Dubai Eye, the world's largest Ferris wheel, has stopped mysteriously

Just two years ago, Dubai's awe-inspiring skyline celebrated the grand arrival of Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye), a colossal ferris wheel that proudly claimed the title of the world's largest.

Tourists flocked to this glamorous landmark nestled in the heart of the United Arab Emirates' glitzy hub, surrounded by iconic skyscrapers, including the world's tallest building.

With much excitement, the wheel spun into action, capturing hearts and firing imaginations. However, in a baffling turn of events, just a few months after its grand opening, the spinning spectacle of Ain Dubai mysteriously came to a halt.

The authorities' silence on the matter has given rise to speculation, leading Patrick Clawson, research director at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, to suggest that the issue might be more intricate than it appears.

While UAE authorities usually swiftly provide information when a solution is at hand, it appears that the Dubai Eye has left them stumped.

"We are diligently working to complete the enhancement works that have been underway for the past several months," reported AFP. 

Endless postponement: The one-month pause that never ended

Initially, the grand wheel was scheduled for a mere month-long break, but unfortunately, its highly anticipated reopening remains indefinitely delayed.

The visionary minds behind this daring project, inaugurated back in 2021, have surprisingly fallen silent, leaving all inquiries unanswered.

Around the eateries, boutiques, and cafes thoughtfully constructed around the attraction, an air of skepticism hangs among employees.

The meticulously crafted structure, built over a span of six years, has left them uncertain whether it will ever grace the skies with its mesmerizing spin once more.

An aura of uncertainty pervades the situation, prompting individuals to request anonymity due to potential repercussions, as reported by AFP.

Sluggish Dubai Eye

The Dubai Eye, a magnificent creation by an international consortium, proudly stands on Bluewaters, an artificial island brimming with retail, residences, and entertainment.

The main entrance to the attraction has remained closed for over a year, and the ticket booths stand vacant. Only a handful of tourists visit, capturing photographs of the captivating LED lights adorning the exterior.

"Ain Dubai is currently closed until further notice," states the official website of the attraction.

Marwan Mohammad, an Egyptian tourist, queried a security guard about the wheel's inactivity. Regrettably, the guard was unable to provide an answer, leaving the 33-year-old business consultant perplexed.

Impressive features

The Dubai Eye reaches an astounding height of 250 meters (825 feet), with each leg measuring the length of 15 London buses.

• Towering nearly twice the height of the London Eye, it proudly claims the distinction of being the world's largest ferris wheel.

• With 48 air-conditioned passenger cabins, this colossal marvel comfortably accommodates around 1,750 passengers in a single exhilarating ride.
• Ticket prices range from 100 dirhams (approximately INR 2.2k) to 4,700 dirhams (around INR 1 lakh), offering luxurious passes and private cabins.

Mohammad, who enjoyed the 38-minute ride before its closure, marveled at the breathtaking view from above but also noted that the experience moved "a bit too slowly."

Unraveling the wheel of wonder

Dubai's mammoth ferris wheel has become the subject of widespread speculation due to its perplexing technical issues.

Employees at Bluewaters, the island proudly hosting the wheel, are cloaked in secrecy and choose to remain anonymous, fearing potential consequences.

Rumors among the staff abound, but one daring waiter at a nearby restaurant spilled the beans: "This is a man-made island. I heard that the wheel is heavier than the island itself, which makes it very precarious."

He also mentioned how the wheel made noises during its brief operation, causing quite a commotion that didn't bode well.

Yet, all is quiet now, as the wheel seems to have become a mere ornament, with its dazzling lights stealing the limelight.

Amidst renowned landmarks such as the Dubai Frame monument and the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, this colossal wheel captures the attention of visitors from across the globe.