Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel, is more than halfway complete

With a height of over 210 meters tall, Ain Dubai will be 75 meters taller than the iconic London Eye on the south bank of the River Thames in London. (Courtesy Meraas)
Updated 13 July 2017
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Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel, is more than halfway complete

DUBAI: Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel, is fast taking shape with five of the eight 107-meter sections of the wheel’s rim now installed, according to its developer Meraas said.
With a height of over 210 meters tall, Ain Dubai will tower over the 167-meter High Roller observation wheel in Las Vegas and the 190-meter New York Wheel planned for Staten Island, in New York City when its construction is finished.
Ain Dubai will also be 75 meters taller than the iconic London Eye on the south bank of the River Thames in London.
Omar Delawar, chief projects officer at Meraas, said: “The assembly of the rim at Bluewaters is one of the most exciting phases in the construction of Ain Dubai, as it marks the arrival of the centerpiece of the island.”
“With the first five sections of the wheel rim already connected to the hub, two winch devices have been fitted to rotate the wheel in a way that will allow Ain Dubai to receive the sixth, and subsequent sections of the wheel rim. Each rim section weighs roughly the same as two Airbus A380 aircraft and must be rested on five temporary support structures connected to the hub, as well as two 115-meter spokes.”
The hub and spindle at the wheel were set in place last year and the final structure will include around 9,000 tons of steel, almost 25 percent more than the amount of iron used to construct the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Meraas said in a statement.

Once finished, Ain Dubai is expected to be one of the emirate’s sought-after tourist destinations, offering visitors a 360-degree view of the city and its coastline.
Ain Dubai – or Eye Dubai in Arabic – will have 48 capsules capable of accommodating 40 passengers, with each of the 30-square-meter capsules having the capability to be converted into fine-dining venues for up to a dozen guests.
Six premium capsules will also offer an upscale service with a licensed bar, Meraas said.


Tourism Minister opens Radisson Hotel Madinah

Updated 24 February 2026
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Tourism Minister opens Radisson Hotel Madinah

Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Tourism Development Fund Ahmed Al-Khateeb recently inaugurated the Radisson Hotel Madinah. The hotel has been enabled by the TDF, a Saudi government fund dedicated to supporting and developing the Saudi tourism sector. The opening of the new property falls within ongoing efforts to enhance the hospitality infrastructure in Madinah and increase its readiness to receive visitors, thereby improving the quality of tourism services in line with the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
The minister stated that the opening of Radisson Hotel Madinah reflects TDF’s commitment to high-quality and diversified projects that meet visitors’ needs. He said: “Saudi Arabia continues to advance the development of the hospitality sector across different regions to ensure the provision of exceptional accommodation experiences that enhance the visitor journey and support the sustainable growth of tourism, particularly in cities of religious and historical significance such as Madinah.”
TDF CEO Qusai Al-Fakhri said that the fund continues to perform its role as the national enabler of the tourism sector by supporting projects that generate tangible economic and developmental impact. He explained that the hotel’s opening represents a model of TDF’s role in diversified tourism investments and support for the private sector’s hotel projects, which increase accommodation capacity, create job opportunities, and enhance quality of life in Madinah.
The four-star Radisson Hotel Madinah spans an area exceeding 2,300 square meters and comprises 165 rooms. It is located next to Quba Mosque, 12 minutes by car from the Prophet’s Mosque, and 20 minutes from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, making it a convenient choice for city visitors and pilgrims. The hotel includes a restaurant serving guests and visitors, dedicated meeting and event spaces, and sports facilities. 
The hotel contributes to stimulating the local economic activity and supporting the tourism and hospitality ecosystem, enhancing Madinah’s readiness to receive increasing numbers of visitors and pilgrims in the coming years.
This project is part of the TDF’s portfolio of tourism projects in various regions of the Kingdom. The TDF has contributed to more than 130 tourism projects in Madinah, with total contributions exceeding SR1.5 billion ($400 million) and accommodation capacity surpassing 2,100 hotel rooms, reaffirming its role in advancing tourism investment, sustainable development objectives, and the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy, in line with the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.