Dubai: The world’s largest Ferris wheel has officially been given a name: Ain Dubai.
Ain, which means ‘eye’ in Arabic, was aptly given to the project as it intends to provide visitors with a bird’s eye view of Dubai’s splendid skyline.
Photographs of the project’s construction has revealed just how much construction work is taking place on Bluewaters Island, located off the coast near Jumeirah Beach Residence.
The hub and spindle of the observation wheel were manufactured and assembled in the UAE, and shipped to Bluewaters Island since it could not be transported on-land.
Omar Delawar, Chief Projects Officer at Meraas, said: "Once completed, Ain Dubai will emerge as an engineering masterpiece, the first of its kind in the industry, and a truly spectacular must-visit attraction, adding a unique experience and vantage point to the list of things to do in Dubai.”
Two of the world's largest cranes – each comprising a 180 metre-long boom and boasting a lifting capacity of over 3,000 tonnes each – have soared over the construction site, setting the hub and spindle in place on top of the 126 metre-high legs.
In a statement issued by Meeras, the property developer has disclosed that the assembled hub and spindle is approximately 40 metres long and 20 metres high, weighing a massive 1,805 tonnes - which is equivalent to four A380 aircrafts.
Although the company could not confirm a set deadline for the project, previous reports said the Ferris wheel is expected to be completed by late 2017.
The spindle, with a diameter of 6.25 metres, was made of steel, similar to that used for nuclear plants, and was rolled and welded to serve its vital future purpose.
Three special machines imported from Singapore undertook the fine-tuning work to produce circularity to meet incredible fine tolerances.
Delivered with fully-fitted internal and external platforms, cooling pipework, cable trays and access ladders, the hub will later be connected to the rim via 192 spoke cables, with the structure then resembling a gigantic bicycle wheel.
“Ferris wheels and observation wheels offer the gentle thrill of being conveyed up in the air and have fascinated people for several hundred years,” said Delawar.
“Our iconic attraction heralds a new era in the world of entertainment and will introduce the unforgettable option of viewing Dubai from the skies."
