for being the largest observation Ferris wheel at 167.5 m tall; and the Star of Puebla by Bussink Design GmbH in cooperation with the Puebla State Government as the largest transportable observation Ferris wheel at 69.8 meters high.
But soon one of these two records, or maybe both, will be taken by the newest ferris wheel in Dubai.
Photo via Dubai Media
Called the Ain Dubai, previously Dubai-I, the ferris wheel is a 210-meter tall rotating structure situated in the Bluewater site. It was designed to accommodate 1,400 passengers in 48 self-contained capsules, which is also the highest capacity for single ferris wheel. In contrast, the London Eye can only carry around 800 people.
Managed by Dubai-based holding company Meeras, the project features double-glazed pods measuring 100-square-feet that will serve as the platform in overlooking the Dubai skyline. These Hyundai-made pods, which have a sleek design, are air-conditioned to combat the heat that perpetuates the area.
The entire structure will be made of steel. Its engineers estimate that the construction will use a total of 9,000 tonnes upon completion – that is equivalent to eight Airbus A380s.
Photo via Dubai Media
Because the hub and spindle of the observation wheel are too big, they had to be shipped to the location from the UAE where they were manufactured. When assembled they are approximately 40 meters long and 20 meters high.
The company said that the hub is connected to the rim through 192 spoke cables, with the structure then resembling a gigantic bicycle wheel.
Omar Delawar, chief projects officer at Meraas, said, “Once completed, Ain Dubai will emerge as an engineering masterpiece and a spectacular attraction, adding a unique experience and vantage point to the list of things to do in Dubai.
“Ferris wheels and observation wheels offer the gentle thrill of being conveyed up in the air and have fascinated people for several hundred years,” he added.
Ain Dubai started construction in 2014 and was set to be completed in 2015. But since schedules were moved, the team behind this project said that it will be ready by 2018.
Photo via Dubai Media
For that, the face of this engineering marvel is already taking shape off the Jumeirah Beach Resident coastline. The 360-degree attraction is sure to draw tourists who would like to check how progressive Dubai has become as a city.
Sources: Mirror UK | Emirates 247
