Is the Dubai Eye Finished?

By Michael Ferguson

Dubai is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Mall. One of the most highly anticipated projects in recent years has been the Dubai Eye, also known as Ain Dubai.

It is a massive observation wheel that was set to become the biggest in the world upon its completion. However, there has been some confusion about whether or not the Dubai Eye is finished. Let’s dive into the details.

Background

The Dubai Eye project was first announced in 2013 as part of a development plan for Bluewaters Island, a man-made island off the coast of Dubai. The observation wheel was designed to stand at a height of 210 meters (688 ft), surpassing the current record holder, the High Roller in Las Vegas.

Construction

Construction on the Dubai Eye began in 2015 and was scheduled to be completed in 2018. However, due to various delays and setbacks, it has yet to open to the public.

Setbacks

One major setback occurred in 2016 when one of the legs supporting the structure collapsed during a storm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but it caused significant damage and delayed construction even further.

Another setback came from financial issues faced by developer Meraas Holding, which caused them to halt construction temporarily. The company has since resolved their financial troubles and resumed work on Ain Dubai.

Current Status

As of now, all major components of Ain Dubai have been installed, including its giant rim and hub that holds it together. However, there are still some finishing touches that need to be completed before it can open to visitors.

In August 2020, Meraas Holding announced that Ain Dubai would be ready for visitors by late 2020 or early 2021. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the opening has been delayed once again.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Dubai Eye is technically not yet finished, all major components have been installed and it is only a matter of time before it opens to the public. Visitors can look forward to experiencing breathtaking views of Dubai from the world’s largest observation wheel once it is finally complete.

  • Key Takeaways:
    • The Dubai Eye is an observation wheel located on Bluewaters Island in Dubai.
    • Construction began in 2015 with an expected completion date of 2018.
    • Setbacks such as a leg collapse and financial issues caused delays.
    • All major components are now installed, but finishing touches are still needed before opening to visitors.
    • The Dubai Eye is set to become the world’s largest observation wheel upon its completion.