Dubai is home to the world’s largest and tallest Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai, which officially opened on October 21, 2021. Ain Dubai features 48 luxurious cabins, each comparable in size to two double-decker buses and capable of accommodating up to 40 passengers per cabin. This landmark project is the newest addition to Dubai Holding’s diverse entertainment portfolio, further enhancing Dubai’s reputation as a global destination for tourism and lifestyle.
How was such a magnificent structure built?
Ain Dubai is located at the heart of the Bluewaters Island lifestyle destination, offering visitors a unique experience with 360-degree views of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. The construction of the Ferris wheel relied heavily on the use of lifting equipment. Given the structure’s immense size, the construction required exceptional precision and safety. Tower cranes, crawler cranes, and mobile cranes provided indispensable support throughout the construction process, from material transport to precise installation.
As an observation wheel with a rotating structure, it was crucial to consider the stress changes caused by rotation (the resistance of the structure to external forces) and potential fatigue. The hub and main shaft, which connect to the drive system that operates and controls the observation wheel, must withstand a load of 3,500 tons.
The hub and shaft themselves weigh 1,805 tons, equivalent to four large A380 airplanes, requiring two 3,000-ton giant cranes. This was an incredibly complex process, involving hoisting the cranes to a height of 130 meters, and then precisely aligning and welding the hub and main shaft to the support legs. Temporary guide frames were installed on-site for precise construction, utilizing various tools to push and pull repeatedly.
Lifting equipment was primarily used in Ain Dubai’s construction for transporting and hoisting components. The Ferris wheel required numerous heavy and large steel structural components. The tower crane, composed of a foundation, mast, jib, counter jib, slewing mechanism, electric winch, crane cabin, counterweights, and hoisting system, played a crucial role. The foundation provides stability, the mast determines height, the jib lifts materials, the counter jib and counterweights balance the structure, the slewing mechanism allows rotation, the winch lifts and lowers loads, and the crane cabin is where the crane is controlled.
The hoisting system moves and lifts heavy loads. Due to their height and wide coverage, tower cranes are typically used for lifting large structural components such as the central shaft and support arms. In tower cranes, wire rope sheaves play a key role in changing the direction of the wire rope and supporting its operation. They help reduce wear and friction on the wire rope by rotating the sheave, ensuring smooth operation and efficient lifting of heavy loads. The design of the sheaves also helps distribute the load on the wire rope, enhancing the efficiency and safety of lifting operations.
Crawler cranes, with their high load capacity and excellent mobility, were used for hoisting and positioning major structural components, adapting to the complex terrain conditions of the construction site. The Ferris wheel’s rim structure consists of multiple curved segments that need to be precisely joined in mid-air. The lifting equipment must have sufficient load-bearing capacity and precise control to ensure seamless connections between components.
Moreover, installing the central shaft of the Ferris wheel relied on high-precision crane operations, typically requiring multiple cranes working in coordination to ensure the structure’s vertical alignment and stability. During construction, lifting equipment was also used for safety inspections and maintenance tasks, elevating workers to high altitudes in baskets for welding inspections, bolt tightening, and anti-corrosion coatings, ensuring every detail meets safety standards.
Ain Dubai: Dubai’s New Landmark Built Through Global Collaboration
The construction of Ain Dubai took 9 million man-hours and used 11,200 tons of steel, 33% more than the amount used in the Eiffel Tower. This engineering marvel was the result of collaboration among over 10 countries, showcasing the power of global cooperation.
With the opening of Ain Dubai, Dubai’s skyline has gained a new landmark, further solidifying its position as a global hub for tourism and entertainment. This project joins Dubai Holding’s extensive entertainment portfolio, including Dubai Parks and Resorts, Global Village, Coca-Cola Arena, Roxy Cinemas, and leading water parks.
Bluewaters Island, a comprehensive lifestyle destination featuring hotels, lifestyle and residential options, and leisure, and entertainment facilities, provides a rich urban and island living experience. Ain Dubai adds a new brilliance to the city of Dubai. With continued advancements and technological innovations, future Ferris wheel constructions will be more efficient and safer, adding more spectacular landmarks to skylines worldwide.
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