The largest and tallest observation wheel in the world is now 50 percent complete.
Meraas confirmed the successful installation of fifth of eight 107m sections of its wheel rim at Ain Dubai.
The wheel rim is one of the most striking features of Ain Dubai, which is now clearly visible at Bluewaters, the spot where the landmark is being assembled.
On completion, Ain Dubai would grow to be an iconic destination, offering visitors the stunning 360-degree views of the city, and its spectacular coastline.
The group Chairman at Meraas, Abdulla Al Habbai mentioned that Ain Dubai reflects our ambition to create new destinations that contribute to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the vision of a city where people are encouraged to create, explore and enjoy.
Al Habbai said that the destination is designed to bring people together from across the world, and enhance Dubai’s reputation as a leading choice for business and leisure travellers. It also represents the pioneering and innovative nature of a city that has pushed the boundaries of modern engineering.
Ain Dubai, being more than 210m tall, will eclipse the 167m High Roller in Las Vegas, and 190m New York Wheel planned for Staten Island.
The hub and spindle at Ain Dubai were installed in 2016. The final structure would include about 9000 tonnes of steel, nearly 25 percent more than the amount of iron used to construct the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The Chief Projects Officer at Meraas, Omar Delawar, said that the assembly of the rim at Bluewaters is one of the most exciting phases in the construction of Ain Dubai, as it marks the arrival of the centre piece of the island and is another addition to Dubai’s impressive skyline.
With the first five sections of the wheel rim already connected to the hub, two winch devices have been fitted to rotate the wheel so that Ain Dubai can receive the sixth and subsequent sections of the wheel rim, Delawar said.
