Ain Dubai, the biggest observation wheel in the world, often referred to as the ‘Dubai Eye’ is closed for the next six weeks.
The 250m structure, twice the size of the London Eye, will close from today, March 14, and will be closed for all of Ramadan before finally opening for Eid al Fitr.
The reopen is “scheduled for the Eid Al Fitr holiday weekend,” the Ain Dubai website states.
Why is it closed? It’s going under some minor construction to improve.
“Over the coming weeks and as part of our commitment to continuously develop the unrivaled guest experience, we will work closely with our customer team and key partners to introduce new and exciting offerings bound to wow visitors,” says a statement on the website.
Ain Dubai, located next to Madam Tussauds on Bluewaters Island, opened in October 21 to much fanfare.
Ain Dubai offers 360 degree views of Dubai from every direction with 48 luxury cabins, with each able to carry up to 40 guests. Each rotation takes 38 minutes around.
Ain Dubai was originally set to launch in 2020 before Expo. However, because of the pandemic, things were postponed.
Ain Dubai is usually open daily from 2 pm to 10 pm. Visitors must arrive an hour before their time to prepare for the ride.
The cabins have three categories for a different experience. Firstly, the Observation Cabins have riders come and take a good look at the city. Secondly, the Social Cabins have family-friendly and 21+ options where riders socialize and enjoy Dubai’s view. Lastly, Private Cabins are ideal for the ultimate experience, with a range of package options.
Madame Tussauds next to Ain Dubai
Madame Tussauds, the world’s most famous wax museum, is coming to Dubai later this year.
The attraction is set to open its doors in Bluewaters, including 60 global stars and 16 new wax figures exclusive to the Middle East.
It will be located next to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, and will be 21,628 sq ft across two floors.
Madame Tussauds first opened its doors in 1835 in London. Each figure at Madame Tussauds is created using the same techniques as Marie Tussaud herself, creating a single life like figure that takes 20 skilled artists around 12 weeks in total to make. During that time they document 500 precise body measurements, insert real hair strand by strand, apply countless layers of paints to build up the skin tones, and more.
Each piece can cost up to AED 700,000 (GBP 150,000) each depending on the detail required.
Madam Tussauds Dubai will be broken into seven themed rooms: Leaders, Fashion, Film & Media, Bollywood, Sports & Music Party.
Here’s the full list of celebrities set for Madame Tussaud’s Dubai.
If you can’t wait, might we suggest watching House of Wax starring Vincent Price? An absolute classic. No, not the Paris Hilton one. Actually no, wait, watch that one too.
In addition, the zones will include unique attributes that are built for photo opportunities, including:
· Leaders: Speech podium, tea with the Queen, Air Force One presidential photo op and more
· Fashion: Jewellery Swings, Catwalk and many more
· Film & Media: Directors chair, ride pillion with Tom Cruise, Dojo Jung fu and many more
· Bollywood: Dance interactive, dress up props, ride a rickshaw with Salman Khan and many more
· Sports: Penalty Shoot interactive, winners podium, Boxing reaction and many more
· Music Party: Projected interactive dance floor
Find more Ain Dubai here.