MbS made the remarks at an annual speech to the advisory Shura Council, which he gave on behalf of his father, King Salman
Previously known as 'Dubai-I', the observation wheel is set to become the largest and highest in the world. Once completed, Ain Dubai will tower high above Dubai's coastline, with its dimensions far exceeding any similar existing structure. The observation wheel will open up never-seen-before 360-degree views of Dubai.
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. The spindle with a diameter of 6.25 metres is made of steel, similar to that used for nuclear plants, and is rolled and welded to serve its future purpose. Three special machines imported from Singapore undertook the fine-tuning work to produce circularity.
The assembled hub and spindle is approximately 40 metres long and 20 metres high and weighs 1,805 tonnes - equivalent to four A380 aircrafts.
The hub will later be connected to the rim via 192 spoke cables, with the structure then resembling a gigantic bicycle wheel.
Two of the world's largest cranes have soared over the construction site on Bluewaters Island setting the hub and spindle in place on top of the 126-metre-high legs.
The process of welding the spindle A-frames to the four legs will take approximately four weeks, and the cranes will continue holding the weight of the unit for the first two weeks of this operation.
Omar Delawar, chief projects officer at Meraas, said: "Once completed, Ain Dubai will emerge as an engineering masterpiece and a spectacular attraction, adding a unique experience and vantage point to the list of things to do in Dubai. Ferris wheels and observation wheels offer the gentle thrill of being conveyed up in the air and have fascinated people for several hundred years. Our iconic attraction heralds a new era in the world of entertainment and will introduce the unforgettable option of viewing Dubai from the skies."
He added: "We are proud to have conceptualised this engineering feat, and are thrilled to see it taking shape - one step at a time. Due to the magnitude of the project, the construction process is replete with superlatives, for its engineering standards, quality assurance and safety procedures."
The architecture and design of Ain Dubai have been supervised by independent third-party engineers.
Ain Dubai is set to become the main attraction of Bluewaters Island, which will also feature entertainment, retail, residential and hospitality offerings.
- business@khaleejtimes.com
MbS made the remarks at an annual speech to the advisory Shura Council, which he gave on behalf of his father, King Salman
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