First leg of Dubai Eye big wheel lifted into place
Contractor ALEC says leg sections of what is set to be world’s biggest Ferris wheel are expected to be completed by end of June
The first leg of the Dubai Eye, set to be the world’s tallest Ferris wheel, has been secured into place, the contractor has confirmed.
It marks a significant milestone for the landmark Bluewaters Island tourism project by Meraas Holding, a $1.63 billion development located off the coast near Jumeirah Beach Residence.
IN PICTURES: Dubai Eye Ferris wheel under construction
READ MORE: Futuristic bridge to Dubai’s Bluewaters Island gets green light
READ MORE: Dubai ruler approves $1.6bn ‘Bluewaters’ project
Set to be the tallest Ferris wheel in the world at 210 metres, the Dubai Eye will easily surpass the current record holder, the 167.6-metre High Roller, a Las Vegas Strip-based attraction that opened in March 2014.
Rudi Liebenberg, senior project manager at contractor ALEC, exclusively told Big Project ME that the rest of the leg sections are set to be lifted into place.
“It is a great milestone for the first leg section of the Dubai Eye to be lifted and secured in place. Weather permitting, the rest of the leg sections are anticipated to be erected before the end of June,” Liebenberg said.
“It is exciting to see pieces of the Dubai Eye coming together as it demonstrates how iconic the overall Bluewaters project will be to the future landscape of Dubai.”
The Dubai Eye will be the centrepiece of Meraas’ Bluewaters project, which will also include retail, hospitality and entertainment zones. Construction of the development began in 2013 and is expected to be complete in 2018.
The Ferris wheel will offer panoramic views of Dubai’s coastline and skyline, with landmarks such as the Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah likely to be visible from its viewing pods.
IN PICTURES: Dubai Eye Ferris wheel under construction
READ MORE: Futuristic bridge to Dubai’s Bluewaters Island gets green light
READ MORE: Dubai ruler approves $1.6bn ‘Bluewaters’ project
